THE  UNIVERSITY 


OF  ILLINOIS 


LIBRARY 


ACCESSION 


SHELF  NO. 


U.  of  M.  UuplicaCD 


LIBRARY  OF 


fOMNIBUSfaj  ARTIBUs 


ACCESSION 


3>/& 


U.  of  M.  Duplicate 


THE 

Cottage  Physician 

FOR  INDIVIDUAL  AND  FAMILY  USE. 


Prevention,  Symptoms  and  Treatment. 

BEST  KNOWN  METHODS 

IN  ALL 

Diseases,  Accidents Emergencies  oiik  Home, 

PREPARED  BY 

The  Best  Physicians  and  Surgeons  of  Modern  Practice. 

ALLOPATHY,  •••  HOMCEOPATHY, 

ETC.,  ETC. 


WITH  INTRODUCTION  BY 

GEORGE  W.  POST,  A.M.,  M.D., 

Adjunct 

Professor  of  thie  Practice  of  Nledicine 

IN  THE 

College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons,  Chicago. 


Complete  fiapd  Boo^  of  (I\edieal  l^pou/led^e  for  tl?e  pome. 


NEARLY  200  ILLUSTRATIONS. 


1806 

King-t^ieha^dson  Publishing  Co. 

Springfield,  Mass. 

Cincinnati.  Des  Moines.  Dallas.  Sacramento. 


Copyright,  1895,  by 
KING,  RICHARDSON  & CO., 
Springfield,  Mass. 


All  Rights  Reserved.- 


2_  6 


PR  EFACE. 


V 


The  object  of  The  Cottage  Physician  is  fourfold:  1,  to 

prevent  sickness ; 2,  to  promote  health  ; 3,  to  diminish  human 
suffering ; 4,  to  lessen  the  expense  of  maintaining  the  blessing 
of  health  in  the  home. 

Every  individual  has  a right  to  know  all  about  himself, 
which  is  now  made  possible  through  the  wonderful  advancement 
and  recent  discoveries  in  medical  science. 

Of  all  departments  of  knowledge,  none  is  of  greater  impor- 
tance than  that  which  relates  to  the  preservation  of  human  life 
and  the  alleviation  of  pain  and  suffering. 

It  is  admitted  by  all,  that  preventive  medicine  is  far  better 
than  curative  medicine. 

Technical  names  and  medical  phrases  have  been  studiously 
avoided  or  carefully  interpreted,  and  the  entire  work  stripped 
of  that  cloud  of  mystery  which  characterizes  other  books  of  simi- 
lar nature. 

This  volume  will  be  found  so  broad  in  its  scope  of  infor- 
mation, so  simple  in  language,  so  clear  in  expression,  and  so 
comprehensive  that  even  those  of  very  limited  knowledge  will 
find  it  a never-failing  guide  in  promoting  health,  curing  disease, 
and  in  the  emergencies  of  the  home. 


The  object  of  the  work  is  in  no  sense  intended  to  detract 
from  the  dignity  of  the  profession  nor  to  take  the  physician’s 
place,  but,  if  properly  used,  will  render  his  work  more  success- 
ful, thus  his  visits  less  frequent,  and  health  more  abundant. 


THE  AUTHORS. 


598555 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 

Chapter  1.  page. 

Physiology  for  the  Home, 9 

Chapter  2. 

How  to  Maintain  Good  Health,  74 

Chapter  3. 

Detecting  Approaching  Disease, 87 

Chapter  4. 

Diseases.  Remedies  and  Treatment, 95 

Chapter  5. 

Womanhood,  Motherhood.  Counsel  and  Treatment,  ...  267 

Chapter  6. 

Children,  Care,  Diseases  and  Treatment, 296 

Chapter  7. 

Contagious  Diseases  of  Children, 320 

Chapter  8. 

Care  and  Preservation  of  the  Teeth, 351 

Chapter  9. 

How  to  Disguise  Unpleasant  Taste  of  Medicine, 354 

Chapter  10. 

Homoeopathic  Remedies  and  Treatment, 358 

Chapter  11. 

Key  to  Homoeopathic  Prescriptions, 393 

Chapter  12. 

Properties  and  Action  of  Homoeopathic  Remedies,  ....  395 

Chapter  13. 

Medicinal  Plants.  When  to  Gather,  How  to  Use,  ....  402 

4 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


5 


Chapter  14.  page. 

Botanical  Treatment.  Home  Made  Remedies, 432 

Chapter  15. 

Favorite  Family  Prescriptions, 447 

Chapter  16. 

Accidents  and  Injuries.  Domestic  Surgery, . 452 

Chapter  17. 


Physical  Culture  and  its  Power  over  Disease ,504 

Chapter  18. 

Hydropathic  Treatment.  Water  a Healing  Remedy,  ...  505 

Chapter  19. 


Electricity.  Properties  and  Healing  Power, 507 

Chapter  20. 

Properties  of  Medicine  Classified, 513 

Chapter  21. 

Medicines  Classified  According  to  Effects,  614 

Chapter  22. 

Latin  Names  of  Remedies,  Translated  into  English,  ...  618 

Chapter  23. 


Antidotes  for  Remedies.  How  to  Neutralize  Overdoses,  . 519 


Chapter  24. 

Disinfectants.  How  to  Destroy  Germs  of  Disease,  ....  628 

Chapter  25. 

Poisons  and  their  Antidotes, 630 

Chapter  26. 

Patent  Medicine  Recipes, 631 


Chapter  27. 

Select  Family  Liniments.  Pain  Relieving  Remedies,  . . 537 


Chapter  28. 

Choice  Healing  Ointments, 538 

Chapter  29. 

World  Famed  Family  Cements, 638 


6 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


Chapter  30.  page. 

Famous  Medicated  Pads, 539 

Chapter  31. 

Noted  Mineral  Waters  Possessing  Healing  Virtues,  ...  540 

Chapter  32. 

Side  Talks  with  Young  Men  and  Young  Women,  ....  541 

Chapter  33. 

Husband  and  Wife.  Golden  Counsel, 566 

Chapter  34. 

Old  Age.  Care,  Diseases,  and  Treatment, 584 

Chapter  35. 

Food  for  Infants, 588 

Chapter  36. 

Food  for  the  Sick-Room, 589 

Chapter  37. 

Medical  Dictionary.  Doctors’  Phrases  Explained,  ...  596 

Chapter  38. 

Diseases  Classified  According  to  Symptoms, 615 

Chapter  39. 

Clinical  Thermometer.  Sure  Indicator  of  Serious  Illness,  617 

Chapter  40. 

Phrenology  Illustrated, 620 

Chapter  41. 

Toilet  Remedies, 622 

Chapter  42. 

Prescription  Register,  623 

Chapter  43. 

Household  Memoranda,  630 

Chapter  44. 

Keeley  Cure,  etc,  326 

Chapter  45. 

Temperaments  and  Constitution, 335 


INTRODUCTION 

BY 

GEORGE  W.  POST,  A.M.,  M.D., 


Adjunct  Professor  of  the  Practice  of  Medicine  in  the  College  of  Physicians  and 
Surgeons , Chicago.  Member  of  Chicago  Medical  Society , etc. 

# 

EVERY  intelligent  human  being  should  study  medicine.  There  is  need 
of  wisdom,  accuracy,  and  judgment  in  the  care  of  our  bodies.  The 
* knowledge  of  medicine  should  be  as  universal  as  the  need  of  it.  No 
one  can  be  considered  well  educated  who  does  not  understand  the  make-up 
of  his  own  body  and  the  care  and  requirements  necessary  to  keep  it  in 
a state  of  health. 

The  average  man  knows  too  little  about  himself,  and  no  one  knows  too 
much,  but  the  facts  which  have  been  demonstrated,  and  which  are  beneficial 
to  mankind,  should  be  a part  of  the  common  knowledge.  This  is  true 
philanthropy.  To  cure  a person  of  disease  is  a good  thing,  but  to  teach 
him  how  to  keep  well  is  a.better  one. 

The  ignorance  or  indifference  in  respect  to  these  things  which  prevails 
among  enlightened  and  thinking  people  is  almost  incredible.  All  classes  of 
men,  lawyers,  farmers,  and  business  men,  clergymen,  teachers,  and  men 
prominent  in  national  affairs,  show  the  greatest  eagerness  and  enthusiasm 
in  mastering  any  detail  of  their  respective  callings  which  may  be  to  their 
advantage.  Yet,  too  often  these  same  men  manifest  no  anxiety  whatever  as 
to  their  own  physical  well-being.  Men  submit  themselves,  complacently,  to 
fatigue,  exposure,  and  excesses,  which  ruin  the  body,  and  frequently  mind 
and  soul  as  well. 

A part  of  this  is  due  to  carelessness,  but  the  greater  part  can  safely  be 
laid  at  the  door  of  ignorance.  Men  do  not  know  the  right  rules  of  living. 
They  do  not  know  the  certain  and  sure  penalties  which  follow  the  breaking 
of  these  rules.  There  is,  at  the  present  day,  more  need  of  teachers  for  the 
people  than  for  the  educating  of  physicians.  The  world  does  not  need 
more  physicians.  On  the  contrary  the  demand  of  the  times  is  for  fewer 
physicians,  and  better  ones,  and  it  always  will  be  so.  But  the  highest  and 
best  achievement  of  the  medical  profession  is  to  prevent  disease,  and  this 
can  be  accomplished  in  no  better  way  than  by  teaching  the  people  how  to 
live. 

So,  too,  a book  which  shall  teach  the  principles  of  right  living  in  a clear, 
scientific,  and  God-fearing  way  is  a boon  to  humanity.  Such  a book  The 
Cottage  Physieian  aims  to  be. 

But  the  world  is  awakening  to  a realizing  sense  of  its  own  lack.  Tt  is 
looking  for  sources  of  relief.  Everything  published  regarding  medicine, 
from  madstones  to  antitoxines,  and  from  quack  advertisements  to  magic 
germ  destroyers,  is  swallowed  with  avidity,  until  the  popular  medical  lore 

7 


8 


INTRODUCTION. 


has  become  a miscellaneous  compound  of  tradition,  superstition,  and  dis- 
jointed scientific  truths. 

Not  that  the  people  lack  intelligence  or  judgment,  but  their  sources  of 
information  are  unreliable.  So,  then,  the  people’s  text-book  of  medicine 
should  be  clear,  concise,  and  accurate.  It  should  state  facts  and  not  theories. 
It  should  deal  with  practical  truths  simply  worded. 

Not  every  one  who  studies  medicine  should  practice  it.  The  manipula- 
tion of  complex  machinery  and  delicate  tools  requires  tho  skilled  workman. 
What,  then,  shall  be  the  proper  field  for  the  medical  knowledge  of  the  masses  ? 
On  what  lines  shall  the  learner  of  the  future  be  instructed  ? 

In  the  first  place,  he  will  have  a practical  understanding  of  the  mechanism 
and  workings  of  the  different  parts  of  his  physique.  He  will  understand 
thoroughly  the  details  of  hygiene  as  to  clothing,  exercise,  rest,  food,  drink, 
and  the  like.  He  will  know  how  best  to  prevent  disease,  and  how  to  prevent 
the  spread  of  contagious  maladies  by  isolation,  disinfection,  and  inocula- 
tion. He  will  be  taught  to  act  with  discretion  in  emergencies,  to  control 
bleeding  in  the  wounded,  to  use  artificial  respiration  in  the  drowning,  to 
apply  a temporary  splint  to  a broken  bone.  He  will  know  what  remedies  to 
use  in  the  treatment  of  slight  ailments,  little  matters,  for  which  a physician 
would  not  be  consulted,  but  which,  if  neglected,  may  lead  to  grave  disorders. 
In  short,  he  will  know  how  to  preserve  the  human  body  in  the  condition  of 
the  highest  health  and  activity  to  a hale  old  age. 

To  the  inexperienced  nurse,  this  book  will  prove  especially  helpful.  It  is 
a common  occurrence  for  the  untried  mother,  wife,  or  daughter  to-  be  called 
upon  to  care  for  a loved  one  who  is  suffering  from  a severe  or  dangerous 
disease.  Unnerved  by  anxiety,  distrustful  of  her  own  capability,  and  fear- 
ful as  to  the  future,  she  seeks  earnestly  for  every  particle  of  information 
which  may  benefit  the  patient.  The  physician  in  attendance  has  no  time  to 
train  her  in  all  the  minutiae  of  nursing.  She  turns,  naturally,  to  her  friends 
for  advice,  and  they,  moved  by  sympathy  or  officiousness,  suggest  methods 
and  means  according  to  their  knowledge  or  experience.  This  advice,  coming 
from  so  many  sources,  is  so  varied  and  conflicting,  that  the  novice  is  bewil- 
dered ; and  oftentimes  she  employs  measures,  with  the  best  of  intentions, 
which  result  disastrously  to  the  sufferer.  In  such  a time  of  uncertainty,  it 
will  be  of  the  greatest  value  to  have  at  hand,  such  a simple,  reliable  state- 
ment of  the  cause  and  course  of  the  disease,  of  its  dangers  and  complica- 
tions, of  the  treatment  to  be  used,  and  the  treatment  to  be  avoided.  Terror 
will  thus  be  replaced  by  confidence,  perplexity  by  certainty,  and  many  lives 
will  be  saved. 

The  plan  of  placing  in  the  same  volume  an  outline  of  the  three  recognized 
schools  of  medicine  is  a good  one.  It  enables  the  unbiased  reader  to  get  a 
just  idea  of  each,  without  heat  or  prejudice,  and  to  choose  that  one  which 
appeals  most  strongly  to  his  reason  and  judgment.  To  the  young  man  or 
woman  who  contemplates  entering  the  medical  profession,  it  affords  a source 
of  information  from  which  a choice  of  schools  can  be  made. 

The  broader  the  scope  of  human  knowledge,  the  greater  should  be  the 
sum  of  human  happiness,  and  this  is  certainly  true  of  medicine.  Knowl- 
edge brings  health,  and  health  is  the  handmaid  of  happiness.  Let  the 
researches  of  science  and  the  education  of  the  masses  go  on,  hand  in  hand, 
until  the  time  shall  come  when  disease  shall  have  vanished  from  the  earth, 
and  death  shall  result  only  as  a welcome  and  peaceful  termination  to  a life 
whose  sum  of  usefulness  is  complete. 


EXTERNAL  LOCATION  OF  THE  ORGANS. 


THE  NERVES. 


KEY  TO  MANIKIN. 

1.  Muscular  system. 

2.  External  nerves,  head  & face. 

3.  The  trachea. 

4.  The  arch  of  the  aorta. 

5.  Pulmonary  artery. 

6.  Superior  vena  cava. 

7.  External  surface  of  the  lungs. 

8.  The  heart. 

9.  Right  bronchus  and  branches, 
xo.  The  blood  vessels  of  the  lungs. 

11.  External  of  the  stomach. 

12.  Internal  of  the  stomach. 

13*  The  duodenum. 

14.  The  small  intestines. 

15.  The  large  intestines  or  colon. 

16.  The  cerebrum  or  large  vein. 

17.  Thfe  cerebellum  or  little  brain. 

18.  The  cervical  vertebrae. 

19.  The  oesophagus. 

20.  The  subclavian  vein. 

21.  The  descending  aorta. 

22.  The  left  lobe  of  the  liver. 

23.  The  gall  bladder. 

24.  The  kidney. 

25.  The  spleen. 

26.  The  inferior  vena  cava. 

27.  The  right  iliac  artery. 

28.  The  left  iliac  artery. 

29.  The  right  iliac  vein. 

30.  The  left  iliac  vein. 


KEY  TO  MANIKIN. 


1.  Muscular  system. 

2.  External  nerves,  head  & face. 

3.  The  trachea. 

4.  The  arch  of  the  aorta. 

5.  Pulmonary  artery. 

6.  Superior  vena  cava. 

7.  External  surface  of  the  lungs. 

8.  The  heart. 

9.  Right  bronchus  and  branches. 

10.  The  blood  vessels  of  the  lungs. 

11.  External  of  the  stomach. 

12.  Internal  of  the  stomach. 

13.  The  duodenum. 

14.  The  small  intestines. 

15.  The  large  intestines  or  colon. 
10.  The  cerebrum  or  large  vein. 

17.  Th£  cerebellum  or  little  brain. 

18.  The  cervical  vertebrae. 

19.  The  oesophagus. 

20.  The  subclavian  vein. 

21.  The  descending  aorta. 

22.  The  left  lobe  of  the  liver. 

23.  The  gall  bladder. 

24.  The  kidney. 

25.  The  spleen. 

26.  The  inferior  vena  cava. 

27.  The  right  iliac  artery. 

28.  The  left  iliac  artery. 

29.  The  right  iliac  vein. 

30.  The  left  iliac  vein. 


COPYRIGHT  BY  W C.KING  . SPRINGFIELD, 


KEY  TO  MANIKIN. 

1.  Muscular  system. 

2.  External  nerves,  head  & face. 

3.  The  trachea. 

4.  The  arch  of  the  aorta. 

5.  Pulmonary  artery. 

6.  Superior  vena  cava. 

7.  External  surface  of  the  lungs. 

8.  The  heart. 

9.  Right  bronchus  and  branches. 

10.  The  blood  vessels  of  the  lungs. 

11.  External  of  the  stomach. 

12.  Internal  of  the  stomach. 

13.  The  duodenum. 

14.  The  small  intestines. 

15.  The  large  intestines  or  colon. 

16.  The  cerebrum  or  large  vein. 

17.  Thfe  cerebellum  or  little  brain. 

18.  The  cervical  vertebrae. 

19.  The  oesophagus. 

20.  The  subclavian  vein. 

21.  The  descending  aorta. 

22.  The  left  lobe  of  the  liver. 

23.  The  gall  bladder.  t 

24.  The  kidney. 

25.  The  spleen.  1 

26.  The  inferior  vena  cava. 

27.  The  right  iliac  artery. 

28.  The  left  iliac  artery. 

29.  The  right  iliac  vein. 

30.  The  left  iliac  vein. 


OPYRIGH 


KEY  TO  MANIKIN. 

Muscular  system. 

External  nerves,  head  & face. 
The  trachea. 

The  arch  of  the  aorta. 
Pulmonary  artery. 

Superior  vena  cava. 

External  surface  of  the  lungs. 
The  heart. 

Right  bronchus  and  branches. 
The  blood  vessels  of  the  lungs 
External  of  the  stomach. 
Internal  of  the  stomach. 

The  duodenum. 

The  small  intestines. 

The  large  intestines  or  colon. 
The  cerebrum  or  large  vein. 
Th8  cerebellum  or  little  brain. 
The  cervical  vertebrae. 

The  oesophagus. 

The  subclavian  vein. 

The  descending  aorta. 

The  left  lobe  of  the  liver. 

The  gall  bladder. 

The  kidney. 

The  spleen. 

The  inferior  vena  cava. 

The  right  iliac  artery. 

The  left  iliac  artery. 


The  le 


Physiology  for  the  Home 


— -#««► 

ILLUSTRATED. 


The  Head. — The  head  consists  of  the  skull.,  or  cranium, 
and  the  face — the  former  contains  the  brain.  The  skull  is 
composed  of  eight  bones,  connected  together  by  sutures,  having 
tooth-like  serrated  margins,  which  fit  into  or  overlap  each  other. 
The  whole  structure  is  marvelous  for  its  strength  and  lightness. 
Between  the  interior  and  exterior  wall  of  the  frontal  or  fore- 
head bone  are  what  are  called  the  frontal  sinuses,  two  hollow 
chambers,  which  cause  those  bulgings  at  the  upper  edges  of  the 
orbits,  and  which  shelter  and  protect  the  eyes  in  the  hollow 
beneath.  Behind  each  ear  there  is  also  a bony  prominence 
called  the  mastoid,  to  which  powerful  muscles  are  attached, 
especially  the  sterno  mastoid,  which  is  distinctly  seen  in  the 
neck,  and  whose  lower  ends  have  their  origin  at  the  top  of  the 
sternum  or  breast  bones.  These  prominences  are  intended  to 
guard  the  entrance  to  the  internal  ear,  which  is  placed  wholly 
within  the  hollow  of  the  temporal  bones.  At  the  center  of  the 
base  of  the  skull  is  a round  hole  of  considerable  size,  the  fora- 
men magnum,  through  which  the  spinal  cord  passes  from  the 
brain.  On  either  side  of  this  opening  are  two  smooth  promi- 
nences, called  condyles ; these  rest  upon  the  tops  of  the 
uppermost  vertebrae,  and  allow  of  a nodding  motion  to  the 
head. 


10 


anatomy  of  the  human  body, 


FIG.  3. 


FIG.  2. 


FRONT  VIEW  OF  THE  HEAD,  AS  SHOWN  IN 
THE  HUMAN  SKELETON. 

1,  the  frontal  portion  of  the  frontal  hone ; 
2,  the  position  of  the  nasal  prominence, 
the  hollow  within  which  is  shown,  the 
cartilage  which  supports  and  forms  the 
nose  being  mostly  removed ; 3,  over  the 
orbit  refers  to  the  supra-orbital  ridge; 
4,  the  optic  foramen ; 5 and  6,  the  sphe- 
noidal and  the  spheno-maxillary  fissures ; 
7,  lachrymal  fossa  in  the  lachrymal  bone, 
where  the  nasal  duct  commences ; 4,  5,  6, 
and  7 refer  to  parts  within  the  orbit ; 8,  the 
opening  of  the  anterior  nares,  divided  into 
two  parts  by  the  vomer,  on  which  the 
cypher  is  placed;  9,  the  infra-orbital 
foramen;  10,  malar  bone;  11,  symphosis 
of  lower  jaw;  12,  mental  foramen;  13, 
ramus  of  lower  jaw;  14,  parietal  bone; 
15,  coronal  suture;  16,  temporal  bone; 
17,  squamous  suture;  18,  upper  part  of 
the  great  ala  of  the  sphenoid  bone;  19, 
commencement  of  the  temporal  ridge; 
20,  zygoma  of  the  temporal  bone,  assisting 
to  form  the  zygomatic  arch ; 21,  mastoid 


THE  LOWER  SURFACE  OR  BASE  OF  THE 
BRAIN. 


a is  the  cerebrum  or  brain  proper,  occupying 
the  upper  part  of  the  cranium,  and  divided 
into  two  hemispheres,  each  of  which  is  sub- 
divided into  an  anterior,  middle,  and  posterior 
lobe ; b c,  between  these  lobes,  are  fissures  or 
boundaries  termed  clefts  or  sold,  which  pene- 
trate to  the  depth  of  about  an  inch.  The  two 
hemispheres  of  the  cerebellum  or  little  brain, 
which  occupies  the  lower  or  back  part  of  the 
cranium,  are  marked  d.  They  differ  in  form 
and  arrangement  from  the  superior  portion, 
being  composed  of  flattened  laminae  or  layers; 
e is  the  medulla  oblongata,  very  much  the  smallest 
portion  of  the  mass,  which  passes  out  of  the 
cavity  of  the  cranium  into  that  of  the  vertebral 
canal,  being  a continuation  of  the  spinal  cord, 
of  which  the  whole  brain  may  be  considered 
as  an  expansion ; g,  l,  f,  o,  mark  the  shape  and 
position  of  certain  cerebral  nerves;  h,  olfactory 
nerves. 


THE  BRAIN. 


11 


The  Brain. — The  human  brain,  the  average 
weight  of  which  is  forty-nine  ounces  in  the  male, 
and  forty-four  or  forty-five  ounces  in  the  female,  is 
divided  into  three  distinct  parts,  called  the  cere- 
brum, cerebellum,  and  medulla  oblongata.  Of  the 
membranes  inclosing  that  soft,  pulpy  mass,  two 
have  been  called  mater  (mother),  from  the  old 
notion  that  they  gave  rise  to  all  the  other  mem- 
branes of  the  body ; these  are  the  pia  mater  and 
dura  mater — the  former  is  a very  delicate  tissue, 
containing  many  minute  blood  vessels,  which  are, 
in  fact,  the  nutrient  arteries  of  the  brain,  before 
entering  which  they  divide  and  subdivide  upon  the 
external  surface  to  an  extreme  degree  of  minute- 
ness, so  as  to  prevent  the  blood  from  entering  the 
tender  cerebral  substance  in  too  forcible  a maimer. 
The  dura  mater  is  a much  coarser  and  stronger 
membrane,  which  lines  the  inner  portion  of  the 
skull,  and  forms  an  external  cover  for  the  brain 
and  its  appendages.  It  gives  off  several  elonga- 
tions, which  are  called  processes,  and  which  descend 
between  certain  portions  of  the  brain ; the  most 
remarkable,  on  account  of  its  size,  extends  verti- 
cally in  the  longitudinal  fissure  between  the 
hemispheres  of  the  brain,  and  on  account  of  its 
shape  and  resemblance  to  a sickle  is  called  falx 
cerebri. 

Under  the  microscope,  the  cerebral  substance 
is  found  to  be  composed  of  pulp  containing  both 
fibers  and  cells ; the  outer  portion  is  termed  the 
gray  substance,  on  account  of  its  color ; it  is  also 
termed  the  cortical  portion,  from  cortex — bark — 
because  it  forms  the  first  coat  of  the  mass.  It 
consists  of  fine  cellular  membrane,  sustaining  a 
complete  network  of  small  blood  vessels.  Larger 
in  quantity,  and  firmer  in  consistence,  is  the  inner 
substance,  termed  the  white  or  medullary  portion ; 
it  consists  of  minute  fibers,  woven  together  like 
plaited  straw.  In  man  the  brain  is  much  larger 
than  in  the  inferior  animals ; that  of  an  ox  scarcely 
weighs  a pound.  It  is  upon  the  surface  of  the 
human  brain  chiefly  that  those  great  inequalities 
exist — those  “ developments  ” upon  which  phrenol- 


FIG.  4. 


SPINAL  CORD. 


12 


ANATOMY  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY. 


ogists  build  their  theories.  Such  inequalities  are  not  found  upon 
the  brain  of  the  hare  or  rabbit,  nor  upon  the  brains  of  rodent 
animals.  These  inequalities  are  neither  so  bold  nor  so  deep  in 

the  ox  as  in  the  horse, 
nor  so  well  marked 
in  the  horse  as  in  the 
dog,  seeming  to  in- 
crease or  diminish 
very  much  with  the 
ratio  of  intelligence, 
as  does  also  the  bulk 
of  the  brain.  In 
fishes  the  brain  is 
very  small,  and  in  the 
invertebrate  animals 
it  diminishes  to  mere 
nervous  ganglia.  It 
is  curious  to  observe 
that  while  in  the 
robin,  among  birds, 
the  brain  approaches 
to  the  proportionate 
size  of  that  of  the 
human  being,  in  the 
goose  it  bears  a very  much  smaller  proportion  to  the  bulk  of 
the  body. 

The  Nose  contains  the  organ  of  smell  in  vertebrate 
animals ; and  in  the  three  highest  classes  is  connected  with  the 
respiratory  function.  In  man,  the  nose,  anatomically  considered, 
consists  of  two  large  cavities  called  nostrils,  a right  and  left, 
formed  by  the  bones  of  the  face,  and  separated  from  each  other 
by  a perpendicular  flat  partition  called  the  septum. 

Each  nostril  is  divided  by  the  turbinated  bone  into  the 
superior,  middle,  and  inferior  chambers.  The  upper  wall  of 
the  nose  is  pierced  by  numerous  foramina,  through  which  enter 
the  filaments  of  the  olfactory,  or  nerve  of  smell. 

Besides  smell,  the  nose  has  ordinary  sensation,  like  other 
parts  of  the  face,  depending  on  filaments  of  the  trifacial,  or  fifth 
pair  of  cerebral  nerves.  The  external  prominent  part  of  the 
nose,  which  gives  character  to  the  features,  is  composed  of 
several  cartilages  connected  to  the  bones  and  to  each  other  by 
strong  fibrous  tissue,  sufficiently  firm  to  preserve  the  shape  of 
the  organ,  and  so  elastic  and  flexible  as  to  permit  the  expansion 


FIG.  5. 


VERTICAL  SECTION  OF  THE  BRAIN. 


a,  b,  c,  the  cerebrum;  d,  the  cerebellum  or  little  brain; 
r„,  f spinal  marrow;  g,  pons  varolii;  h,  , cranial  bones; 
k,  o’ptio  thalamus;  m,  frontal  sinus;  p,  hard  palate;  g,  the 
larynx ; z,  mouth  of  Eustachian  tube. 


THE  NERVES. 


13 


and  contraction  of  the  nostrils  in  respiration.  The  nose 
contains  not  only  the  nerves  of  smell,  but  serves  also  for  the 
passage  of  air  into  the  lungs,  and  has  a considerable  influence 
upon  the  voice. 


FIG.  6. 


FIG.  7. 


1,  part  of  upper  jaw-bone:  2,  nose  bone;  3, 
upper  side  cartilage ; 4,  lower  do. ; 5,  cellular 
tissue. 


MUSCLES  OF  THE  NOSE. 

1,  pyramidal  muscle  of  the  nose ; 2,  mus- 
cle to  lift  tho  side  cartilages;  3,  com- 
pressor of  the  nose ; 4.  front  dilator  of  the 
nostril ; 5,  small  compressor  of  the  nostril ; 
7,  muscle  to  pull  down  the  side  cartilages. 


FIG.  8. 


The  Nerves. — These  are  the  fibers  and  ganglia  of  the 
brain  and  spinal  marrow,  which  are  distributed  to  every  part  of 
the  body.  There  are  two  kinds  of  nerve  substance — one  white 
in  appearance,  and  presenting  under 
the  microscope  a fibrous  structure,  and 
the  other  of  a gray  color,  and  consist- 
ing of  cells  filled  with  granular  matter ; 
the  latter  kind  are  but  sparingly  dis- 
tributed in  proportion  to  the  former, 
and  appear  to  form  the  apparatus  by 
which  the  nervous  force  or  energy  is 
generated,  while  impressions  are  con- 
veyed through  the  white  fibers  to  the 
points  of  action ; we  may  briefly  state 
concerning  these  two  kinds  of  nerves,  that  one  gives  rise  to 
feeling,  and  the  other  to  motion.  The  whole  nervous  system 
of  the  human  body  is  composed  of  the  brain  and  cranial 


THE  CEREBELLUM, OK  SMALL  BRAIN, 
AS  SEEN  FROM  THE  BACK. 


14 


ANATOMY  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY. 


y/y 


SEPTUM  OF  THE  NOSE  AND  ITS  NERVES. 

1,  nerve  of  the  lobe  of  the  nose;  2,  olfactory  lobe;  3,  nerves  of 
the  septum ; 4,  nerve  of  the  palate. 


nerves ; the  spi- 
nal cord,  and  spi- 
nal and  sympa- 
thetic nerves.  Of 
the  structure  of 
the  brain  we  have 
already  spoken ; 
of  the  spinal  cord 
or  marrow  we 
may  briefly  say, 
that  it  is  com- 
posed of  a white 
and  gray  sub- 
stance similar  to 
that  of  the  brain, 
and  is  covered 
with  the  dura  ma- 
ter an  dpia  mater , 
or  membrane, 
which  extend 


FIG.  10. 


Fig.  10  represents  the  mesial  surface  of  a longitudinal 
section  of  the  brain.  1.  Inner  surface  of  left  hemisphere. 
2.  Divided  centre  of  the  cerebellum,  showing  the  arbor 
vitae.  3.  Medulla  oblongata.  4.  Corpus  callosum.  5. 
Fornix.  6.  One  of  the  crura  of  the  fornix.  7.  One  of  the 
corpora  aibicantia,  pea-shaped  bodies  between  the  crura 
cerebri.  8.  Septum  lucieum.  9.  Velum  interpositum. 
10.  Section  of  the  middle  commissure  in  the  third  ventri- 
cle. 11.  Section  of  the  anterior  commissure.  12.  Section 
of  the  posterior  commissure.  13.  Corpora  quadrigemina. 
14.  Pineal  gland.  15.  Aqueduct  of  Sylvius.  16.  Fourth 
ventricle.  17.  Pons  varolii,  through  which  are  seen  pass- 
ing the  diverging  fibres  of  the  corpora  pyramidalia. 
18.  Crus  cerebri  of  the  left  side ; the  third  nerve  arising 
from  it.  19.  Tuber  cinereum,  from  which  projects  the 
infundibulum,  having  the  pituitary  gland  appended  to 
its  extremity.  20.  One  of  the  optic  nerves.  21.  The  left 
olfactory  nerve  terminating  anteriorly  in  a rounded  bulb. 


from  the  former  organ 
through  the  whole 
length  of  the  spinal 
column.  In  Fig.  12 
we  have  a representa- 
tion of  the  spinal  cord, 
surrounded  by  its 
sheath,  marked  by  the 
letters  E E,  the  cord 
itself  being  represented 
by  A;  B is  a spinal 
nerve,  formed  by  the 
union  of  the  motor  root 
(C)  and  the  sensitive 
root  (D)  where  the 
knot  or  ganglion  is  seen. 

The  sympathetic 
nerve  consists  of  a se- 
ries of  ganglia  or  knots, 
which  extend  down 
each  side  of  the  spinal 
column,  forming  a kind 
of  chain  throughout  its 


THE  NERVES. 


15 


SECTION  OF  THE  BRAIN  AND  SPINAL  CORD, 
SHOWING  THE  RELATION  OF  THE  CRANIAL 
NERVES  TO  THESE  ORGANS,  AND  TO  THOSE 
OF  THE  SENSES  TO  WHICH  THEY  BELONG. 


whole  length,  communicating  with  both  the  cranial  and  spinal 
nerves,  and  distributing  branches  to  all  the  internal  organs. 

fig.  ii-  Nerves  are  undoubtedly  the 

organs  of  sensation  and  motion 
of  every  kind,  and  through  them 
the  mind  operates  upon  the  body. 
The  intelligent  mind,  whose  seat 
is  in  the  brain,  wills  that  a certain 
action  shall  be  performed,  and 
instantly  through  the  spinal  cord 
the  message  flies,  branching  off 
here  and  there,  according  to  the 
direction  in  which  the  work  is  to 
be  done,  and  setting  in  motion 
the  muscles  which  perform  it. 

Fig.  15  will  give  a good  idea 
of  the  way  in  which  the  nerves 
spread  and  ramify  throughout 
the  body ; it  represents  a back 
view  of  the  brain  and  spinal  cord. 
The  spine  contains  the  great 
channel  of  nervous  energy,  and  it 
is  the  principal  support  of  the 
bony  frame  ; this  is  one  of  the 
most  important  parts  of  the  hu- 
man structure ; it  is  sometimes 
called  the  vertebral  column,  be- 
ing composed  of  a number  of 
vertebrae,  or  short,  single  bones, 
so  named  from  their  peculiar 
construction,  the  term  being 

from  the  latin  verto , to  turn. 

These  bones  turn  upon  each 
other  in  such  a manner  as  to  give 
flexibility  to  the  spine,  which  is 
the  first  developed  portion  of  the 
skeleton  in  man,  and  the  center 
around  which  all  other  parts  are 
produced.  “In  its  earliest  for-  ^ 

mation,”  says  Wilson,  “it  is  a simple  cartilaginous  cylinder, 
surrounding  and  protecting  the  primitive  trace  of  the  nervous 
system;  but,  as  it  advances  in  growth  and  organization,  it 
becomes  divided  into  distinct  pieces,  which  constitute  vertebrae.” 


1,  the  cerebrum ; 2,  the  cerebellum,  with 
Its  foliated  portion,  sometimes  termed 
arbor  vitae;  3 is  the  medulla  oblongata 
(oblong  marrow),  which  forms  the  top  of 
the  spinal  cord,  which  is  represented  by 
4 and  5 ; the  first  pair,  or  nerves  of  smell, 
are  marked  by  6 ; the  second  pair,  or  nerves 
of  sight,  by  7 and  8;  the  third,  fourth,  and 
sixth  pairs,  which  pass  to  the  muscles  of 
the  eye,  9,  10, 12 ; the  fifth  pair,  nerves  of 
taste,  which  are  also  the  sensitive  nerves 
of  the  teeth,  11 ; the  seventh  pair,  passing 
to  the  muscles  of  the  face,  13 ; the  eighth 
pair,  nerves  of  hearing,  14;  the  ninth, 
tenth,  eleventh,  and  twelfth  pairs,  which 
pass  to  the  tongue,  larynx,  and  neck,  15, 
16, 18, 19 ; and  20  indicates  two  of  the  spinal 
nerves,  which  latter  are  arranged  in  thirty- 
two  pairs,  each  arising  by  two  roots,  the 
one  called  the  anterior  or  motor  root,  and 
the  other  the  posterior  or  sensitive  root. 


FIG.  12. 


16 


ANATOMY  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY. 


FIG.  13. 


GANGLION  OF  A SYMPA- 
THETIC NERVE. 


By  the  aid  of  Fig.  16  the  peculiarities  of  construction  will 
be  best  understood.  The  upper  vertebra  of  the  cervical  region 
is  termed  the  atlas , because  it  is  the  immediate 
support  of  the  head.  It  differs  somewhat  from 
the  others  in  shape ; so  also  does  the  second, 
called  the  axis , and  the  seventh  or  last,  termed 
the  vertebra  prominens. 

The  lumbar  vertebrae  are  the  largest  pieces 
of  the  whole  column ; here  the  body  is  large 
and  broad,  and  thicker  before  than  behind ; 
the  pedicels  very  strong,  and  the  laminae  short, 
thick,  and  broad,  as  are  also  the  spinous  proc- 
esses. 

Fig.  19  represents  the  coccyx  (Greek  for 
cuckoo),  so  called  from  its  fancied  resemblance 
to  a cuckoo’s  beak ; it  forms  the  termination  of 
the  vertebral  column.  If  the  bodies  of  the 
vertebrae  rested  immediately  upon  each  other, 
there  would  be  a rigid  column  which  could  not 
be  bent  in  any  direction  without  displacement  of  the  bones ; 
but  to  provide  against  this,  they  are  separated  from  each  other 
by  elastic  “ intervertebral  cartilages,”  which  yield  to  every 
motion  of  the  body,  and  prevent  that  shock  to  the  brain  which 
would  occur  at  every  step  taken,  were  not  some  such  pro- 
vision made.  Then,  again,  the  vertebrae  thus  beautifully 
fitted  into  each  other,  and  resting  upon  soft,  yielding  cushions, 
are  held  together  by  a series  of  ligaments  and  muscles,  which, 
while  they  allow  of  all  necessary  motions,  yet  restrain  from 
going  too  far.  By  means  of  these  ligaments  aided  by  muscles, 
which  are  attached  to  the  posterior  portions  of  the  vertebrae, 
the  equilibrium  of  the  spine,  and  the  motions  of  the  body 
generally,  are  maintained. 

Each  vertebra  has  a triangular  opening  corresponding 
to  its  neighbor,  through  which  runs  a canal,  which  is  filled  with 
nerve  substance  and  membranes,  called  the  spinal  cord,  which 
communicates  with  the  brain  through  an  opening  in  the  base  of 
the  skull. 

It  is  scarcely  necessary  for  us  here  to  go  more  deeply  into 
the  structure  of  the  nerve  fibers  and  cells,  else  we  might 
state  many  curious  and  interesting  facts  concerning  this  part 
of  the  animal  economy.  Some  idea  of  their  nature  and  the 
beauty  of  their  arrangement  may  be  seen  by  the  accompanying 
diagrams.  Like  the  veins  and  arteries,  they  spring  from  great 


THE  NERVES, 


17 


main  channels,  which  may  be  compared  to  the  stem  and  arms 
of  a tree,  and  branch  out  from  thence  in  every  direction,  divid- 
ing and  subdividing  into  the  most  minute  ramifications — so 
that  you  cannot  so  much  as  prick  any  part  of  the  surface  of 


FIG.  15. 


FIG.  14. 


Fig.  14  represents  the  micro- 
scopic elements  of  the  nervous 
structure.  1,  Mode  of  termina- 
tion of  white  nerve-fibres  in. 
loops;  three  of  these  loops  are 
simple,  the  fourth  is  convoluted. 
The  latter  is  found  in  situations 
where  a high  degree  of  sensation 
exists.  2,  A white  nerve-fibre 
from  the  brain,  showing  the 
varicose  or  knotty  appearance 
produced  by  traction  or  pres- 
sure. 3,  A white  nerve-fibre  en- 
larged to  show  its  structure,  a 
tubular  envelope  and  a con- 
tained substance — neurilemma 
and  neurine.  4,  A nerve-cell 
showing  its  capsule  and  granu- 
lar contents.  5,  Its  nucleus  con- 
taining a nucleolus.  6,  A nerve- 
cell, from  which  several  proces- 
ses are  given  off;  it  contains 
also  a nucleated  nucleus. 


THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM. 

1,  the  cerebrum.  2,  cerebellum.  8, 
spinal  cord.  4,  nerves  of  the  face.  5, 
the  brachial  plexus  or  union  of  nerves. 
6,  7,  8,  9,  nerves  of  the  arm.  10,  those 
that  pass  under  the  ribs.  11,  lumbar 
plexus.  12,  sacral  plexus.  13,  14,  15, 16, 
nerves  of  the  lower  limbs. 


tlie  body  but  pain  is  felt,  a sure  evidence  that  a nerve  has 
been  touched ; nay,  so  much  as  a breeze  cannot  blow  upon  the 
body,  nor  the  wing  of  an  insect  touch  it,  but  the  nerves 
give  information  thereof  to  the  brain,  and  the  mind  is  made 
aware  of  the  cause,  and  takes  its  measures  accordingly.  Deli- 
cate fibers  are  these  nerves,  like  the  strings  of  an  instrument  of 


18 


ANATOMY  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY. 


FIG.  16. 


exquisite  sensibility, — so  delicate  are  they  as  to  be  sometimes  in- 
visible to  the  unassisted  vision,  and  we  are  only  made  aware  of 
their  presence  by  the  effects  which  they  produce.  They  take 
cognizance  of  the  slightest  sound,  the  faintest  ray  of  light,  the 
least  change  in  the  constitution  of  the  air  we  breathe,  and  of 
the  food  we  eat;  they  are  vigilant  sentinels  ever  watching  to 

guard  the  body  from  danger,  the  con- 
stant ministers  to  its  pleasure  and 
delight.  They  are  often  abused  and 
their  fine  sensibilities  perverted  or  dead- 
ened, when  they  become  subject  to 
disease,  and  are  likely  to  avenge  the 
injury  done  them  by  a long  train  of 
suffering. 


FIG.  17. 


THE  VERTEBRAL  COLUMN. 


A CENTRAL  CERVICAL  VERTEBRA,  SEEN  IN  THE  UPPER 
SURFACE. 

1 is  the  body,  concave  in  the  middle,  and  rising  on  each 
side  into  a sharp  ridge.  2,  the  lamina  of  which  there  is 
one  on  each  side,  commencing  at  posterior  part  of  the 
body  by  a pedicle  (3),  and  expanding  and  arching  back- 
ward to  meet  the  other,  the  two  enclosing  a foramen  or 
opening  through  which  the  spinal  cord  passes.  4 is  the 
bifid  spinous  process ; and  5 the  bifid  transverse  process : 
these  are  both  intended  for  the  attachment  of  muscles; 
it  is  the  succession  of  the  former  projecting  along  the 
middle  line  of  the  back,  which  has  given  rise  to  the  com- 
mon name  of  the  vertebral  column— the  spine.  6 marks 
a vertebral  foramen— there  is  a corresponding  one  on  the 
other  side,  and  through  these  pass  the  vertebral  artery 
and  vein,  and  plexus  of  nerves.  7 and  8 are  the  superior 
and  inferior  articular  processes,  the  first  looking  upward 
and  backward,  the  last  downward  and  forward ; of  these 
there  are  four  in  each  vertebra ; they  are  designed  to 
articulate  with  the  vertebra  above  and  below. 


THE  NERVES. 


19 


FIG.  18. 


A LATERAL  OR  SIDE  VIEW  OF  A DORSAL 
VERTEBRA. 

’.the  body.  2 2,  articular  facets  for 
tlie  heads  of  the  ribs.  3,  pedicle.  4 and 
5,  superior  and  inferior  intervertebral 
notch.  6,  the  spinous  process.  7 is  the 
extremity  of  the  transverse  process, 
marked  by  an  articular  surface,  for  the 
extremity  of  a rib.  8 and  9,  the  two 
superior  and  two  inferior  verticular 
processes. 


FIG*  19. 


7 7 


THE  COCCYX. 

1,  2,  3,  and  4 are  the  four  pieces  of 
bone  composing  it.  5 5,  the  transverse 
processes  of  the  front  pieces.  6,  arti- 
cular surface  for  the  extremity  of  the 
sacrum,  which  is  the  triangular  bone 
composed  of  five  false  vertebra,  form- 
ing the  base  of  the  column.  7 7,  the 
cornua  or  horns  which  articulate  with 
the  sacral  cornua. 


FIG.  20. 


NERVES  OF  THE  PAPILLA  OF  THE  SKIN. 

A very  highly  magnified  view  of  the  terminal  loops  of  the  sensitive  nerves  as  they  rise  ' 
in  the  rows  of  papilla,  giving  sensibility  to  all  parts  of  the  body. 


20 


ANATOMY  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY, 


FIG.  21. 


I.  Frontal  branch  of  the  fifth  nerve  of  the  brain  which  bestows  sensation  alone.  II.  Su- 
perior maxillary,  or  that  branch  of  the  fifth  nerve  wh  icli  supplies  the  upper  jaw,  and  which, 
like  the  last,  arising  from  the  sensitive  root,  bestows  sensation  alone.  III.  Mental  or  in- 
ferior maxillary  branch  of  the  fifth  nerve.  This  also  comes  from  the  sensitive  root.  It  is 
called  mental,  because  it  is  involved  in  that  expression  which  indicates  the  emotions  of  the 
mind.  IV.  Temporal  branches  of  the  same  fifth  nerve.  They  are  distributed  on  the  temples, 
and  are  for  sensation.  V.  The  only  branch  of  the  fifth  nerve  which  arises  from  the  smaller 
or  motor  root,  and  assists  in  the  motion  of  those  muscles  which  are  employed  in  mastication 
or  chewing.  VI,  VII,  VIII,  IX.  These  are  spinal  nerves — the  first  of  the  series  which  come 
out  between  the  vertebra,  in  the  whole  length  of  the  spine,  to  supply  the  body  generally 
with  motion  and  sensation.  A.  The  facial  nerve.  It  is  situated  in  the  front  of  the  ear,  and 
is  the  motor  nerve  of  the  features.  It  sends  branches  (a)  to  the  muscles  of  the  forehead  and 
eyebrows.  Branches  ((>)  to  the  eyelids.  Branches  (c)  to  the  muscles  which  move  the  nostril 
and  upper  lip.  Branches  (d)  to  the  lower  lip.  Branches  (e)  going  down  to  the  side  of  tho  neck. 
Connections  (/)  with  the  spinal  nerves  of  the  neck.  A nerve  (g)  to  a portion  of  tho  muscle 
that  is  in  the  back  of  the  head,  and  to  muscles  of  the  ear.  B.  The  nervus  vagus,  or  the  wander- 
ing nerve,  so  named  from  its  extensive  distribution.  This  is  the  grand  respiratory  nervo. 
C.  The  spinal  accessory  nerve.  D.  the  ninth  nerve,  which  is  the  motor  nerve  ojl  the  tongm. 
E.  The  nerve  which  supplies  the  diaphragm.  F Branch  of  the  sympathetic  nerve.  G.  A 
branch  of  the  nervus  vagus,  which  goes  to  the  superior  portion  of  the  larynx  or  windpipe. 
H.  Another  branch  of  the  vagus,  which  goes  to  the  inferior  portion  of  tb  > lary  "x.  I.  T- 
nerve  which  goes  to  the  tongue  and  upper  part  of  the  gullet  called  the  pharynx. 


THE  THROAT. 


21 


The  Throat  is  generally  understood  to  mean  that  part 
of  the  human  frame  in  which  is  situated  the  hollow  cavity 
which  may  be  looked  into  when  the  mouth  is  wide  open. 

The  Trachea  is  the  cartilaginous  and  membranous  canal 


FIG.  22. 


VERTICAL  SECTION  OF  THE  HEAD,  SHOWING  THE  RELATION  OF  AIR  AND  FOOD  PASSAGES. 

1,  upper  turbinated  bone;  2,  middle  turbinated  bone;  3,  lower  turbinated  bone;  4,  hole 
leading  to  the  canal  which  drains  the  eye ; 5,  Eustachian  hole ; 6,  palate ; 7,  uvula ; 8,  epi- 
glottis ; 9,  pharynx ; 10,  larynx ; 11,  cricoid  cartilage ; 12,  thyroid  cartilage ; 13,  cavity  of 
the  mouth. 


22 


ANATOMY  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY. 


through  which  the  air  passes  into  the  lungs,  commonly  known 
as  the  windpipe.  Its  upper  part  is  called  the  larynx,  the 
uppermost  and  smallest  part  of  which  is  called  the  epiglottis, 
being  placed  over  the  glottis,  or  mouth  of  the  larynx,  and 


FIG.  23. 


THE  PHARYNX  LAID  OPEN  FROM  BEHIND. 


a,  tongue ; b,  palate : d,  e,  front  and  back  of  the  palate ; /,  walls  of  the  pharynx ; g,  pos- 
terior nares,  separated  by  the  vomer;  h,  epiglottis;  i,  head  of  windpipe;  k,  oesophagus;  l. 
Windpipe;  in,  under  jaw. 


serving  to  close  the  passage  to  the  lungs  in  the  act  of  swallow- 
ing. From  the  lower  end  of  the  larynx  the  canal  takes  the 
name  of  trachea,  and  extends  as  far  down  as  the  fourth  or  fifth 
vertebra  of  the  back,  where  it  divides  into  two  branches, 
which  are  the  right  and  left  bronchial  tubes.  Like  the  larynx, 
it  is  formed  of  cartilages,  united  to  each  other  by  means  of 
very  elastic  ligamentous  fibers.  It  is  also  furnished  with  mus- 
cular fibers,  some  of  which  pass  through  its  whole  extent  longi- 
tudinally, while  others  are  carried  round  it  in  a circular  direc- 


THE  THROAT. 


23 


tion ; and  hence  it  may  shorten  or  lengthen  itself,  or  contract  or 
dilate  its  passage. 

r o # FIO  24 

The  larynx  is  the  name  given 
to  the  organ  of  the  voice,  situ- 
ated at  the  entrance  of  the 
trachea,  where  it  forms  a con- 
siderable projection.  It  extends 
from  the  base  of  the  tongue 
to  the  trachea ; is  narrow  and 
cylindrical  below,  but  broad 
above,  where  it  presents  the 
form  of  a triangular  box,  being 
flattened  behind  and  at  the  sides, 
whilst  in  front  it  is  bounded 
by  a prominent  vertical  ridge. 

It  is  composed  of  cartilages 
connected  together  by  liga- 
ments, moved  by  numerous 
muscles,  is  lined  by  the  mucous  membrane,  and  supplied  with 
vessels  and  nerves.  The  cartilages  of  the  larynx  are  nine  in 
number,  three  single  and  three  in  pairs.  The  upper  opening  of 


INTERIOR  OF  THE  MOUTH. 


FIG.  25.  FIG.  26. 


BACK  VIEW  OF  THE  CARTILAGES  AND  LIGA- 
MENTS OF  THE  LARYNX. 

a,  ligament  of  the  tongue;  b,  epiglottis; 
c,  the  lateral  ligaments  connecting  the  os 
hyoides  and  the  thyroid  cartilage ; d,  cricoid 
cartilage;  e,  arytenoid  cartilages;  g,  the 
windpipe. 


BIDE  VIEW  OF  THE  LARYNX. 


a,  ligaments  of  the  tongue,  with  the 
epiglottis  at  the  back ; b,  thyroid  carti- 
lage ; c,  cricoid  cartilage ; /,  g , the  vocal 
cords. 


the  larynx  is  termed  the  glottis.  The  vocal  ligaments  are  two 
narrow  bands  of  dense,  fibrous,  and  highly  elastic  tissue, 
stretched  between  the  anterior  angle  of  the  thyroid  and  the 
anterior  surface  of  the  arytenoid  cartilages. 


24 


ANATOMY  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY, 


The  (Esophagus  is  a membranous  canal  leading  from  the 
pharynx  to  the  stomach,  and  forming  the  passage  through  which 


FIG.  27. 


BACK  VIEW  OF  THE  HEAT/  OF  THE 
PHARYNX,  CESOPHAGCS,  AND 
TRACHEA. 

a,  the  skull;  b,  cerebellum;  r, 
cephalic  artery ; d,  nasal  organs ; 
e,  vomer;/,  uvula;  g,  tongue;  h, 
parotid  glands;  i.  epiglottis;  k, 
larynx;  /,  head  of  the  pharynx; 
m,  oesophagus ; n,  trachea;  p,  left 
branch;  q,  right  branch  of  the 
trachea:  r,  large  artery;  s,  the 
heart;  u,  lower  vena  cava;  v,  the 
lungs. 


FIG.  28. 


MOUTH  OF  THE  WTNDPIPE. 

a,  glottis ; b,  c,  d,  the  vocal  cord*. 


FIG.  29. 


1,  vertebras,  or  joints  of  the  great  spinal 
column;  2,  the  oesophagus,  or  gullet, 
somewhat  flattened,  as  in  a state  of  rest; 
3,  the  windpipe;  4,  4,  the  carotid  arte- 
ries; 5,  5,  the  internal  jugular  veins. 
These,  with  the  nerves,  glands,  the  ex- 
ternal jugular  veins,  and  muscles  of  the 
neck,  are  enclosed  within  the  skin 
marked  by  the  double  line  and  figures  6, 
6 ; in  front  of  the  windpipe  lies  the  thy- 
roid gland,  7. 


the  food  descends  from  the  mouth  to  the  latter  organ.  It  com- 
mences at  the  cricoid  cartilage,  opposite  the  fifth  cervical  verte- 
bra, and,  descending  along  the  front  of  the  spine,  passes  through 


THE  THROAT. 


25 


the  diaphragm  opposite  the  ninth  dorsal  vertebra,  and  there 
ends  by  opening  at  the  cardiac  orifice  of  the  stomach.  Its  length 
is  about  nine  inches,  and  its  direction  nearly  straight,  having 
only  two  or  three  slight  curvatures.  In  the  neck,  the  oesopha- 
gus lies  immediately  behind  the  trachea. 

The  Pharynx  is  a muscular  funnel-shaped  cavity  at  the 
back  part  of  the  mouth,  which  receives  the  masticated  food, 
and  conveys  it  to  the  oesophagus.  It  is  broadest  about  the 
middle,  being  constricted  at  either  end,  more  particularly  below, 
where  it  terminates  in  the  oesophagus. 

The  Tonsils  are  the  round  or  oval-shaped  glands  situated 
between  the  arches  of  the  palate.  In  their  natural  state  they 
can  easily  be  discerned  slightly  projecting  on  each  side  of  the 
fauces ; but  when  swollen  and  inflamed,  as  they  often  are  in 
weakly  and  scrofulous  persons,  they  are  very  noticeable,  being 
bright  red,  and  often  hanging  down  so  as  to  nearly  fill  the 
throat,  and  render  swallowing  very  difficult. 


FIG.  30. 


FRONT  VIEW  OF  THE  CAVITY  OF  THE  CHEST. 

«,  b,  e,  npper,  lower,  and  middle  lobe  of  the  right  lung  ; d,  e.  upper  and  lower  lobe  of  the 
left  lung;  /,  heart;  g , pulmonary  artery, — this  artery  rises  from  the  right  ventricle  of  the 
hea  rt,  and  divides  into  two  branches,  one  going  to  each  lung;  i,  the  aorta,  or  large  artery  of 
the  heart;  k,  vena  cava;  l.  diaphragm;  m,  chest  bone;  ft,  windpipe;  o,  p,  right  and  left 
lobe  of  the  liver;  q,  stomach. 


26 


ANATOMY  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY. 


The  Lungs  are  the  respiratory  organs  situated  in  the 
thorax  or  chest,  and,  with  the  heart  and  larger  blood  vessels, 
they  nearly  fill  up  the  chest  cavity,  so  that  when  its  walls  are 
compressed,  the  air  is  forced  out  of  the  minute  air-cells  of  the 
lungs  into  the  several  elastic  tubes  (the  bronchi)  connected  with 
them.  These  bronchial  passages  afterwards  unite,  and  form 
one  tube,  the  trachea  or  windpipe,  through  which  the  air  passes 
upwards  and  downwards  in  the  act  of  respiration.  A reference 
to  Fig.  80  will  show  this  more  clearly.  Here  it  will  be  seen 
how  each  division  of  the  lungs  occupies  its  own  side  of  the 
chest;  the  left  is  the  smaller  of  the  two,  because  the  heart, 
whose  place  is  between  the  lungs,  takes  up  more  room  on  that 
side  than  on  the  other. 


FIG.  31. 


THE  LUNGS. 

a,  the  larynx;  b,  the  windpipe;  c,  d,  right  and  left 
branches  of  the  windpipe ; e,  e , the  bronchial  tubes ; 
/,  /,  pulmonary  vesicles. 


At  the  top  of  the  wind- 
pipe or  trachea  is  situated 
the  larynx  or  organ  of 
voice  ; while  the  lower  ex- 
tremity divides  into  two 
branches  or  bronchi,  one 
for  each  lung.  The  bron- 
chi divide  and  subdivide 
into  extremely  minute 
tubes  which  terminate  in 
the  air  cells,  small  mem- 
\ branous  cavities,  on  the 
walls  of  which  the  blood 
circulates  in  a network  of 
veins  in  such  a way  that  it 
is  brought  into  immediate 
connection  with  the  atmos- 
pheric air  drawn  in  by 
each  inspiration,  from  which 
it  obtains  a supply  of  oxy- 
con tains  make  their  way 


gen.  Other  gases  which  the  air 
through  the  extremely  thin  membrane  of  the  air-cells,  and  thus 
noxious  as  well  as  healthful  vapors,  or  gases,  are  liable  to  be 
introduced  into  the  circulation,  and  persons  are  sometimes 
poisoned  by  breathing,  as  well  as  by  eating  and  drinking,  dele- 
terious substances.  If  we  examine  the  structure  of  the  lungs, 
we  find  it  porous  like  a sponge.  When  by  the  action  of  certain 
muscles,  the  capacity  of  the  chest  is  increased,  the  air  rushes 
in  to  fill  the  vacuum,  and  expansion  of  the  lungs  takes  place  ; 
then  the  muscular  movement  ceases,  the  ribs,  by  their  weight 


THE  LUNGS. 


27 


FIG.  32. 


and  elasticity,  contract  and  force  out  the  air,  and  this  alternate 
expansion  and  contraction  constitutes  breathing,  in  the  act  of 
which  we  may  see  the  chest  rise  and  fall.  The  tubes,  air  cells, 
and  blood  vessels  of  the  lungs  are  held  together  by  what  is  called 
cellular  tissue.  The  lungs  are  enveloped  in  a membrane  which 
covers  their  surface,  and  also  the  surface  of  the  chest  walls,  for 
which  latter  purpose  it  is  reflected  back.  This  membrane  is 
called  the  pleura. 

The  action  of  the  lungs  may  be  increased  by  an  exercise  of 
the  will.  From  fifteen  to  twenty-two  is  the  average  number  of 
respirations  in  a minute,  under  ordinary  circumstances;  but 
this  number  may  be  very  greatly  increased  by  excitement, 
exercise,  or  disease. 

The  average  weight  of  the  lungs  in  a healthy  condition  is 
about  forty  ounces.  They 
are  of  a conical  shape,  and 
internally  concave  to  give 
a place  for  the  heart,  and 
externally  convex  to  suit 
the  concavity  of  the  chest. 

In  their  narrow  part  up- 
ward they  extend  a little 
above  the  first  rib,  their 
broad  and  slightly  concave 
bases  resting  upon  the 
diaphragm,  and  extending 
further  down  behind 
than  before.  Their  color  is 
dark  slate,  mottled  with 
black.  They  hang  free 
in  the  chest,  except  where 
they  are  attached  to  the 
roots,  consisting  of  the 
pulmonary  arteries,  veins, 
the  bronchial  tubes  and 
other  tissue.  The  areo- 
la or  cellular  tissue  which 
connects  together  the 
arteries,  veins,  and  air- 
cells,  together  with  the 

lobulus,  or  parenchyma , of  the  lungs,  constitutes  the  second 
distinct  tissue  of  which  they  are  composed, — the  first,  or  outer, 
being  the  pleura,  and  the  third,  or  inner,  the  mucous 


MAGNIFIED  VIEW  OF  A SECTION  OF  THE  LUNG. 

Showing  the  arrangement  of  some  of  the  lobules, 
the  communication  of  the  air-cells  in  one  lobule,  and 
their  separation  from  those  of  the  adjoining  lobule. 
The  ramifications  of  the  blood-vessels  in  the  texture 
of  the  lung,  and  their  course  through  the  air-cells 
are  also  seen.  1. 1,  branches  of  the  pulmonary  veins; 
2,  2,  branches  of  the  pulmonary  artery. 


28 


ANATOMY  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY. 


lining  of  the  air  passages  and  of  the  air-cells  or  alveoli,  into 
which  the  air  enters  when  we  breathe.  So  great  is  their 
number  that  they  have  been  calculated  to  amount  to 
170,000,000,  forming  a surface  thirty  times  greater  than  the 
human  body  Every  one  of  these  cells  is  provided  with  a net- 
work of  blood-vessels,  by  means  of  which  the  blood  is  brought 
into  immediate  contact  with  the  air  over  every  portion  of  their 
surface. 

The  lungs  of  an  infant  before  birth  are  dark  red,  and  con- 
tracted into  a small  space  within  the  cavity  of  the  chest.  They 
are  firm  and  specifically  heavier  than  water,  in  which  therefore 
they  sink,  whether  entire  or  cut  into  pieces.  They  also  give 
out  little  or  no  blood,  and  no  air-bubbles  arise  from  them. 
This,  therefore,  is  considered  a good  test  as  to  whether  a newly- 
born  infant  found  dead  under  suspicious  circumstances  was 
born  dead  or  alive.  If  it  has  ever  breathed  the  lungs  will  be 
expanded  with  air  and  float  on  water ; they  will  be  of  a pale  red 
color,  have  a loose  spongy  texture,  fill  the  cavity  of  the  chest, 
and  cover  the  heart,  as  we  see  them  in  the  diagram  of  that 
organ  above  referred  to. 

Many  of  the  diseases  to  which  the  lungs  are  liable  are,  in 
their  first  stages,  of  an  inflammatory  character,  and  it  is  impor- 
tant to  ascertain,  as  soon  as  they  are  attacked,  in  which  of  the 
various  tissues  the  mischief  resides.  The  condition  of  the  lungs 
can  generally  be  ascertained  with  tolerable  certainty  by  means  of 
auscultation ; the  passage  of  the  air  into  and  through  them  gives 
rise  to  certain  definite  sounds  well  understood  by  the  practiced 
ear,  when  applied  to  the  outside  of  the  chest,  either  with  or 
without  a stethoscope.  When  the  lungs  are  not  affected  these 
sounds  vary  but  slightly  in  different  individuals,  so  that  any 
deviation  from  their  ordinary  and  natural  tone  or  compass  is 
easily  detected  as  an  indication  of  disease.  In  pneumonia  por- 
tions of  the  lungs  are  solidified  so  that  air  penetrates  the  cells 
with  difficulty,  and  in  pleurisy  the  lung  may  be  surrounded 
with  fluid.  In  either  case  percussion  gives  a dull,  heavy  sound. 
The  power  of  conducting  sound  varies  according  to  the  con- 
dition of  the  lung  structure,  so  that  percussion  is  sure  to  pro- 
duce such  a response  from  within  as  gives  the  skilled  physician 
all  the  information  which  he  requires. 

The  Heart  is  the  great  central  organ  of  circulation.  Its 
form  is  that  of  a cone,  having  its  base  directed  backward 
towards  the  spine,  and  its  apex  forward  and  downward  towards 
the  left  side,  so  that  with  each  beat  it  may  be  felt  striking 


THE  HEART. 


29 


between  the  fifth  and  sixth  ribs,  about  four  inches  to  the  left  of 
the  median  line.  In  its  natural  position  it  rests  upon  the 
diaphragm,  having  the  surface  on  which  it  lies  somewhat 
flattened. 


FIG.  33. 


FRONT  VIEW  OF  THE  HEART,  WITH  THE  WALLS  OF  THE  RIGHT  AND  LEFT  VENTRICLES 

REMOVED. 

a,  t,  right  and  left  walls  of  the  ventricles  ; c,  septum  ventriculorum  , d,  cavity  of  the 
right  ventricle;  e,  cavity  of  the  left  ventricle,  f,  valves  of  the  right  ventricie;  <j , valves 
of  the  left  ventricle;  h,  entrance  of  the  pulmonary  artery;  i,  entrance  of  the  aorta, 
l,m,  upper  and  lower  vena  cava;  n,  pulmonary  artery;  o,  aorta;  q,  heart-case,  or  peri- 
cardium. 


The  heart  is  inclosed  in  a moist  membranous  sack  called  the 
pericardium,  which  allows  it  a free  motion  without  friction. 
Behind  and  above,  the  pericardium  is  also  loosely  attached  to 
the  upper  and  back  part  of  the  chest.  In  a healthy  state,  the 
pericardium  is  lined  with  what  is  called  the  serous  mem- 
brane, which  is  smooth  and  moist,  and  constitutes  its  inner 
coat  or  layer,  the  outer  one  being  fibrous. 


30 


ANATOMY  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY. 


The  heart  may  be  described  as  a hollow  muscle,  haviug 
four  cavities,  two  on  each  side.  Its  action  is  that  of  a double 
pump,  intended  to  carry  on  the  twofold  circulation,  namely, 
through  the  body  and  through  the  lungs, — the  auricle  and 


FIG.  34. 


FRONT  VIEW  OF  THE  HEART,  WITH  THE  PERICARDIUM  DRAWN  ASIDE. 


ventricle  on  the  left  side  being  devoted  to  the  former,  and  those 
on  the  right  side  to  the  latter.  Between  the  cavities  on  one 
side  and  those  on  the  other,  there  is  no  natural  communication 
after  birth,  but  each  auricle  is  connected  with  its  corresponding 
ventricle  by  an  opening  guarded  by  a valve  which  opens  for  the 
blood  to  pass  in  the  right  direction,  any  attempt  to  return 
being  instantly  resisted  by  the  closing  of  the  valves.  Should 
these  become  disabled  so  that  they  perform  their  office  im- 
perfectly, there  will  be  regurgitation,  or  return  of  the  blood, 
which  occasions  serious  derangement  of  the  circulation,  result- 
ing in  organic  disease.  These  valves,  which  are  also  placed 


THE  FACE. 


31 


FIG.  35. 


where  the  blood  vessels  enter  the  different  cavities  of  the  heart, 
consist  of  membranous  folds,  and  are,  according  to  their  form, 
either  sigmoid  or  semilunar.  The  regurgitation  of  the  blood 

is  not  an  unfrequent  cause  of  hemor- 
rhage or  dropsy. 

It  will  perhaps  conduce  to  better 
understanding  if  we  enter  a little  more 
fully  into  explanation,  and  refer  back  to 
Fig.  30,  which  exhibits  the  heart  more 
in  its  relations  to  the  surrounding  parts. 
Let  it  be  understood  that  the  two  large 
organs  on  either  side  are  the  lungs  : f is 
the  heart  itself,  receiving  into  its  right 
auricle  the  blood  from  the  vena  cava 
(&);  this  represents  the  venous  circu- 
lation and  the  return  blood  on  its  way 
back  to  the  lungs  to  be  reoxygenized. 
The  right  ventricle  sends  the  blood 
through  the  pulmonary  artery.  Op- 
posite to  this,  or  on  the  left  side,  is  the 
left  auricle  from  which  the  purified 
blood  passes  into  the  ventricle,  and  is 
pumped  out  into  the  aorta.  These  are 
the  main  channels  of  the  arterial  circu- 
lation. The  contraction  of  the  ven- 
tricle to  force  out  the  blood  is  called  the  systole , and  its 
dilation  the  diastole.  At  the  root  of  each  of  the  above  named 
arteries  are  three  valves,  which  are  so  arranged  that  when 
there  is  any  regurgitation  they  assume  the  appearance  repre- 
sented by  Fig.  36. 

The  heart  not  only  by  its  contraction  propels 
the  blood,  but  by  its  expansion  it  produces  suction 
to  draw  it  up,  so  that  it  is  at  once  both  a suc- 
tion and  a force  pump;  and  such  is  the  power 
of  its  action  that  the  whole  mass  of  the  circu- 
lation, about  twenty-eight  pounds,  goes  through 
the  system  in  the  space  of  three  minutes. 

The  Face,  Lips,  Mouth,  Jaws,  Teeth 
and  Gums. — The  face  is  the  front  portion  of 
the  head.  It  consists  of  fourteen  bones  all  firmly 
joined  together,  except  the  lower  jawbone.  The  principal  cavi- 
ties are  the  mouth,  orbits  of  the  eyes,  the  external  auditory  open- 
ings, and  the  nasal  openings.  The  nasal  cavities  in  the  skull 


IDEAL  SECTION  OF  MAMMALIAN 
HEART. 

1,  superior  vena  cava;  2,  in- 
ferior vena  cava;  3,  left  auricle; 
4,  left  ventricle ; 5,  mitral  valve; 
6,  septum  ventriculorum;  7,  aorta; 
8,  pulmonary  arteries;  9,  pulmon- 
ary veins ; 10,  right  auricle ; 11, 
right  ventricle;  14,  descending 
aorta ; 15,  tricuspid  valves. 


FIG.  36. 


HEART  VALVE. 


32 


ANATOMY  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY. 


are  large, — the  nose  being  composed  chiefly  of  cartilage,  divided 
by  thin  vertebral  plates,  pierced  above  with  numerous  holes  for 
the  passage  of  the  olfactory  nerves. 

The  muscles  of  the  face  are  numerous; 
and  to  these  we  are  indebted  for  that  infinite 
variety  of  expression  that  characterizes  the 
human  countenance,  and  reveals  the  work- 
ings of  the  human  mind. 

The  lips  are  the  edge  or  border  of  the 
mouth.  In  man,  and  some  other  animals, 
the  lips  are  two  fleshy  muscular  parts,  com- 
posing the  exterior  of  the  mouth.  They 
cover  the  teeth  and  form  part  of  the  organs 
of  speech,  being  essential  to  the  utterance  of 
some  sounds,  called  labiates . These  parts 
owe  their  red  color  to  their  extremely  vas- 
cular structure,  and  the  thinness  of  the 
covering  membrane ; and  their  sensitiveness 
to  an  abundant  supply  of  minute  nerves.  B}r 
the  color  and  general  appearance  of  the  lip, 
we  may  often  judge  with  tolerable  accu- 
racy of  the  health  of  the  individual:  if 
they  be  pale,  thin,  and  shrunken,  there 
is  a deficiency  of  the  red  globules  in  the 
blood  and  a want  of  vigor  in  the  circula- 
tion. This  we  find  to  be  the  case  in  ansemia 
and  some  other  forms  of  disease.  When 
the  lips  are  full  and  are  more  or  less 
purple  in  their  tint,  we  know  that  the 
blood  is  not  sufficiently  oxygenized,  and 
there  is  danger  of  congestion  of  the  brain. 

The  mouth  is  the  cavity  which  contains  the  tongue  and 
teeth.  It  serves  as  a receptacle  for  the  food  which  is  to  be 
masticated  and  conveyed  to  the  stomach.  By  its  action  artic- 
ulate sounds  are  rendered  possible.  The  parts  which  are  imme- 
diately connected  with  it  are  the  lips,  the  upper  and  lower  jaws, 
the  palate  and  tonsils,  and  the  fauces.  It  is  lined  by  mucous 
membrane,  which  stretches  from  the  tongue  to  the  lower  jaw, 
and  contains  the  salivary  glands,  which  open  by  ducts  into  va- 
rious parts  of  the  cavity,  and  supply  it  with  moisture. 

The  upper  jaw,  or  the  superior  maxillary  bone,  is  the  largest 
bone  in  the  face,  with  the  exception  of  the  inferior  maxillary  or 
lower  jawbone.  It  forms,  with  its  opposite  half,  the  whole  of  the 


FIG.  37. 


IDEAL  VIEW  OF  THE 
COURSE  OF  CIRCULATION. 


a , incloses  the  four 
chambers  of  the  heart; 
b.  veins  bringing  dark 
blood  to  c,  right  auricle ; 
d,  right  ventricle;  e,  pul- 
monary artery ; /,  begin- 
ning of  pulmonary  vein 
conveying  the  arterialized 
blood  to  g,  left  auricle  ; h, 
left  ventricle ; i,  arteries. 
The  arrows  show  the  di- 
rection ol  the  current. 


THE  TEETH. 


83 


upper  jaw,  and  assists  in  the  construction  of  the  nose,  orbit, 
cheek,  and  palate. 


FIG.  38.  FIG.  39. 


THE  RIGHT  SIDE  OF  THE  SUPERIOR  MAXIL-  THE  LOWER  JAW, 

LARY,  AS  SEEN  IN  ITS  LATERAL  ASPECT,  OR  INFERIOR  MAXILLARY. 

The  muscles  of  the  jaws,  as  might  be  supposed  from  the 
work  they  have  to  do,  are  strong  and  numerous.  The  action 
of  the  lower  jaw  is  effected  by  the  attachment  of  fourteen 
pairs  of  muscles  and  of  the  upper  by  that  of  ten  muscles. 
Many  nerves,  arteries,  and  veins  are  also  connected  with  them. 

The  Teeth. — True  bony  teeth  are  found  only  in  the  higher 
or  vertebrate  animals,  and  of  these  only  the  highest  class — the 

mammalia,  at  the  head  of  which 
is  man — have  them  in  single 
rows  in  each  jaw,  and  sixteen 
teeth  in  each  row.  They  are  of 
three  kinds,  as  represented  in 
the  annexed  diagram. 

First,  we  have  the  large  teeth 
behind,  with  broad  flat  surfaces, 
which,  on  account  of  their  func- 
tions, are  called  grinders  (a) ; 
they  are  sometimes  termed  molar 
teeth.  Altogether  they  are 
twelve  in  number,  being  three 
on  each  side  of  both  upper  and 
lower  jaw : the  last  molar  tooth 
on  each  side  is  called  the  wisdom 
tooth,  from  the  fact  that  it  does  not  appear  until  man  is  sup- 
posed to  have  attained  years  of  discretion,  namely,  from  the 


FIG.  40 


34 


ANATOMY  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY. 


eighteenth  to  the  thirtieth  years  of  his  age.  In  front  of  the 
Molars,  on  either  side,  are  two  teeth  whose  surfaces  are  less 

broad,  and  which,  having  two  sharp  projections  on  each,  are 
termed  Bicuspids  (two-pointed)  (6).  The  sixth  tooth  on  each 
fig.  4i.  side  is  the  Eye  Tooth  (c) ; it  has  but  one 

point  or  projection,  hence  these  teeth 
have  been  called  Cuspidata  (pointed). 
From  its  large  development  in  dogs,  this 
has  been  called  the  Canine  Tooth.  Be- 
tween these  last  on  each  side,  coming  in 
front  of  the  mouth,  we  have  four  teeth 
which  have  neither  the  broad  surface  of  the  grinders,  nor  the 
point  of  the  cuspidata ; but  they  are  flat,  having  a sharp  edge 
like  a knife : hence  they  have  been  called  Incisors,  or  Cutting 
Teeth  (d). 

The  above  illustration  (Fig.  41)  exhibits  more  clearly  than 
the  foregoing,  the  peculiar  form  of  the  Molares,  Bicuspids,  and 
Cuspids,  with  their  fangs  or  roots. 

The  above  three  sorts  of  teeth,  which  we  may  call  grinders, 
tearers,  and  cutters,  represent  three  classes  of  teeth  among  the 
lower  animals ; that  man  has  them  all  we  may  take  as  an  evi- 
dence that  he  is  intended  to  be  an  omnivorous  feeder. 

Although  the  teeth  form  so  prominent  and  distinguishing  a 
feature  of  all  the  full-grown  individuals  of  the  higher  forms  of 
animals,  yet  most  of  these  animals,  including  man,  are  born  with- 
out any  teeth  at  all.  When  the  child  is  born,  the  jaw  is  covered 
with  gums,  but  underneath  the  gums  are  little  cavities  in  which 
the  teeth  are  formed ; and,  as  they  go  on  growing,  they  at  last 
press  upon  the  gum,  and  causing  it  to  absorb,  finally  break 
through  it.  This  process  is  called  dentition.  It  is  frequently  a 
source  of  disordered  health  to  children,  especially  if  anything 
occurs  to  prevent  the  absorption  and  ready  yielding  of  the  gum 
to  the  pressure  of  the  tooth  below.  The  absence  of  teeth  dur- 
ing the  period  of  human  infancy  evidently  indicates  that  the 
food  required  at  that  period  does  not  need  their  employment. 
It  is  a well-known  fact  that  the  food  of  the  infant  is  its  mother’s 
milk;  but  it  is  too  often  forgotten  that,  till  teeth  are  developed, 
Nature  does  not  intend  the  child  to  take  food  that  requires 
preparation  by  teeth  in  order  to  its  digestion.  The  practice  of 
feeding  young  children  with  solid  food  is  the  cause  of  great 
destruction  of  life  ; and  any  artificial  food  should  be  cautiously 
administered,  in  cases  of  necessity,  till  the  first  teeth  have 
appeared. 

In  the  adult  person  there  are  thirty-two  teeth;  but  if  we 


THE  TEETH. 


35 


3xamine  the  jaw  of  a child  after  it  has  “cut”  all  its  teeth,  and 
before  it  is  six  years  old,  we  shall  find  that  it  has  but  twenty. 
Nor  are  these  teeth  increased  in  number  by  the  addition  of 
others ; but  whilst  this  first  set  of  teeth  are  performing  their 
duties,  an  entirely  new  set  is  growing  underneath  them,  in  pre- 
cisely the  same  way  as  they  did  at  first.  Gradually  the  fangs 
of  the  first  set  of  teeth  are  absorbed,  in  consequence  of  the 
pressure  of  those  beneath,  and  they  fall  out,  or  are  easily  re- 
moved, and  make  way  for  the  others.  The  order  in  which  the 
teeth  appear,  as  well  as  the  time,  is  subject  to  considerable 
deviations,  but  the  following  periods  will  be  found  to  be  about 
the  time : — 

FIRST,  OR  MILK  TEETH. 

2 lower  middle  incisors 4th  to  8th  month. 

2 upper  middle  incisors 4th  to  8th  month. 

4 lateral  incisors 4th  to  11th  month. 

4 anterior,  or  first  molars 12th  to  18th  month. 

4 eye,  or  canine  teeth 16th  to  22d  month. 

4 back  molars 19th  to  38th  month. 

20 

In  some  children  the  whole  of  the  teeth  may  be  cut  by  the 
end  of  the  third  year,  whilst  in  others,  the  process  of  dentition 
may  be  prolonged  to  the  fifth  year. 

ORDER  OF  APPEARANCE  OF  THE  PERMANENT  TEETH. 

4 first  molars,  one  on  each  of  the  two  sides  of  the  two 


jaws 6th  to  7th  year. 

4 middle  incisors,  two  in  each  jaw 7th  to  8th  year. 

4 lateral  incisors,  a little  later  than  the  last 7th  to  8th  year. 

4 first  bicuspids 8th  to  9th  year. 

4 last  bicuspids i )th  to  12th  year. 

4 eye,  or  canine  teeth i i , h to  13th  year. 

4 second  molars 12th  to  14th  year. 

4 back  molars,  or  wisdom  teeth 18th  to  30th  year. 


32 

The  internal  structure  of  the  teeth  is  very  complicated.  If 
we  make  a vertical  section  of  a tooth  with  a fine  saw,  and  after 
having  polished  it  on  a hard  and  smooth  whetstone,  submit  it 
to  an  examination  under  the  microscope,  we  shall  easily  make 
out  the  parts  indicated  in  the  cut.  We  shall  discover  that  there 
are  three  very  distinct  portions.  First,  the  enamel  (in  cut  a), 
which  covers  the  whole  of  the  external  part  of  the  tooth; 
second,  the  dentine  (6), — this  substance,  which  is  so  largely 
developed  in  the  tusks  of  the  elephant  and  other  pachydermatous 
animals,  constitutes  ivory ; third,  the  cement  (c)  or  bone,  forming 
the  external  covering  or  facing  of  the  tooth.  In  the  middle  of 
the  tooth  ( d ) is  the  pulp  cavity.  Into  this  cavity  the  nerves 
and  blood-vessels  of  the  tooth  penetrate,  and  thus  serve  to  main- 
tain the  living  connection  between  the  tooth  and  the  rest  of  the 
body. 


36 


ANATOMY  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY. 


Each  hard  part  of  the  tooth  is  differently  formed.  The 
enamel  is  by  far  the  hardest  of  these  structures,  and  is  com- 
posed of  dense  semi-transparent  fibres,  placed  side  by  side,  and 
so  small  that  they  do  not  measure  more  than 
the  five-thousandth  part  of  an  inch  in  diameter. 
These  little  fibres  penetrate  the  dentine  be- 
neath. This  substance  is  composed  of  two 
parts,  namely,  a number  of  very  minute  tubes 
anastomosing  with  each  other,  and  an  inter- 
tubular tissue.  The  tubes  commence  in  the 
pulp-cavity,  and  pass  on  to  the  outside  of  the 
tooth.  The  intertubular  substance  is  com- 
posed of  very  minute  white  granules  or 
globules.  The  cement  which  covers  the  out- 
side of  the  fang  has  a structure  precisely  like 
that  of  ordinary  bone. 

The  teeth  are  inserted  in — or  rather,  de- 
veloped  out  of — the  upper  and  lower  jaws. 
The  upper  jaw  is  fixed,  but  the  lower  jaw  has 
two  round  projections,  which  are  inserted  into 
cavities  in  the  skull,  in  which  they  move  with 
great  facility.  This  movement  is  different  in 
different  animals.  In  those  creatures  which 
feed  upon  vegetable  fibre,  as  it  exists  in  the 
leaves  and  branches  of  plants,  the  jaw  admits 
of  a lateral  motion,  and  the  trituration  and  re- 
duction of  this  kind  of  food  is  thus  insured.  On  the  other  hand, 
in  animals  which  partake  of  food  that  requires  no  bruising 
before  it  is  carried  into  the  stomach,  this  lateral  movement 
would  be  of  no  use ; hence,  in  the  carnivora  we  find  this  action 
of  the  jaw  confined  to  a simple  up-and-down  movement,  by 
which  the  food  is  merely  divided  or  cut  into  smaller  pieces. 
When  we  examine  the  jaw  of  the  human  being,  we  find  that  it 
has  a combination  of  these  two  movements, — that  it  combines 
the  rotatory  action  of  the  ruminant  with  the  up-and-down  move- 
ment of  the  carnivora. 

The  Tongue. — The  tongue  is  composed  of  muscular  fibres, 
which  are  distributed  in  layers  arranged  in  various  directions. 
Between  these  fibres  is  a considerable  quantity  of  adipose  sub- 
stance, and  in  the  middle  is  a vertical  septum  of  fibrous  tissue. 
The  tongue  is  connected  behind  with  the  os  hyoides  by 
muscular  attachment,  and  to  the  epiglottis  by  the  mucous 
membrane,  which  forms  the  three  folds  called  the  fraenum  of 
the  epiglottis.  At  either  side  it  is  held  in  connection 


FIG.  42. 


VERTICAL  SECTION  OF 
A TOOTH. 


THE  TONGUE. 


37 


with  the  lower  jaw  by  the  mucous  membrane ; and  in  front 
a fold  of  that  membrane,  which  is  named  the  fraenum,  is 
formed  beneath  its  under  surface.  The  tongue  is  covered  by  a 
dense  layer,  analogous  to  the  corium  of 
the  skin,  which  gives  support  to  the 
Papillae.  A Raphe  marks  the  middle  line 
of  the  tongue,  and  divides  it  into  sym- 
metrical halves. 

The  tongue,  like  the  whole  of  the  in- 
ternal passages  of  the  body,  is  covered 
with  mucous  membrane.  This  membrane, 
when  examined,  is  found  to  be  a continua- 
tion of  the  skin  which  covers  the  external 
surface  of  the  body,  and,  like  it,  is  com- 
posed of  two  principal  parts, — a layer  of 
fibres  and  vessels,  covered  above  with  cells. 

It  is  the  condition  of  these  superficial  cells 
that  constitutes  the  difference  between 
the  skin  and  mucous  membrane.  The  first 
are  always  dry  and  hard,  whilst  the  latter 
are  soft,  and  covered  with  a fluid  secretion, 
called  mucus.  This  membrane  covers  the 
whole  surface  of  the  tongue,  and  is  pro- 
longed below,  passing  on  either  side  of  a 
mass  of  tissue  under  the  tongue,  which  is 
called  the  Frsenum,  or  string  of  the  tongue. 

It  is  this  part  of  the  tongue  which,  being 
prolonged  to  an  unusual  extent  along  the 
floor  of  the  mouth,  constitutes  the  condi- 
tion which  is  called  “ tongue-tied.”  It  is 
very  seldom  indeed  that  this  affection 
exists  to  an  extent  to  require  interference ; 
but  it  is  very  often  imagined  to  be  present 
by  officious  nurses  and  anxious  mothers, 
when  the  structure  of  the  tongue  is  per-  tongue;  8 epiglottis 
tectly  natural.  It  should,  however,  be  the  greater  cornua  of  the 
known  that  occasionally  so  large  a blood-  os  hy0Ldes • 
vessel  may  be  wounded  in  this  proceeding  as  to  produce  alarm- 
ing consequences  on  the  system  of  a new-born  babe. 

Under  the  mucous  membrane,  and  causing  projections  on 
its  surface,  lie  the  Papillae  of  the  tongue.  These  papillae  vary  in 
size,  but  are  very  obvious  to  the  naked  eye  when  the  tongue  is 
put  out.  On  examining  them  with  the  microscope,  they  are 
found  to  consist  of  blood-vessels  and  nerves.  The  nerves  which 


FIG.  43. 


THE  TONGUE. 


1,  the  raphe,  which  some- 
times divides  in  two 
branches  as  in  the  figure ; 
2,  2,  the  lobes,  the  rounded 
eminences  here  and  near 
the  top  being  the  papillx 
fungi  formes,— the  smaller 
ones  among  which  they  are 
dispersed  being  the  papillx 
conicex  and  filiformis  ; 3,  tip 
of  the  tongue 4, 4,  its  sides, 
on  which  are  seen  the 
lamellated  and  fringed 
papillas ; 5,  5,  the  A-shaped 
row  of  papillx  circumvallata ; 
6,  the  foramen  cxcum ; 7,  mu- 
cous elands  at  the  root  of 


38 


ANATOMY  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY. 


are  sent  to  these  little  papillae  are  not  supplied  from  the  sai^v> 
nerves  which  are  furnished  to  the  muscles  in  order  to  give  theui 
the  power  of  movement,  but  from  a special  source ; and  the 
branch  of  the  nerve  which  is  thus  supplied  is  called  the  gusta- 
tory, on  account  of  its  being  the  part  of  the  nervous  system 
which  gives  the  special  sense  of  taste.  Through  this  organiza- 
tion, then,  the  tongue  is  not  only  enabled  to  assist  in  mastica- 
tion, but  it  becomes  the  principal  source  of  enjoyment  in  the 
taking  of  food  that  is  agreeable  to  the  taste. 

The  mucous  membrane,  as  well  as  the  form  of  the  tongue, 
are  liable  to  considerable  changes  in  appearance,  indicative  of 
disordered  states  of  the  system.  It  is  on  this  account  that  the 
tongue  is  so  constantly  examined  by  the  medical  man  in  dis- 
eases of  the  body.  Its  form  and  movements  will  often  indicate 
the  general  state  of  the  nervous  and  muscular  systems ; whilst 
the  appearance  of  the  surface  is  an  index  to  the  condition  of 
the  mucous  membranes  throughout  the  whole  body. 

The  Gums  are  the  cellular  and  mucous  membranes  which 
cover  the  alveolar  processes  of  the  jaw  before  the  growth  of  the 
teeth,  the  fangs  of  which  they  afterwards  envelope. 

The  Eye. — The  Eyeball,  is  a hollow  globe,  or  small  spheri- 
cal chamber,  about  one  inch  in  diameter,  having  the  segment  of 
a smaller  sphere  engrafted  on  its  front  surface.  This  is  what 
we  see  projecting  like  a bow  window,  as  it  were,  when  we  take 
a side  view  of  the  face.  It  is,  in  fact,  the  window  of  the 
chamber,  and  through  it  pass  the  rays  of  light  which  paint 
pictures  on  the  retina  within,  of  outward  scenes  and  objects. 
In  Fig.  44  this  projection  is  very  distinctly  marked,  giving  to 
the  sphere  a frontal  elongation.  This  globe  is  composed  of  in- 
vesting tunics,  three  in  number,  and  of  refracting  media,  called 
humors,  of  which  there  are  also  three.  The  lines  encircling 
this  globe  represent  the  tunics  by  which  the  humors  are  kept 
in  their  proper  place. 

Fig.  45  represents  the  Eyeball  divested  of  its  first  tunic, 
so  as  to  exhibit  the  second,  with  the  beautiful  distribution  of 
the  veins  of  the  choroid,  called  venae  vorticosae,  from  the  pe- 
culiar manner  of  their  arrangement.  This  is  the  external  layer 
of  the  choroid,  which  is  connected  with  the  ciliary  ligament. 
Next  to  it  comes  the  middle  or  arterial  layer,  composed 
chiefly  of  the  ramifications  of  minute  arteries.  It  is  a 
tunic  reflected  towards  its  junction  with  the  ciliary  liga- 
ment, where  it  forms  what  are  called  the  ciliary  processes 
already  spoken  of.  The  internal  layer  of  this  tunic  is  called 
the  membrano  pigmenti,  which  is  composed  of  several  laminae 


THE  EYE, 


39 


of  minute  six-sided  cells,  which  are  arranged  like  a tessellated 
pavement,  and  contain  granules  of  pigmentum  nigra,  or  black 
paint ; this  is  not,  however,  quite  black,  but  of  a deep,  choco- 
late color.  In  Fig.  44  we  see  it  in  the  dark  line  which  en- 
circles the  globe,  and  thickens  considerably  towards  the  front. 


1 marks  the  course  of  the  outer  tunic, 
called  the  sclerotic,  which  invests  four- 
fifths  of  the  globe,  and  gives  it  its  peculiar 
form.  It  is  a dense  fibrous  membrane, 
thicker  behind  than  in  front,  where  it  pre- 
sents a bevelled  edge,  into  which  fits  like  a 
watch-glass  the  cornea  (2),  which  invests  the 
projecting  portion  of  the  globe,  and  is  com- 
posed of  four  layers,  viz.,  the  conjunctiva,  or 
cornea  propria,  consisting  of  thin  lamellae,  or 
scales,  connected  by  an  extremely  fine 
areolar  tissue ; the  cornea  elastica — an  elastic 
and  excessively  transparent  membrane, 
which  lines  the  inner  surface  of  the  last; 
and  the  lining  membrane  of  this  front  vesti- 
bule of  the  Eyeball,  whose  second  tunic  is 
formed  by  the  choroid,  (3),  represented  by 
the  dark  line ; the  ciliary  ligament  (4),  which 
developes  from  its  inner  surface  the  ciliary 
processes,  and  the  iris  (6),  of  which  the  open- 
ing at  7 represents  the  pupil.  The  third 
tunic,  is  the  retina  (8),  which  is  carried  for- 
ward to  the  lens  (12),  by  the  zonula  ciliaris , a 

prolongation  of  its  vascular  layers  passing  along  the  front  of  the  Canal  of  Petit  (9),  which  en- 
tirely surrounds  the  lens.  In  the  spaco  marked  10,  is  contained  the  aqueous  humor ; 11  is  the 
posterior  chamber;  12,  the  lens,  more  cc  behind  than  before,  and  enclosed  in  its  proper 
capsule  ; 13  marks  the  inner  area  of  *’.3  globe,  filled  with  a thin  membrane  called  the 
hyaloid,  and  containing  the  vitreous  humor;  14  is  the  tubular  sheath  of  the  membrane, 
through  which  passes  an  artery  connected  with  the  capsule  of  the  lens,  and,  at  the  back  of 
the  eye,  with  the  optic  nerve,  as  represented  at  16.  Of  this  nerve,  15  marks  the  neurileuma, 
or  sheath. 


1,  part  of  the  outer  tunic,  the  sclerotic; 
2,  the  optic  nerve,  communicating  with  the 
ball  at  the  back ; 3,  3,  distinguish  the  out- 
line of  the  choroid  coat ; 4,  the  ciliary  liga- 
ment, a dense  white  structure  which  sur- 
rounds, like  a broad  ring,  the  circumfer- 
ence of  the  iris  (5).  This  ligament  serves 
as  a bond  of  union  between  the  external 
and  middle  tunics  of  the  Eyeball,  and 
serves  to  connect  the  cornea  and  sclerotica 
at  their  lines  of  junction  with  the  iris  and 
external  layer  of  the  choroid;  6,  6,  mark 
the  verm  vorticosce ; and  7,  7,  the  trunks  of 
these  veins  at  the  point  where  they  have 
pierced  the  sclerotica;  8,  8,  the  posterior 
ciliary  veins,  which  enter  the  Eyeball  in 
company  with  the  posterior  ciliary  arteries, 
by  piercing  the  sclerotica  at  9.  The  course 
of  one  of  the  long  ciliary  nerves,  accom- 
panied by  a vein,  is  marked  by  10. 


Our  next  diagram  (Fig.  46)  represents  a front  segment  of  a 
transverse  section  of  the  Globe  of  the  Eye,  and  again  exhibits 
that  beautiful  arrangement  of  parts  for  which  this  organ  is  so 
remarkable. 


40 


ANATOMY  OP  THE  HUMAN  BODY. 


We  have  hitherto  been  looking  upon  this  wondrous  little 
globe  from  without.  Let  us  now  take  a view  of  it  from  within, 
as  represented  in  Fig.  47.  This  is  a posterior  segment  of  a 

FIG.  46.  FIG.  47. 


/ 


TRANSVERSE  SECTION  OF  THE  POSTERIOR  SEGMENT  OF  A 

GLOBE  OF  THE  EYE.  TRANSVERSE  SECTION  OF  THE  EYE. 


1,  the  divided  edges  of  the  three  tissues, 
the  sclerotic  (outer),  choroid  (middle  and 
dark),  and  retina  (inner),  which  last  is  com- 
posed of  three  membranous  layers,  the  ex- 
ternal being  serous,  the  middle  nervous, 
and  the  internal  vascular;  2,  th e pupil,  that 
central  spot,  which  enlarges  or  contracts, 
according  as  more  or  less  light  is  required 
to  be  admitted ; 3,  the  iris,  so  called  from 
iris,  a rainbow,  on  account  of  its  variety  of 
color  in  different  individuals.  It  is  com- 
posed of  an  anterior  muscular  layer,  con- 
sisting of  radiating  fibres,  which,  converging  from  the  centre  toward  the  circumference, 
have  the  power  of  dilating  the  pupil ; and  also  of  circular  fibres,  which,  surrounding  the 
pupil  like  a sphincter  performs  the  duty  of  contracting  its  area.  The  posterior,  or  hinder 
layer,  is  of  a deep  purple  tint,  and  is  hence  named  uvea,  from  its  resemblance  to  a ripe 
grape.  This  is  the  surface  of  the  iris  presented  to  view  in  the  above  section.  4,  ciliary 
processes ; 5,  scalloped  anterior  border  of  the  retina. 


1,  the  three  outer  tunics;  2,  the  entrance 
of  the  optic  nerve,  with  the  vein  known  as 
the  anteria  centralis  retince  piercing  its  centre ; 
4 is  the  foramen  of  Soemmering,  situated  in 
the  middle  of  the  axis  of  the  eye.  This  is 
a circular  spot,  surrounded  by  a yellow 
halo,  called  the  limbus  luteus.  This  halo  is 
commonly  obscured  by  a fold  of  the 
retina  (5). 


transverse  section  of  the  ball.  Here  again  we  see,  of  course, 
only  the  divided  edges  of  the  tunics  on  the  three  outer  rings 
from  which  extends  the  membrane  covering  the  whole  internal 
surface  of  the  retina.  The  foramen,  which  signifies  an  opening, 
has  been  found  to  exist  only  in  animals  which  have  the  axes  of 
the  eyeballs  parallel  with  each  other,  as  man,  the  quadrumania, 
and  some  saurian  reptiles. 

The  Lens,  or  crystalline  humor,  marked  12  in  Fig.  44,  is 
situated  immediately  behind  the  pupils,  and  surrounded  by  the 
ciliary  processes  which  overlap  its  margin.  It  is  less  convex 
on  the  front  than  on  the  hinder  surface,  and  is  invested  by  a 
peculiarly  transparent  and  elastic  membrane  called  the  Capsule, 
which  contains  a small  quantity  of  fluid  called  the  Liquor 
Morgani,  and  is  retained  in  its  place  by  its  attachment  to  the 


THE  EYE. 


41 


zonula  ciliaris,  already  described  as  a prolongation  of  the  vascu- 
lar layer  of  the  retina. 

The  lens  consists  of  concentric  layers  formed  upon  a hard, 
firm  nucleus,  and  becoming  softer  as  they  tend  to  the  outer  sur- 
face. These  concentric  lamellm  are  composed  of  minute  parallel 

FIG.  48.  fig.  49. 


EYE- APPENDAGES. 

1,  the  superior  or  upper  tarsal  cartilage, 
along  the  lower  border  of  which  (2)  are 
seen  the  openings  of  the  Meibomian  glands; 

3,  the  inferior,  or  lower,  tarsal  cartilage,  along 
the  upper  edges  of  which  are  also  openings 
of  the  above-named  glands ; 4,  the  superior 
or  orbital  portion  of  the  Lachrymal  gland, 
from  which  come  tears;  5,  its  inferior  or 
palpebral  portion ; 6,  the  Lachrymal  ducts,  or 
channels  through  which  the  tears  pass  to  the  outer  surface  of  the  eye ; 7,  the  Plica  semilunaris, 
containing  a small  plate  of  cartilage,  which  appears  to  be  the  rudiment  of  a third  lid,  such 
as  is  developed  in  some  animals;  8,  the  Caruncula  lachrymalis,  the  source  of  the  whitish  secre- 
tion which  so  constantly  collects  in  the  corner  of  the  eye  ; it  is  covered  with  minute  hairs, 
which  can  sometimes  be  seen  without  the  aid  of  a microscope ; 9,  the  Puncta  lachrymalis,  the 
point,  or  external  commencement  of  the  ducts,  which  terminate  at  the  lachrymal  sac,  the 
position  of  which  is  marked  by  12 ; as  are  the  superior  and  inferior  lachrymal  canals  by  10  and  11. 
The  nasal  duct,  marked  by  15,  and  14  is  its  dilation  with  the  lower  meatus  of  the  nose. 

fibres  united  with  each  other  by  means  of  scalloped  borders,  the 
convexity  of  one  body  fitting  into  the  concavity  of  the  other. 

Before  leaving  this  part  of  our  subject,  we  will  give  a brief 
summary  of  the  uses  of  the  several  parts  which  we  have  been 
endeavoring  to  describe.  The  first  tissue,  the  sclerotic,  is 
simply  one  of  protection;  the  cornea  is  a medium  for  the 
transmission  of  light ; the  choroid  supports  the  vessels,  such  as 
veins  and  arteries,  by  which  the  eye  receives  nutriment ; and 
also,  by  its  inner  layer  of  pigmentum  nigrum,  absorbs  all  scat- 
tered rays,  by  which  an  image  impressed  on  the  retina  might 
be  confused.  The  iris,  by  its  power  of  expansion  and  contrac- 
tion, regulates  the  quantity  of  light  admitted  through  the  pupil. 
If  it  be  thin,  and  the  rays  pass  through  its  substance  they  are 
absorbed  by  the  uvea;  and  if  the  power  of  that  layer  be  insuffi' 


MEIBOMIAN  GLANDS. 

1,  2,  the  Inner  sides  of  the  eyelids;  3,  3, 
the  Conjunctiva;  4,  the  apertures  of  the 
glands,  along  each  corner  of  the  lids ; 5,  5, 
6,  6,  the  Papillce  lachrymales  and  the  Puncta 
lachrymalia ; 7,  the  apertures  of  the  ducts  of 
the  Lachrymal  gland. 


42 


ANATOMY  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY. 


FIG.  50. 


cient,  they  are  taken  up  by  the  black  pigment  of  the  ciliary 
processes. 

When  the  body  of  the  refracting  medium  is  too  great,  owing 
to  over-convexity  of  the  cornea  and  lens,  the  image  falls  short 
of  the  retina,  unless  the  object  be  brought  very  close, — this  is 

near-sight.  When  there  is  an 
opposite  condition  of  things,  so 
that  the  image  is  thrown  beyond 
the  nervous  membrane,  we  have 
what  is  called  far-sight. 

Of  the  various  nerves,  veins, 
and  arteries,  which  traverse  the 
eye,  we  need  not  attempt  a de- 
scription. To  some  of  the  princi- 
pal of  them  allusion  has  already 
been  made;  but  to  the  appen- 
dages we  must  devote  a little 
space.  These  are,  first,  the  Eye- 
brows (supercilia) , two  promi- 
nent arches  of  integument,  cov- 
ered more  or  less  with  thick 
short  hairs,  and  forming  the 
upper  boundary  of  the  orbits. 
Their  obvious  utility  is  to  shade 
the  eyes  from  too  vivid  a light, 
and  to  protect  them  from  parti- 
cles of  dust  and  moisture  from 
the  forehead.  Second,  the  Eye- 
lids (palpebrce),  which  have  been 
well  called  the  Curtains  of  the 
Eyes;  when  drawn  open,  they 
leave  an  elliptical  space  suffi- 
ciently large  for  the  purposes  of 
sight,  and  when  closed,  as  in 
sleep,  they  effectually  defend 
the  delicate  organs  which  they 
cover  from  injury.  If  we  in- 
quire into  the  structure  of  these  two  valvular  Eye-curtains,  we 
find  that  they  consist  of  integuments,  muscles,  cartilages,  glands, 
and  the  mucous  membrane  called  conjunctiva,  which  covers  the 
whole  of  the  anterior  surface  of  the  eye,  and  is  reflected  back  so 
as  to  form  the  internal  layer  of  the  lids. 

On  examining  the  inner  aspect  of  the  Eyelids,  the  Meibo- 
mian Glands  can  be  distinctly  seen,  arranged  like  strings  of 


MUSCLES  OF  THE  EYE. 

1,  Sphenoid  Bone;  2,  the  Optic  Nerve;  3, 
the  Globe  of  the  Eye;  4,  the  Upper  Muscle, 
called  the  Levator  Palpebrce,  the  Lifter  of 
the  Eyelids : 5,  the  Superior  Oblique,  so  called 
from  the  direction  in  which  it  draws  the 
Eyeball ; we  see  its  cartilaginous  pulley  (6), 
and  the  reflected  portion  passing  down- 
ward to  its  point  of  connection  with  the 
ball,  beyond  which  the  Inferior  Oblique  has 
its  bony  origin,— the  point  of  which  is 
marked  by  the  little  square  knob.  The 
other  four  muscles  are  called  Recti, straight ; 
the  Superior  Rectus,  sometimes  called  the 
Levator  Oculi,  erector  of  the  eyes,  and  some- 
times Superbus,  because  its  action  gives  an 
expression  of  pride;  its  opposite,  13,  the 
Inferior  Rectus,  sometimes  called  Deprimus 
oculi,  depressor  of  the  eye,  and  Humulis,  as 
giving  an  expression  of  humility;  10,  the 
Rectus  Internus,  sometimes  called  Adductor 
Oculi,  from  its  drawing  the  Eyeball  toward 
the  nose,  and  Bibitorious,  a sort  of  punning 
name,  in  allusion  to  the  cup,  or  orbit,  to- 
wards which  it  directs  the  glance ; 11  and 
12,  Rectus  Externus,  the  one  showing  its  two 
heads  of  origin,  and  the  other  its  termina- 
tion; the  intervening  portion  of  muscle 
[having  been  removed]  has  the  name  of 
Abductor  Oculi,  because  it  turns  the  ball 
outwards;  Indignabundus  is  another  name 
for  it,  as  giving  an  expression  of  scorn.  In 
our  diagram,  the  internal  rectus  passes 
behind  the  optic  nerve,  which  partly  con- 
ceals it;  14,  the  tunica  albigania,  or  white 
tunic,  formed  by  the  expansion  of  the 
tendons  of  the  four  Recti  muscles. 


THE  EAR. 


43 


pearls,  about  thirty,  on  the  cartilage  of  the  upper  lid,  and  some- 
what fewer  in  the  lower,  where  also  they  are  shorter  than  those 
above,  as  they  correspond  in  length  with  the  breadth  of  the 
cartilage.  Each  of  these  glands  consists  of  a single  lengthened 
follicle,  or  tube,  into  which  a great  number  of  small  clustered 
glandular  vesicles  open ; and  from  these  tubes  the  secretion  is 
poured  out  upon  the  margins  of  the  lids,  which,  being  thus  kept 
constantly  moist  inside,  are  in  a condition  to  lubricate  and  wash 
the  surface  of  the  cornea,  which  they  do  in  the  motion  of  winking. 

The  Eyelashes  {cilia)  are  important  organs  of  defence  for 
the  delicate  surface  of  the  eye,  for  whose  curtains  they  form,  as 
it  were,  a silken  fringe. 


FIG.  51. 


The  Ear. — The  Ear,  the  organ  of  hearing,  consists  of  three 
parts, — the  external  ear,  the  middle  ear  or  tympanum,  and  the 
internal  ear  or  labyrinth.  The  external  ear  consists  of  an  ex- 
panded trumpet-shaped  cartilaginous  structure,  called  the  pinna, 
or  auricle,  which  collects  the  sounds,  and  a tube  which  conveys 
these  sounds  to  the  internal  ear.  The  pinna,  or  auricle,  consists 
of  an  uneven  piece  of  yellow  cartilage,  covered  with  integu- 


44 


ANATOMY  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY. 


ment,  and  fixed  to  the  margin  of  the  auditory  canal.  This 
canal,  or  tube  by  which  sound  is  conveyed  from  the  pinna  to 
the  internal  ear,  or  tympanum,  is  about  one  and  a quarter 
inches  in  length,  and  is  formed  partly  by  bone  and  partly  by 
cartilage  and  membrane.  Its  direction  is  obliquely  forwards 
and  inwards,  and  is  somewhat  bent  downwards  towards  the 
middle,  so  that  it  is  rather  higher  there  than  at  either  ex- 
tremity. The  skin  lining  the  auditory  canal  is  very  thin,  and 
closely  adherent  to  the  cartilaginous  and  osseous  portions  of 
the  tube.  It  is  continued  over  the  membrane  of  the  tympanum 
in  the  form  of  a thin  pellicle,  forming  its  outer  covering.  Around 
the  entrance  of  the  meatus  are  some  fine  hairs ; and  there  are 
also  ceruminous  glands,  which  secrete  the  ear-wax,  and  open  on 
the  surface  by  separate  orifices. 

The  middle  ear,  tympanum,  or  drum  of  the  ear,  is  an  irregular 
cavity  situated  within  the  petrous  bone,  and  interposed  between 
the  meatus  auditorium  and  the  labyrinth,  or  inner  ear.  It  is 
filled  with  air,  and  communicates  with  the  pharynx  by  the 
Eustachian  tube.  It  is  traversed  by  a chain  of  small  movable 
bones,  which  connect  the  membrana  tympani  with  the  labyrinth, 
and  serve  to  convey  the  vibrations  communicated  to  the  mem- 
brana tympani  across  the  cavity  of  the  tympanum  to  the  in- 
ternal ear.  The  outer  boundary  of  the  cavity  is  formed  by 
the  membrana  tympani,  and  by  a small  portion  of  the  surround- 
ing bone.  This  membrane  is  a thin,  semi-transparent  substance, 
nearly  oval  in  form,  separating  the  cavity  of  the  tympanum 
from  the  bottom  of  the  auditory  canal. 

The  Eustachian  Tube  is  the  channel  through  which  air  is 
conveyed  from  the  pharynx  to  the  tympanum.  The  small 
bones,  or  ossicles,  of  the  tympanum  are  three  in  number, — the 
malleus,  incus,  and  stapes.  These  small  bones  are  connected 

FIG.  52.  FIG.  53.  FIG.  54. 


together,  and  with  the  tympanum,  by  ligaments,  and  moved  by 
small  muscles. 

The  inner  and  fundamental  portion  of  the  organ  of  hearing 
is  called,  from  its  complexity,  the  labyrinth,  and  consists  of 


THE  EAR. 


45 


three  parts, — the  vestibule,  the  semicircular  canals,  and  the 
cochlea.  It  consists  of  a series  of  cavities  channelled  out  of  the 
substance  of  the.  petrous  bone,  communicating  externally  with 
the  cavity  of  the  tympanum,  and  internally  with  the  meatus  audi- 
torius  internus,  which  contains  the  auditory  nerve.  Within  the 
osseous  labyrinth  is  contained  the  membranous  labyrinth,  upon 
which  the  ramifications  of  the  auditory  nerve  are  distributed. 

The  Vestibule  is  the  common  central  cavity  of  the  osseous 
labyrinth,  and  is  placed  behind  the  cochlea,  but  in  front  of  the 
semicircular  canals.  These  are  three  bony  canals,  situated 
above  and  behind  the  vestibule,  measuring  about  one-twentieth 
of  an  inch  in  diameter,  and  opening  at  both  ends  into  the 
vestibule. 

FIG.  55. 


SECTION  SHOWING  THE  HOLLOW  OF  THE  COCHLEA. 


The  Cochlea,  so  called  from  its  resemblance  to  a snaibs 
shell,  is  conical  in  form,  and  placed  almost  horizontally  in  front 
of  the  vestibule.  Its  length  is  about  a quarter  of  an  inch,  and 
its  width  at  the  base  about  the  same.  It  consists  of  an  axis,  or 
centre ; of  a canal  winding  spirally  round  it  for  two  turns  and  a 
half  from  the  base  to  the  apex;  and  of  a delicate  lamina  con- 
tained within  the  canal,  which  follows  its  windings,  and  sub- 
divides it  into  two  passages.  The  whole  inner  surface  of  the 
labyrinth,  including  the  semicircular  canals  and  the  passages  of 
the  cochlea,  is  lined  with  a thin  fibrous  membrane,  the  outer 
surface  of  which  adheres  closely  to  the  bone,  while  the  inner  is 
covered  with  a single  layer  of  epithelium,  like  that  on  serous 
membranes,  and  secretes  a thin  serous  fluid.  The  auditory 
nerve,  which  is  distributed  over  the  different  parts  of  the  laby- 
rinth, enters  by  the  meatus  auditorius  internus,  and  divides  into 
two  branches,  viz.,  an  anterior  for  the  cochlea  and  a posterior 
for  the  membranous  labyrinth. 


46 


ANATOMY  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY. 


The  Abdomen —The 
diaphragm.  It  contains  the 


THE  ABDOMEN. 

1,  the  epigastric  region;  2,  the  umbili- 
cal; 3,  the  hypogastric;  4,  5,  the  hypo- 
chondriac ; 6, 7,  the  iliac ; 8, 9,  the  inguinal. 


abdomen  is  situated  below  the 
stomach,  intestines,  liver,  spleen, 
pancreas,  and  kidneys.  It  is 
lined  by  a membrane  called  the 
peritoneum.  It  is  protected  by 
the  short  ribs,  and  covered  with 
the  abdominal  muscles,  which, 
by  their  relaxations  and  con- 
tractions, in  the  act  of  breathing, 
assist  digestion,  and  give  the 
necessary  secretive  and  expul- 
sive motions  to  the  surrounding 
parts. 

The  abdomen  is  bounded  above 
by  the  diaphragm,  and  below  by 
the  pelvic  bones,  which  form  the 
pelvic  cavity.  On  the  front  and 
sides  are  the  abdominal  muscles, 
which  also  extend  backward  to 
the  vertebral  column,  or  spine. 
This  is  the  largest  cavity  of  the 
human  body,  and,  for  conven- 


ience of  description,  it  has  been  mapped  out  into  three  zones, 
the  upper,  middle  and  lower, 

-i  . * . . FIG.  57. 

and  nine  parts,  or  regions. 

The  contents  of  the  abdomen, 
called  the  abdominal  viscera 
(this  word  being  the  plural  of 
viscus , which  means  a bowel  or 
any  internal  organ  which  has  a 
specific  use),  are  situated  as  shown 
in  Fig.  57.  Below  the  chest  (1), 
and  next  to  the  diaphragm  (2),  is 
the  liver  (3),  extending  from  be- 
neath the  right  ribs  across  to  the 
left,  and  having  the  largest  devel- 
opment on  the  right  side.  Next 
to  this  is  the  stomach  (4),  the 
smaller  end  of  which  is  situated 
in  the  epigastric  and  the  larger 
in  the  left  hypochondriac  region, 
where  it  comes  in  contact  with 
the  spleen.  Behind  the  stomach 


THE  ABDOMINAL  VISCERA. 


lies  the  pancreas,  or  sweet- 


THE  STOMACH. 


4T 


bread.  In  the  middle  zone  lies  the  large  bowel  (5),  the 
omentum  or  caul,  with  a portion  of  the  small  intestines  (6)  ; 
and  behind  these,  close  to  the  spine,  are  the  kidneys.  The 
small  intestines  also  pass  down 
the  center  part  of  the  inferior 
zone,  as  do  laterally  the  ends 
of  the  large  intestines,  or 
colon  ; and  there  also  we  find, 
when  it  is  distended,  the  upper 
portion  of  the  bladder  (7). 

Over  all  these  viscera,  cover- 
ing and  supporting  them,  ex- 
tends a moist  glistening  mem- 
brane called  the  peritoneum. 

It  also  covers  the  rectum,  and 
in  the  female  a portion  of  the 
womb. 

The  Stomach. — The  stom- 
ach is  a large  hollow  organ 
which  receives  the  masticated 
food  from  the  oesophagus ; 
within  the  stomach  the  food 
is  further  acted  upon  by  the 
gastric  juice  and  converted  into  chyme.  It  is  situated  in 
the  left  hypochondriac  and  epigastric  regions,  and  when  dis- 
tended it  has  the  shape  of  an  irregular  cone,  having  a rounded 
base  and  being  curved  upon  itself.  The  left  extremity  is  the 
larger,  and  is  called  the  greater  or  cardiac  end  of  the  stomach, 
— the  right  or  small  end  being  called  the  pyloric.  The  oesoph- 
agus terminates  in  the  stomach,  two  or  three  inches  from  the 
great  extremity,  by  the  cardiac  orifice ; while  by  the  pyloric 
orifice  at  the  other  end  the  digested  matter  enters  the  duode- 
num. When  moderately  filled,  the  stomach  is  about  ten  or 
twelve  inches  in  length,  and  its  diameter  at  the  widest  part 
about  four  inches.  The  walls  of  the  stomach  consist  of  four  dis- 
tinct coats,  held  together  by  fine  areolar  tissue,  and  named,  in 
order  from  without  inwards — the  serous,  muscular,  areolar,  and 
mucous  coats.  The  first  of  these  is  a thin,  smooth,  transparent, 
elastic  membrane,  derived  from  the  peritoneum.  The  muscu- 
lar coat  is  very . thick,  and  composed  of  three  sets  of  fibers, — 
longitudinal,  circular,  and  oblique,  which  form  three  layers. 
The  areolar  and  fibrous  coat  is  a tolerably  distinct  layer,  placed 
between  the  muscular  and  mucous  coats,  and  connected  with 


FIG.  58. 


THE  STOMACH  AND  SURROUNDING  ORGANS. 


I,  the  under-surface  of  the  liver;  g,  the 
gall-bladder;  f,  the  common  bile  duct;  o, 
the  cardiac  end  of  the  stomach;  s,  under 
surface  of  the  stomach;  p,  pylorus;  d, 
duodenum ; h,  i,  the  pancreas,  cut  across  to 
exhibit  the  structure  of  the  pancreatic  duct, 
and  its  branches;  r,  the  spleen;  c,  portion 
of  the  diaphragm ; a,  aorta. 


48 


ANATOMY  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY. 


FIG.  59. 


both.  The  last  is  a smooth,  soft,  rather  thick  and  pulpy  mem- 
brane, loosely  connected  with  the  muscular  coat,  and  covered 

with  glands.  At  the  pyloric  ori- 
fice, leading  from  the  stomach  into 
the  duodenum,  there  is  a sphincter 
muscle  which  contracts  the  aper- 
ture and  prevents  the  passage  of 
any  matter  into  the  intestines 
until  properly  digested.  The  food 
is  propelled  along  the  oesophagus, 
and  enters  the  stomach  in  succes- 
sive waves  through  its  cardiac  ori- 
fice. It  is  then  subjected  to  a 
peculiar  churning  motion,  having 
for  its  object  a thorough  intermix- 
ture of  the  gastric  fluid  with  the  ali- 
mentary mass,  and  a separation  of 
that  portion  which  has  been  suffi- 
ciently reduced  from  tne  remain- 
der. This  motion  causes  not  only 
a constant  agitation  of  the  con- 
tents, but  also  moves  them  slowly 
along  from  one  extremity  to  the 
other.  These  revolutions  are  com- 
pleted in  from  one  to  three  min- 
utes, being  slower  at  first  than 
after  chymifi cation  has  more  ad- 
vanced. The  passage  of  the 
chyme  or  product  of  the  gastric 
digestion  through  the  pyloric 
orifice  into  the  commencement  of 
the  intestinal  tube  is  at  first  slow ; 
but  when  the  digestive  process  is 
nearly  c o m p le  t e d,  it  is  trans- 
mitted in  much  larger  quantities. 


DIAGRAM  OF  THE  PRINCIPAL  ORGANS 
ENGAGED  IN  THE  PREPARATION 
OF  FOOD. 


a,  muscles  of  the  cheek ; 6,  parotid 
gland;  c,  muscles  of  the  gullet;  d, 
larynx;  e,  trachea;  /,  gullet;  g,  left 
ventricle  of  the  heart;  h,  right  auricle 
of  the  heart ; i,  left  auricle ; k,  stomach ; 
l,  pancreatic  duct;  m,  gall-bladder;  n, 
common  duct ; o,  duodenum ; p 
teric  glands;  q,  thoracic  duct. 


The  Liver. — The  liver  is  a se- 
creting organ  or  gland.  It  is  situ- 
ated in  the  right  hypochondriac  and 
epigastric  regions  below  the  dia- 
phragm, and  is  of  a reddish-brown 
color.  Its  form  is  irregular,  being  convex  on  the  upper  surface, 
irregularly  concave  below,  very  thick  behind,  and  very  thin  in 


THE  LIVER. 


49 


front ; and  in  the  adult  it  generally  weighs  from  three  to  four 
pounds.  It  is  divided  into  two  principal  lobes — the  right  and 
left,  the  former  of  which  is  by  far  the  larger.  They  are  divided 
on  the  upper  side  by  a broad  ligament,  and  below  by  a con- 
siderable depression,  or  fossa.  Between  and  below  these  two 

FIG.  60. 


ORGANS  OF  DIGESTION. 

a,  (Bsophagus;  b,  diaphragm  ; c,  stomach ; g,  duodenum;  h,  i,  right  and  left  lobe  of  the 
liver;  k,  gall-bladder;  l,  biliary  duct;  m,  mesentery;  q,  ascending  colon;  r,  s,  t,  transverse 
colon;  v,  rectum;  w,  bladder;  y,  spleen;  z,  left  lung. 

lobes  is  a smaller  lobe,  called  lobulus  Spigelii,  which  is  bounded 
on  the  left  by  the  fissure  for  the  lodgment  of  the  ductus  venosus ; 
on  the  right  by  the  fissure  for  the  vena  cava.  The  lobulus 


50 


ANATOMY  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY. 


caudatus  is  a tail-like  process  of  the  liver,  stretching  down 
wards  from  the  middle  of  the  right  lobe  to  the  lobulus  Spigelii. 
The  liver,  like  the  other  viscera  of  the  abdomen,  receives  an 
in  vestment  from  the  lining  membrane  of  that  cavity — the  peri- 


FIG.  61. 


LOBUS  OF  THE  LIVER  SHOWING  LOBULE  SHOWING  THE 

HEPATIC  AND  PORTAL  VEINS.  HEPATIC  DUCTS. 


p,  branches  of  portal  vein;  1,  capillaries  d,  <2,  the  hepatic  ducts;  b,  b,  minute  rami- 

connecting  hepatic  and  portal  veins;  h,  fications. 

hepatic  veins. 

tonenm,  which,  being  reflected  from  it  at  different  points,  forms 
broad  bands,  connecting  it  with  the  surrounding  parts.  An  in 
vestment  of  areolar  tissue  is  also  spread  over  the  organ,  extend- 
ing into  the  interior,  and  forming  thin  but  dense  sheaths  to  the 
vessels  and  canals,  called  the  capsule  of  Glisson.  The  proper 
tissue  of  the  liver  is  composed  of  a great  number  of  granular 
bodies,  of  the  size  of  millet,  and  called  lobules,  of  a foliated  ap- 
pearance. The  blood-vessels  of  the  liver  are  the  hepatic  artery 
and  veins  and  the  portal  vein.  The  liver  receives  two  kinds  of 
blood : arterial,  for  the  nourishment  of  the  gland ; and  venous, 
from  which  the  bile  is  principally  formed. 

The  secretion  of  bile,  though  the  chief  and  most  obvious  of 
the  functions  of  the  liver,  is  not  the  only  one  which  it  has  to 
perform;  for  recent  discoveries  have  shown  that  important 
changes  are  effected  in  certain  constituents  of  the  blood,  in  its 
transit  through  this  gland,  whereby  they  are  rendered  more  fit 
for  their  subsequent  purposes  in  the  animal  economy.  The 
excretory  apparatus  of  the  liver  consists  of  the  hepatic,  common, 
and  cystic  ducts,  and  the  gall-bladder. 

The  biliary  ducts  commence  by  small  twigs  in  each  lobule, 
and  join,  forming,  where  they  emerge  from  the  gland,  the  he- 
matic duct.  This  duct,  after  passing  down  for  a short  distance,  is 
joined  at  an  angle  by  the  cystic  duct  from  the  gall-bladder.  The 
common  duct  thus  formed  empties  itself  into  the  duodenum. 

The  retention  of  the  materials  of  the  bile  in  the  blood  acts 


THE  GALL-BLADDER. — THE  SPLEEN. — THE  INTESTINES.  51 

like  a poison  upon  the  nervous  system,  and,  if  the  suspension  of 
secretion  is  complete,  death  soon  takes  place. 

The  Gall-Bladder. — The  gall-bladder  is  an  oblong  mem- 
branous receptacle,  situated  on  the  concave  side  of  the  liver, 
under  the  right  lobe.  It  is  about  the  size  of  a small  hen’s  egg, 
and  resembles  a pear  in  shape.  It  serves  as  a reservoir  for  the 
bile,  which,  when  digestion  is  not  going  on,  regurgitates  through 
the  cystic  duct,  and  is  retained  for  future  use. 

The  Spleen. — The  spleen  is  a spongy  organ,  of  a livid 
color,  oval  in  figure,  and  situated  in  the  left  hypochondriac 
region.  It  is  convex  externally  and  concave  internally,  and  its 
weight  in  the  healthy  adult  is  from  four  to  ten  ounces. 

The  Intestines. — The  intestines  form  that  part  of  the  ali- 

FIG-.  63.  FIG.  64. 


LONGITUDINAL  SECTION  OF  A 
PORTION  OF  THE  SMALL 
INTESTINE. 

mentary  canal  which  extends 
from  the  stomach  to  the  anus. 
They  are  composed  of  three 
layers,  peritoneal,  muscular, 
and  mucous,  united  by  cellular 
tissue.  They  are  divided  into  small  and  large  intestines, — 
the  first  has  three  divisions,  severally  distinguished  as  the 
duodenum  or  twelve-inch  intestine,  the  membrane  of  whose 
inner  surface  presents  a number  of  folds  called  valvulse  conni- 
ventes.  This  begins  at  the  pylorus  or  lower  surface  of  the 
stomach  ; it  bends  first  backwards,  then  downwards,  and  then 


THE  CjECUM,  WITH  ITS  APPENDIX, 
AND  ENTRANCE  OF  THE  ILEUM, 
AND  ILEO-CiECAL  VALVE. 


1 , caecum ; 2,  commencement  of  colon  ; 3, 
ileum  ; 4,  aperture  of  entrance  of  the  ileum 
into  the  large  intestine ; 5,  5,  ileo-caecal 
valve;  6.  aperture  of  appendix  vermifnrmis 
oseci ; 7,  appendix  ; 8.  8,  sacculi  of  the  colon, 
separated  by  valvular  septa  ; 9,  falciform 
fraeuum  of  the  appendix. 


52 


ANATOMY  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY. 


FIG.  65. 


VIEW  OF  THE  FOLLICLES  OF  THE  COLON 
MAGNIFIED  ABOUT  115  TIMES. 


across  the  body,  being  partially  covered  by  the  peritoneum. 
It  then  takes  the  name  of  jejunum,  so  called  from  its  being 

usually  empty  at  this  part.  It 
then  runs  into  the  remaining  por- 
tion called  the  ileum,  which 
takes  its  name  from  its  mazy 
folds  or  convolutions.  The 
small  intestine  opens  by  the  ileo- 
csecal  valve  into  the  large  intes- 
tine, which  has  also  three 
divisions  : as  it  ascends  into  the 
right  lumbar  region,  the  ascend- 
ing colon  ; as  it  crosses  the  abdo- 
men, the  transverse  arch  of  the 
colon  ; and  as  it  descends  in  the 
left  lumbar  region,  the  descend- 
ing colon. 

The  junction  of  the  small 
and  large  intestine  is  called  the 
caecum  or  head  of  the  colon ; 
it  is  here  that  a singular  little  blind  sack  is  attached,  called  the 
appendix  vermiformis.  The  termination  of  the  large  intestine 
is  the  rectum,  or  end  of  the  alimentary  canab — so  called  because 
it  is  nearly  in  a right  line.  Here  the  covering  called  the  perito- 
neum ceases,  and  the  intes- 
tine accommodates  itself  to 
the  hollow  of  the  pelvis, 
having  its  external  opening 
in  the  anus,  the  sphincter 
of  which,  a strong  circular 
muscle,  guards  it. 

The  whole  of  the  intes- 
tinal canal  is  a continuous 
tube  about  six  times  the 
length  of  the  body,  the 
first  three-quarters  of  it 
comprising  the  small,  and 
the  last  quarter  the  large, 
intestine. 

In  the  mucous  coat  of 
the  alimentary  canal  is  to 
be  found  a cribriform  texture  of  veins,  almost  without  an  artery. 
The  fine  venous  trunks  of  a deeper  layer  have  their  originating 


FIG.  66. 


VIEW  OF  THE  VILLI  AND  FOLLICLES  OF  THE 
ILEUM,  HIGHLY  MAGNIFIED. 


THE  PANCREAS. 


53 


extremities  directed  vertically  toward  the  cavity  of  the  gut, 
and  the  meshes  of  the  venous  intertexture  are  exceedingly 
minute,  producing  in  the 


FIG.  67. 


re- 


colon an  appearance 
sembling  a plate  of  metal 
pierced  with  round  holes 
closely  bordering  on  each 
other!  These  holes  are 
the  follicles  of  Lieber- 
kuhn,  are  gaping  orifices, 
the  edges  of  which  are 
rounded  off,  and  their 
depth  is  that  of  the 
thickness  of  the  venous 
anastomosis.  The  aggre- 
gate number  of  these 
follicles  in  the  colon,  is 

estimated  at  nine  millions  six  hundred  and  twenty  thousand. 

The  villi  (shown  in  Fig.  66)  are 
bent  in,  or  concave;  but  there  is,  in 

variety 


MESENTERIC  CIRCULATION. 


curved,  with  their  edges 


FIG.  68. 


the  whole  canal,  every 
of  shape,  from  oblong, 
curved,  and  serpentine  ridges, 
to  the  laterally  flattened  cone 
standing  on  its  base. 

Fig.  67  shows  a distended  in- 
testine, with  its  arteries,  veins, 
and  lymphatics,  or  lacteals,  with 
three  glands  (5),  through  which 
the  absorbed  matter  passes,  and 
in  which  it  is  believed  that  it  is 
vitalized. 

The  Pancreas— The  pan- 
creas is  a single  glandular  organ, 
situated  transversely  across  the 
upper  part  of  the  abdomen.  It 
is  of  an  irregular  elongated  form, 
from  six  to  eight  inches  in  length, 
an  inch  and  a half  in  breadth, 
and  from  half  an  inch  to  an  inch 
thick.  In  structure,  the  pancreas 
closely  resembles  the  salivary 
glands,  but  it  is  looser  and  softer 
in  texture ; and  the  fluid  secreted  is  almost  identical  with  saliva. 
Its  object  is  believed  to  be  to  reduce  fatty  matters  to  the  state 


PAROTID  GLAND  OF  A SHEEP,  EXHIBITING 
THE  BRANCHED  AND  LOBULATED  CHARAC- 
TER OF  THE  GLANDS  OF  THE  HUMAN 
STOMACH,  AND  OTHER  PARTS. 


54 


ANATOMY  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY. 


of  an  emulsion,  and  thereby  promote  absorption  by  the  lac- 
teals.  The  amount  daily  secreted  by  man  is  from  five  to 
seven  ounces,  and  it  is  most  abundant  at  the  commencement  of 
digestion. 

The  Kidneys. — These  are  two  glandular  bodies  situated 
in  the  lumbar  region,  whose  office  it  is  to  secrete  waste  products 

from  the  blood.  Their  exact  posi- 
tion is  on  either  side  of  the  spine, 
in  what  is  usually  called  the  small 
of  the  back,  where  they  lie  imbedded 
in  fat;  each  of  them  is  supplied 
with  blood  by  a direct  branch  of 
the  aorta,  and  from  each  of  them 
issues  a duct  called  the  ureter,  which 
conveys  the  urine  to  the  bladder. 
The  kidneys  are  composed  of  two 
very  different  structural  arrange- 
ments— the  outer  or  cortical  portion 
being,  as  it  were,  granulated,  and 
the  inner  being  fibrous,  arranged  in 
pyramids  or  cones,  with  their  bases 
resting  upon  the  cortical  substance, 
and  their  apices  or  points  opening 
into  a central  cavity — the  pelvis,  or, 
as  it  has  been  called,  the  brain  of 
the  kidney,  which  may  be  regarded  as  an  expansion  of  the 
upper  portion  of  the  ureter.  The  ureter  is  about  the  diameter 
of  a goose  quill,  eighteen  inches  long,  passing  behind  the  bladder, 
and  entering  that  organ  at  its  lower  part. 

Each  kidney  as  a whole  forms  a firm,  fleshy  mass,  which 
is  inclosed  in  a fibrous  capsule,  the  outer  and  tougher  membrane 
being  lined  with  a soft  and  smooth  membrane  which  forms  a 
continuation  of  that  which  lines  the  ureter  and  the  bladder; 
the  shape  is  about  that  of  a French  bean. 

The  Urine  is  a highly  complex  fluid  secreted  from  the 
blood  by  the  kidneys,  containing  many  solid  matters  in  solution 
which  are  no  longer  of  service  in  the  body  and  which  if  retained 
would  act  as  poisons ! In  a healthy  person  when  recently  voided 
it  is  a clear,  limpid  fluid  of  a pale  yellow  or  amber  color,  with  a 
peculiar  faint  aromatic  odor,  which  becomes  pungent  and 
ammoniacal  when  decomposition  takes  place.  Often,  however, 
as  it  cools,  it  becomes  opaque  and  turbid  from  the  deposition  of 
part  of  its  constituents  previously  held  in  solution ; and  this 


THE  BLADDER. — THE  GENERATIVE  ORGANS. 


55 


may  be  consistent  with  health.  The  quantity  secreted  in 
twenty-four  hours  depends  upon  the  amount  of  fluid  drank  and 
the  quantity  of  fluid  secreted  by  the  skin ; but  generally  it  is 
from  about  thirty  to  forty  fluid  ounces.  In  1000  parts  of 
ordinary  urine  there  are  933  parts  of  water  and  6T  parts  of  solid 
matter. 

The  Bladder  is  a thin,  membranous  sack,  a receptacle  for 
the  urine  secreted  by  the  kidneys,  until  it  is  voided  through  the 
urethra.  It  is  situated  in  the  pelvis  and 
is  kept  in  its  place  by  ligaments,  which 
are  usually  divided  into  .true  and  false, 
the  latter  being  formed  of  folds  of  the 
peritoneum.  It  is  composed  of  three 
coats  or  membranes — the  external,  or 
fibrous  membrane ; the  middle,  or  mus- 
cular membrane  ; and  the  internal,  or 
mucous  membrane.  On  each  side,  rather 
below  its  middle,  it  receives  the  two 
ducts  called  ureters,  which  convey  the 
urine  from  the  kidneys  into  the  bladder. 

Generative  Organs. — The  organs 
of  generation  in  the  male  are — 1.  The 
testes  and  their  envelopes,  namely,  the 
scrotum  ; the  dartos,  which  corrugates  or 
ridges  the  scrotum ; and  the  fibrous 
tunics  by  which  they  are  invested.  We 
must  also  here  include  the  epididymis, 
the  vas  deferens  or  excretory  duct,  the 
spermatic  cord  and  spermatic  artery.  2. 
The  vesiculse  seminales,  forming  a re- 
ceptacle or  reservoir  situated  beneath  the  bladder  for  holding 
the  seminal  fluid  secreted  by  the  testicles.  3.  The  prostate 
gland,  surrounding  the  neck  of  the  bladder  and  the  commence- 
ment of  the  urethra.  4.  Cowper’s  glands,  a pair  situated  below 
the  prostate.  5.  The  ejaculatory  ducts.  6.  The  penis,  which 
consists  of  the  corpus  cavernosum,  the  urethra,  the  corpus 
spongiosum,  which  terminates  in  the  glans  penis ; then  there 
are  the  vessels,  nerves,  and  a cutaneous  investment. 

The  principal  female  organs  of  generation  are — 1.  The 
ovaries.  2.  The  Fallopian  tubes.  3.  The  uterus  and  its 
ligaments.  4.  The  vagina.  5.  The  vessels  and  nerves.  6.  The 
external  organs  of  generation  which  it  is  needless  to  describe. 

The  process  of  generation  consists  in  an  egg  furnished  by 


FIG.  70. 


THE  URINARY  BLADDER, 
SHOWING  ITS  MUSCULAR  FIBRES 

8,  Left  Ureter;  9,  Left  por- 
tion of  Seminal  Vesicles;  11, 
11,  Lateral  Lobes  of  the  Pros- 
tate Gland;  14,  Urethra,. tied 
with  a cord. 


56 


ANATOMY  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY. 


the  ovary  of  the  female  ; this  must  be  vitalized  by  coming  in 
contact  with  the  secretion  of  the  male  in  its  passage  to  the 
uterus.  Wlion  the  egg  is  thus  made  fruitful  changes  at  once 
take  place  in  the  egg ; it  becomes  attached  to  the  walls  of  the 
uterus.  When  the  egg  is  thus  impregnated  conception  takes 
.place  and  the  development  of  a living  being  follows. 

The  Perinseum  is  the  space  between  the  anus  and  the 
external  parts  of  the  generative  organs  and  is  named  thus  from 
being  frequently  moist.  The  operation  of  cutting  for  stone  in 
males  is  usually  performed  here,  and  here  it  is  that  serious 
injury  sometimes  occurs,  when  persons  fall  with  their  legs  astride 
of  any  object,  or  get  a bruise  while  in  that  position,  as  on  horse- 
back ; bloody  urine,  or  complete  stoppage,  may  be  the  conse- 
quence, arising  from  inflammation  of  the  bladder  or  urethra. 
Rest  and  warm  fomentations  and  the  use  of  the  catheter,  if 
necessary,  must  in  this  case  be  resorted  to ; with  low  diet, 
aperients,  and  cooling  medicines,  to  keep  down  any  tendency 
to  fever  or  inflammation.  In  all  complicated  cases  we  advise 
consulting  a reputable  physician. 

We  abstain  from  giving  cuts  of  these  several  parts  and  organs 
for  sufficiently  obvious  reasons ; in  a book  intended  for  family  use 
they  would  be  objectionable.  With  regard  to  the  diseases 
which  more  immediately  affect  them,  a few  simple  remarks  will 
be  made  under  their  several  heads ; but  we  would  here  impress 
upon  our  readers  the  necessity  of  at  once  seeking  medical  advice 
for  all  affections  of  the  genital  organs.  It  is  in  the  treatment 
of  this  peculiar  class  of  diseases  that  advertising  quacks 
reap  their  richest  harvest,  often  entailing  great  present  suffer- 
ings, and  fearful  after-consequences.  There  is  no  class  of  men 
so  dangerous  to  the  masses  as  the  self-styled  “ Doctor”  who 
travels  about  the  country  advertising  to  cure  all  ailments  of 
mankind. 

The  Bones. — The  number  of  bones  in  the  human  body  is 
variable ; but  in  the  adult  they  are  reckoned  at  about  two 
hundred.  They  are  divided  into  long,  flat,  and  irregular;  long, 
as  in  the  thigh  and  leg ; flat,  as  in  the  skull  and  pelvis ; irregu- 
lar, as  in  the  hands  and  feet.  Bones  are  covered  with  a peculiar 
membrane,  called  the  periosteum,  which  serves  to  conduct  the 
blood  vessels  and  nerves.  The  osseous  skeleton  is  divided 
into  the  head,  the  trunk,  and  upper  and  lower  extremities. 
The  trunk  is  divided  into  the  spine,  thorax,  and  pelvis. 
The  thorax  contains  the  principal  organs  of  circulation  and 
respiration  and  is  the  largest  of  these  three  great  cavities.  It 


THE  BONES. 


57 


via.  7i. 


is  formed  by  the  sternum  and  costal  cartilages  in  front,  the 
twelve  ribs  on  each  side  and  the  dorsal  vertebrae  behind.  The 
sternum  is  a flat,  narrow  bone,  situated  in  the  anterior  part 
of  the  thorax,  and  connected 
with  the  ribs  by  means  of  the 
costal  cartilages.  The  ribs  are 
twenty-four  in  number,  twelve 
on  each  side.  The  pelvis,  or 
lower  cavity  of  the  trunk,  con- 
sists of  four  bones.  The  coccyx, 
which  forms  the  terminal  bone  of 
the  spine,  is  sometimes  regarded, 
like  the  sacrum,  as  composed  of 
four  vertebrae,  which  are  at  first 
distinct,  but  afterward  become 
united.  The  innominate  bones 
are  irregularly  shaped  bones, 
situated  one  on  each  side  of  the 
pelvis,  and  consisting  of  three 
parts — the  ilium,  ischium,  and 
pubis,  firmly  united  in  the 
adult,  but  distinct  in  the  young 
subject. 

Each  of  the  two  upper  ex- 
tremities is  composed  of  the 
bones  of  the  arm,  the  forearm, 
and  tfie  hand,  and  is  united  to 
the  trunk  by  means  of  the  scapu- 
la and  clavicle,  which  form  the 
shoulder.  The  scapula  is  a flat, 
triangularly-shaped  bone,  placed 
upon  the  upper  and  back  part  of 
the  thorax.  The  clavicle,  or 
collar  bone,  is  a long  bone,  some- 
thing in  the  form  of  the  italic  letter  f.  The  arm  has  only 
one  bone,  the  humerus,  which  extends  from  the  scapula  to  the 
bones  of  the  forearm.  The  forearm  contains  two  bones,  the 
radius  and  ulna,  which  are  parallel,  and  play  upon  each  other, 
thus  admitting  of  freer  motion  in  that  part.  The  radius  is 
situated  on  the  outer  side  of  the  forearm.  Its  upper  end  is 
small  and  forms  only  a small  part  of  the  elbow  joint,  while 
its  lower  extremity  is  large,  and  forms  the  chief  part  of 
the  wrist  joint.  The  ulna  is  placed  at  the  inner  side  of 


58 


ANATOMY  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY. 


the  forearm,  and  differs  from  the  radius  in  being  larger  at  the 
upper  than  at  the  lower  extremity.  The  bones  of  the  hand  are 
divided  into  the  carpus,  the  metacarpus,  and  phalanges.  The 

bones  of  the  carpus,  or  wrist,  are 
eight  small  bones,  arranged  in  two 
rows,  the  upper  row  comprising 
the  scaphoid,  semilunar,  cuneiform, 
and  pisiform ; the  lower  row  com- 
prising the  trapezium,  trapezoid, 
os  magnum,  and  unciform.  The 
metacarpal  bones,  or  bones  cf  the 
palm,  are  five  in  number,  and  corre- 
spond to  the  fingers.  The  pha- 
langes, or  bones  of  the  fingers,  are 
fourteen  in  number,  each  finger, 
with  the  exception  of  the  thumb 
(which  has  only  two),  having  three 
of  them.  The  upper  and  lower  ex- 
tremities bear  a great  resemblance 
to  each  other  in  the  nature  and 
form  of  their  bones.  Like  the 
upper,  each  of  the  lower  extremi- 
ties consists  of  three  distinct  parts — the  thigh,  leg,  and  foot. 
The  thigh  is  composed  of  a single  bone  — the  femur,  — which 
is  the  longest  and  largest  in  the  body.  The  leg  consists  of 
three  bones — the  patella,  tibia, 
and  fibula.  The  patella,  or  knee- 
pan,  is  a small,  flat,  triangular 
bone,  of  a spongy  texture,  situ- 
ated at  the  anterior  part  of  the 
knee-joint,  between  the  femur 
and  the  tibia.  The  tibia  and  fib- 
ula in  the  leg  resemble  the  radius 
and  the  ulna  in  the  forearm : 
the  tibia  is  next  to  the  femur, 
the  largest  bone  in  the  body.  It 
is  situate  at  the  anterior  and 
inner  side  of  the  leg,  articu- 
lating with  the  femur  above  and 
the  astragalus  below.  The  fibula 
is  considerably  smaller  than  the 
tibia.  Its  upper  extremity  is  small,  and  placed  below  the  level 
of  the  knee-joint,  but  the  lower  extremity  projects  below  the 
tibia,  and  forms  the  outer  ankle.  The  foot,  like  the  hand,  is 


FIG.  73. 


THE  PELVIS. 


a,  os  sacrum ; 6,  the  iliac;  c,  fossa?,  form- 
ing the  lateral  boundaries  of  the  false 
pelvis;  g,  the  acetabulum;  d,  os  pubis; 
e,  ischium;  /,  tuberosity  of  the  ischium. 


FIG.  72. 


THE  THORAX. 


THE  BONES. 


59 


composed  of  three  classes  of  bones — the  tarsus,  the  metatarsus, 
and  the  phalanges.  The  tarsus  is  composed  of  seven  bones. 
The  metatarsal  bones  are  long  small  bones,  five  in  number,  con- 
nected at  the  one  extremity  with  the  tarsal,  at  the  other  with 
the  phalangeal 
bones:  these  last 
go  to  form  the 
toes,  each  of  which 
has  three,  except 
the  great  toe, 
which  has  only 
two. 

The  different 
bones  of  the  skele- 
ton are  connected 
together  in  various 
ways,  and  such 
cone ct ions  are 

termed  articula-  ligaments.  The  references  are  not  given,  as  difficult  and 
. . rr,.  needless  to  remember. 

tions.  1 hey  are 

of  various  kinds,  but  are  usually  divided  into  immovable,  mova- 
ble, and  mixed.  Immovable  articulations  exist  where  flat  and 
broad  bones  are  united  to  inclose  important  organs,  as  in  the 
cranium  and  pelvis.  In  some  parts  the  edges  indent  or  inter- 
lock each  other;  in  others  they  are  brought  into  close  contact, 
or  are  united  together  by  a thin  layer  of  cartilage.  The  mova- 
ble articulations  are  of  various  kinds,  according  to  the  kind  of 
motion  required.  In  such  cases,  the  bony  surfaces  brought  into 
contact  are  covered  with  cartilage,  bound  together  by  ligaments, 
and  lined  by  synovial  membrane.  Mixed  articulation  prevails 
where  only  a slight  degree  of  motion  is  required,  combined  with 
great  strength,  as  in  the  vertebras. 

Bone  is  a highly  organized  and  complex  substance.  It  con- 
sists of  animal  and  earthy,  and  saline  materials,  in  the  propor- 
tion of  about  one-third  of  the  former  to  two-thirds  of  the  latter ; 
or,  to  speak  more  strictly,  according  to  chemical  analysis,  we 
may  say  that  in  100*00  parts  there  are  33*30  of  cartilage  and 
blood-vessels,  51*04  phosphate  of  lime,  11*30  carbonate  of  lime, 
2*00  fluate  of  lime,  and  2*36  magnesia  and  soda. 

In  the  human  frame  the  bones  are  of  various  forms  and  de- 
grees of  density,  or  hardness.  Thus,  in  the  limbs,  they  are 
hollow  cylinders,  combining  lightness  with  strength ; in  the 
body  and  head  they  are  chiefly  flattened  and  arched,  forming 
cases  for  the  internal  viscera;  in  the  spine  and  extremities,  they 


fig.  u. 


VERTICAL.  SECTION  OF  THE  ANKLE-JOINT  AND  FOOT  OF  THE 
RIGHT  SIDE, 

3howing  the  formation  of  joints,  the  synovial  capsules,  and 


60 


ANATOMY  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY. 


FIG.  76. 


FIG.  75. 


are  in  many  pieces,  to  facilitate  the  bending  of  the  numerous 
joints.  Their  connections  with  each  other  are  accomplished 

and  preserved  in  many  ways. 
In  all  bones,  whether  hollow  or 
solid,  the  outer  portion  is  harder 
than  the  inner;  many  of  them 
are  spongy,  or,  as  it  is  scien- 
tifically termed,  cancellated , and 
most  of  them  have  minute  irregu- 
lar cells  scattered  through  their 
texture.  At  those  extremities, 
where  a smooth  and  elastic  sub- 
stance is  required  for  the  joints, 
most  bones  have  a covering  of 
cartilage.  Bones  are  first  de- 
veloped in  a gelatinous  form, 
which  hardens  into  cartilage, 
and  then  receives  the  deposit 
of  lime,  by  which  they  are  ren- 
dered firm ; sometimes  there  is 
a deficiency  of  the  earthy  de- 
posit, and  thus  the  bones  are 
bent  and  yielding.  When  there 
is  too  much  lime  the  bones  are 
too  brittle  and  easily  broken. 
One  of  the  principal  diseases  to 
which  the  bones  are  subject  is 
Caries.  It  acts  on  the  perios- 
teum like  ulceration  on  the  soft 
parts  of  the  body.  fig  77 
Another  disease  of 
the  bones  is  Ne- 
crosis. It  is,  as  its 
name  implies, 
the  actual  death 
of  the  bone.  Both 
these  diseases  are 
characterized  by  a 
constant  gnawing  ^ 
pain  in  the  bone. 

Swelling  and  red- 
ness over  the  seat 
of  the  disease  ensues ; there  is  a formation  of  matter  and  a dis- 
charge of  a foul,  foetid  character,  communicating  a dark  stain 


BONES  OF  THE  ARM. 


BONES  OF  THE  LEG. 


BONES  OF  THE 
FOOT. 


THE  MUSCLES. 


ft! 


to  the  dressings.  Several  openings  in  the  skin  may  occur  along 
the  course  of  the  diseased  bone,  of  which  occasionally  small 
pieces  may  come  away  with  the  dis- 
charge. 

Many  minute  blood-vessels  pass  into 
and  fhrough  the  porous  tissues  of  the 
bones,  and  hence  they  are  liable  to 
inflammation  and  congestion , both  acute 
and  chronic,  resulting  in  softening, 
and  ulceration  or  mortification,  pass- 
ing thus  into  caries  and  necrosis.  That 
which  is  commonly  called  a White 
Swelling  is  a result  of  chronic  inflam- 
mation. It  ends  in  caries  of  the 
spongy  texture  of  the  ends  of  the 
bone,  and  destruction  of  their  carti- 
laginous lining.  Abscess  of  hone  some- 
times results  from  inflammation,  and 
especially  after ‘acute  disease,  such  as 
small-pox.  A prominent  symptom  is 
a fixed  pain  in  one  spot,  in  addition 
to  inflammatory  enlargement. 

Exfoliation  is  the  death  of  the  outer 
bony  layer  only.  It  is  generally 
caused  by  some  injury  to  the  bone 
from  a blow  or  a graze,  or  the  ampu- 
tating-knife.  In  this  case  the  shell 
dies,  and  is  replaced  by  fresh  osse- 
ous matter  coming  up  from  beneath 
by  granulations  pushing  the  dead 
bone  from  its  place  in  thin  flakes  or 
exfoliations. 

The  Muscles. — The  muscles  are 
the  moving  organs  of  the  animal 
frame.  They  constitute,  by  their 
size  and  number,  the  great  bulk  of 
the  body,  upon  which  they  bestow 
form  and  symmetry.  In  the  limbs, 
they  are  situated  around  the  bone, 
which  they  invest  and  defend,  while 
(hey  form  to  some  of  the  joints  a 


DIAGRAM  SHOWING  THE  RELATION 
OF  THE  BONES  TO  THE  FLESH. 


a,  The  Skull ; b,  the  Face ; c,  Cervi 
cal  Vertebra,  or  Neck-Bones;  d, 
Breast  Vertigo;  e,  Lumbar  Verte- 
bra, or  Spine;  /,  Os  Sacrum,  or 
Rump-Bone;  g.  Coccyx;  h.  Ilium, 
or  Haunch-Bone;  i,  Sternum,  or 
Breast  Bone ; k,  Ribs ; l.  Clavicle,  or 
Collar-Bone;  m,  Scapula,  or  Blade-Bone;  n,  Humerus,  or  Arm-Bone ; o,  Radius,  or  Circular- 
Cone  of  Forearm;  »,  Ulna,  or  large  Bone  of  the  Forearm;  7,  Carpus,  or  Hand-Bones;  r, 
Khalan  jes,  or  Fingers;  s,  Femur, or  Thigh-Bone;  t.  Patella, or  Knee-bone;  u.  Tibia, or  Shin- 
Bone:  > Fibula,  or  Small  Bone  of  the  Leg;  u,  w.  Tarsus,  or  Foot  Bone;  x,  Calcium,  or  Heel- 
W 1 0 fi  \z,  Phalanges,  or  Toes. 


62 


ANATOMY  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY. 


FIG.  79. 


principal  protection.  In  the  trunk,  they  are  spread  out  to  en- 
close cavities  and  constitute  a defensive  wall,  capable  of  yield- 
ing to  internal  pressures  and 
again  returning  to  its  original 
position. 

Muscle  is  composed  of  a number 
of  parallel  fibres  placed  side  by 
side,  and  supported  and  held  to- 
gether by  a delicate  web  of  areo- 
lar tissue ; so  that,  if  it  were  possi- 
ble to  remove  the  muscular  sub- 
stance, we  should  have  remaining 
a beautiful  reticular  framework, 
possessing  the  exact  form  and 
size  of  the  muscle,  without  its 
color  and  solidity.  Towards  the 
extremity  of  the  organ  the  mus- 
cular fibre  ceases,  and  the  fibrous 
structure  becomes  aggregated 
and  modified,  so  as  to  constitute 
those  glistening  fibres  and  cords 
by  which  the  muscle  is  tied  to 
the  surface  of  bone,  and  which 
are  called  tendons.  Many  mus- 
cles of  the  body  are  connected 
with  bone,  either  by  tendinous 
fibres,  or  by  an  aggregation  of 
these  fibres  constituting  a tendon, 
and  the  union  is  so  firm,  that, 
under  extreme  violence,  the  bone 
itself  breaks  rather  than  permit 
the  separation  of  the  tendon  from 
its  attachment. 

It  may  be  interesting,  as  well  as 
useful,  to  enter  a little  more  fully 
into  the  structure  of  muscle, which, 
as  before  stated,  is  composed  of 
bundles  of  fibres  enclosed  in  an 
investment  or  sheath  of  areolar 
membrane,  which  is  continuous 
with  the  framework  of  the  mus- 
cular fibres,  each  bundle  of  which,  termed  a fascicvlus,  is  com- 
posed of  a number  of  smaller  bundles,  and  these  of  single  fibres, 
which,  from  their  minute  size,  and  independent  appearance, 


THE  MUSCULAB  SYSTEM. 

a,  Muscles  of  the  Head;  b,  Visual  Mus- 
cles; c,  Cervical  Muscles ; d,  Combination 
of  the  Cervical  Muscles;  e,  Pectoral  Mus- 
cles; /,  Dorsal  Muscles;  g,  Abdominal 
Muscles;  h,  Muscles  of  the  Pelvis;  i. 
Shoulder  Muscles;  l.  Muscles  of  the 
Upper  Arm;  m,  Anterior  Muscles  of  the 
Forearm. 


D. — Cevator  la  Dll  superior!  s, 

B.  — Temi>oral. 

A. — Frontalis. 

K. — Anterior  portion  of  tra- 
pezius. 

G. — Platysma  myoides. 

/.— Clavicle. 

. I/.— Deltoid. 

H. —  Pectoralis  major. 

.V.— Serratus  magnus. 

Obliquus  externus. 

$.— Biceps. 

O.— External  oblique. 

U. — Pronator  radii  teres. 
TV— Supinator  longus. 

S. — Flexor  carpi  radialis. 
A".— Tensor  vaginae  femoris. 

V.  —Abductor  longus. 

V. — Sartorlus. 

If'. — Rectus. 

^.—Rectus  vastus  externus. 
Z.— Vastus  internus. 

<?.—  Knee  joint. 
d. — Extensor  longus  dtglte- 
rum. 

c.— Tibialis  anticus. 

A , E. — Occipito-frontalis. 

C.  — Obicularis  oris. 

F. — Sterno  cleido  mastoid 
/..—Clavicle. 

/.—Pectoralis  minor. 

/?.— Brachialis  anticus. 

Q.— Biceps. 

r.— Rectus  abdominalis  and 
sheath. 

a .— Gastr  ocne  miu  s . 

1).— Soleus. 


—Posterior  portion  of  oc- 
cipito-frontalis. 

C. — Trapezius. 

—Deltoid. 

—Infraspinatus. 

— Latissimus  dorsi 
—Triceps. 

— Anconeus. 

—Supinator  longus. 
—Extensor  carpi  radialie 
longior. 

Wy  X.— Extensors  of  the 
fingers. 

-Gluteus  maximus. 
-Vastus  externus. 
-Vastus  internus. 
Jastrocneinius. 

Tibialis  posticus. 
Peroneus  brevis. 


-Snlenius  capitis  colli. 
Levator  anguli  scapulae 
-Rhomboideus  major 
-Spine  of  scapula. 
-Rhomboideus  minor 
-Infraspinatus. 

-Teres  major. 

-Serratus  magnus 
-Triceps. 

-Longissimus  dorsi. 
-Gluteus  medius. 
■Obturator  iipternus 
Pyriforrnis. 

emellus  inferior. 
-Quadrator  femoris 
-Biceps. 

-Plantarius. 

-Popliteus. 

-Tibialis  posticus. 
-Flexor  longus  digitorum 
— Tendo  Acuillis. 


THE  MUSCLES. 


63 


have  been  called  ultimate  fibres;  although  microscopic  exami- 
nation informs  us  that  each  one  of  these  is  itself  a fasciculus, 
made  up  of  ultimate  fibrils  enclosed  in  an  extremely  delicate 
sheath,  called  the  myolemma  or  sarcolemma.  The  appearance 
of  one  of  these  bundles  of  fibrils,  as  magnified,  is  shown  in 


Fig.  80. 


FIG.  80. 


Of  the  ultimate  muscular  fibre  there  are 
two  sorts  in  the  animal  economy,  viz.,  that  of 
voluntary  or  animal  life,  called  striated  mus- 
cle, and  that  of  involuntary  or  organic  life,  muscular  fibrils. 
termed  smooth  muscle.  The  former  is  known  by  its  size,  its 
uniformity  of  calibre,  and  especially  by  its  transverse  markings, 
which  occur  at  minute  and  regular  distances.  It  also  presents 
markings,  or  striae,  in  a longitudinal  direction,  which  indicate 
the  existence  of  fibrillae  within  the  sheath,  or  myolemma,  which 
is  thin,  transparent  and  elastic.  The  ultimate  fibres,  or  fasci- 
culi, are  polyhedral,  or  many  sided,  in  shape,,  this  form  being 
due  to  mutual  pressure ; and  that  the  sizes  differ  in  different 
classes,  genera,  and  even  sexes  of  animals.  The  ultimate  fibrils 
of  animal  life  are  beaded  filaments,  presenting  a regular  suc- 
cession of  segments  and  constrictions,  the  latter  being  narrower 
than  the  former,  and  the  component  substance  probably  less 
dense.  The  arrangement  of  a bundle  of  these  fibrils  in  an  ulti- 
mate fibre,  is  such  that  all  the  segments  and  constrictions  corre- 
spond, and  in  this  manner  give  rise  to  the  alternate  light  and 
dark  lines  of  the  trans  verse  striae.  The  beautiful  regularity  of 
this  arrangement  may  be  seen  by  Fig.  81,  in  which  B represents 
the  ultimate  fibril  of  animal  life,  and  C the  union  of  such  in  an 
ultimate  fibre. 

We  have  mentioned  that  the  ultimate  fibril  of  animal  life, 
fig.  si.  although  cylindrical,  becomes  polyhedral  from  press- 
ure, when  forming  part  of  an  ultimate  fibre,  or  fasci- 
culus. It  measures  in  diameter  l-2000th  of  an  inch, 
and  is  composed  of  a succession  of  cells  connected  by 
tliin  flat  surfaces.  These  cells  are  filled  with  a trans- 
mrent  substance  which  has  been  called  myocine . It 
differs  in  density  in  different  cells,  and  this  circum- 
stance imparts  a peculiarity  of  character  to  certain 
of  them,  and  causes  the  structures  which  they  form 
fibre,  fibril,  to  assume,  under  the  microscope,  a very  beautiful 
and  remarkable  appearance,  such  as  is  represented  in  Fig.  82. 

Very  different  from  all  this  in  its  form  and  arrangement,  is 
the  ultimate  fibre  of  organic  life,  it  being  a simple  homogeneous 
filament  much  than  the  fibre  of  animal  life, — flat,  smooth, 


64 


ANATOMY  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY. 


FIG.  82. 


A B 

**2  jS 

c 

D 

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2 

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1 ■ ; m ’ 

H ■ 

1 1 

i = 


FIBRILS  AND  FIBRES. 


and  without  transverse  markings.  It  is  of  a fusiform  shape, 
and  various  length,  and  consists  of  a thin  external  membrane^ 
Mended  with  a soft,  homogenous,  or  finely  granular  contained 
substance.  Fig.  83  represents  muscular 
fibres  of  organic  life — D from  the  urinary 
bladder,  and  E from  the  stomach,  both 
magnified  600  times,  linear  measure ; the 
diameter  of  these  two  fibres  midway  between 
the  thick  parts,  or  nuclei,  being  l-4750th  of 
an  inch. 

This  kind  of  muscle  is  distributed  very 
abundantly  in  the  animal  frame,  and  is  met 
with  in  all  situations  where  a distinct  con- 
tractile power,  independent  of  mere  elasticity, 
is  required. 

The  Arteries  are  vessels  which  convey 
the  blood  from  the  heart, — formerly  sup- 
posed, from  their  being  found  empty  after 
death  to  contain  only  air.  The  arterial  system  of  the  human 
frame  is  that  which  performs  one  of  the  most  important  func- 
tions on  which  vitality  depends.  Proceeding  directly  from  the 
heart,  and  ramifying  in  every  direction,  through  all.  the  various 
tissues  of  the  body,  it  conveys  the  blood,  after  it  has  received  a 
supply  of  oxygen  from  the  lungs,  and  been  passed  into  the  great 
organ  with  which  the  arteries  are  connected,  wheresoever  it  is 
required  for  the  purposes  of  life.  These  arteries  are  membra- 
nous cylindrical  tubes,  composed  of  three  coats,  and 
are  so  constructed  as  to  be  capable  of  considerable 
extension,  and  likewise  of  bearing  a great  amount  of 
strain  and  pressure,  to  which  they  are  occasionally 
subjected,  and  which  results  sometimes  in  a rupture. 

The  whole  of  the  arteries  of  what  is  called  the 
systemic  circulation,  proceed  from  a single  trunk 
termed  the  aorta.  This  main  trunk  or  channel  pro- 
ceeds from  the  left  ventricle  of  the  heart,  and  con- 
tains the  pure  arterial  blood,  known  by  its  bright  red 
color,  and  issuing,  when  it  makes  its  escape  at  any 
accidental  opening,  in  jets,  in  accordance  with  the 
pulsations.  From  these  the  smaller  arteries  are  given 
off  as  branches,  dividing  and  subdividing  to  their 
ultimate  ramifications,  constituting  the  great  arterial 
tree,  of  some  of  the  principal  branches  of  which,  we 
here  present  our  readers  with  a cut,  which  represents  the  large 
vessels  at  the  root  of  the  heart  and  lungs.  It  is  necessary 


FIG.  83 


B-USCULAR 

FIBRES. 


THE  ARTERIES, 


65 


nere  to  refer  to  the  minute  explanation  of  the  figured  points  of 
figure  84. 

1,  The  ascending  aorta ; 2,  the  transverse 
portion  of  the  arch  of  the  same ; 3,  its 
thoracic  portion,  passing  through  the 
chest;  4,  the  arteria  innominata  springing 
out  of  the  arch,  and  divided  into  the  com- 
mon carotid;  5,  which  again  divides  at  6, 

Into  the  external  and  internal  carotid, 
and  7 the  right  subclavian  artery,  which 
passes  into  the  auxiliary  artery  8,  whose 
extent  is  indicated  by  the  dotted  lines; 
this  again  runs  into  the  brachial  artery, 
which  forms  the  channel  of  supply  to  the 
right  arm.  The  two  lines  ">  are  a pair  of 
nertes  called  the  right  an-  left  pneumo- 
gastric ; 11  is  the  left  cor'  ion  carotid,  and 
12  the  left  subclavian,  beaming  auxiliary 
and  brachial  in  its  course,  liko  its  fellow 
on  the  opposite  side;  all  theso  belong  to 
the  greater  systemic  cir  •, lation , as  do  also  21, 
intercostal  arteries,  and  the  branches  from 
the  front  of  the  aorta  above  and  below  3, 
which  are  pericardine  and  cesophagial,  per- 
taining to  the  pericardium  and  the  asso- 
phagus,  and  abdomen. 

We  now  go  back  on  the  diagram  to  No.  3, 
the  trunk  of  the  pulmonary  artery,  which 
emanating  from  the  right  ventricle  of  the 
heart  conveys  the  impure  blood,  returned 
there  by  the  veins  to  the  lungs  for  aera- 
tion. This  is  the  main  channel  of  the 
lesser  or  pulmonary  circulation,  it  is  con- 
nected with  the  concavity  of  the  arch  of 
the  aorta  by  a fibrous  cord,  called  the  ductus  arteriosus. 

14,  the  left  pulmonary  artery,  and  15  the  right;  16  the  trachea,  or  windpipe,  the  passage 
which  communicates  with  the  lungs,  will  serve  to  show  the  relative  positions  of  these 
arteries;  17  and  18  are  the  right  and  left  bronchus,  and  19  are  the  pulmonary  veins ; the 
rest  of  the  numbers  indicate  the  roots  of  the  lungs. 

The  arteries  do  not,  as  was  at  one  time  supposed,  run  im- 
mediately into  the  veins,  but  are  connected  with  them  by  what 
are  called  the  capillaries,  a hair-like  network  of  vessels  so 
minute  that  it  requires  a microscope  to  make  them  out ; these 
are,  it  is  said,  about  l-3000th  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  and  they 
are  distributed  through  every  part  of  the  body  so  thickly  as  to 
render  it  impossible  to  pass  a small  needle  into  the  flesh  without 
wounding  several  of  them ; hence  the  flow  of  blood  from  a prick ; 
it  is  through  this  medium  that  all  the  phenomena  of  nutrition 
and  secretion  are  performed;  they  are  all  small  alike,  and  are 
joined  on  the  one  h^nd  with  the  terminal  ramifications  of  the 
arteries,  and  on  the  oth^r  with  the  minute  radicles  of  the 
Veins. 

The  capillary  vessels  have  but  one  coat,  which  is  transparent 


56 


ANATOMY  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY. 


and  fibreless ; as  they  approach  the  arteries  and  veins  this  coat 
becomes  thicker,  and,  in  accordance  with  the  substance  thereof, 
they  are  distinguished  as  fine  or  coarse ; the  latter  gradually 


FIG.  85. 


FIG.  86. 


THE  SUPERIOR  MESENTERIC  ARTERY. 


1.  Minute  artery.  2.  Transitional 
capillary.  3.  Coarse  capillary,  the 
thick  coat  being  represented  by  the 
double  lines  of  contour.  4.  Fine 
capillary,  the  black  marks  indicate 
the  position  of  certain  nuclei  dis- 
persed over  the  inner  surfaces  of 
capillaries,  transitional  vessels,  ar- 
teries and  veins  constituting  in  the 
two  latter  the  epithitial  layer  of  the 
inner  coat. 


A,  is  the  descending  portion  of  the  Duodenum ; 
B,  is  a transverse  section  of  the  same;  C,  the 
Pancreas;  D,  Jejunum;  E,  Ilium;  F,  Coecum, 
and  Appendix  Vermiformis;  G,  Ascending  Colon; 
H,  Transverse  Colon;  I,  Descending  Colon;  J,  Su- 
perior Mesenteric  Artery;  K,  Colica  Media;  L, 
the  branch  which  Inosculates  (or  joins  by  little 
mouths)  with  the  Colica  Sinistra;  M,  Inferior 
Pancreatic  Duodenum;  N,  Colica  Dextra;  O,  Ilio 
Colica;  P,  Vasa  Intestini  Tenous. 


augmenting  in  size  and  complexity  of  structure  become  what 
are  called  transitional  vessels. 

The  capillaries  are  most  abundant  in  the  lungs,  liver,  kid 
neys,  and  other  secreting  glands,  also  in  the  skin,  and  mucus 
membrane ; and  they  are  smallest  and  least  abundant  in  the 
muscles,  nerves,  organs  of  sense,  and  those  tissues  where  nu- 
trition only  is  to  be  accomplished ; they  are  large  in  the  bones, 
but  not  numerous,  interweaving,  as  in  many  parts  they  do,  into 
a minute  network  called  a Plexus.  The  extreme  beauty  of 
arterial  arrangement  will  be  best  exhibited  by  Fig.  86,  showing 
the  course  and  distribution  of  the  Superior  Mesenteric  Artery. 

A particular  description  of  all  the  several  arteries  could 
scarcely  be  looked  for  in  a work  like  the  present.  It  has 


THE  VEINS. 


67 


FIG.  87. 


already  been  seen  that  they  are  very  numerous,  although  we 
have  alluded  to  but  few  of  them  comparatively ; some  of  them 
lie  deep  amid  the  internal  viscera;  others,  as  the  femoral,  pass* 
ing  down  the  thigh,  the  temporal,  which 
traverses  the  forehead,  the  carotid,  in  the 
neck,  and  the  bronchial,  and  other  arteries 
of  the  arm,  which  are  most  likely  to  be 
wounded  in  the  act  of  venesection,  come 
very  near  to  the  surface,  in  some  cases 
protected  from  injury  only  by  the  loose 
ariolo-fibrous  investment  which  sepa- 
rates all  arteries  from  the  surrounding 
tissues. 

The  Veins. — These  are  the  vessels 
which  return  the  blood  to  the  auricles  of 
the  heart,  after  it  has  been  circulated  by 
the  arteries  through  the  various  tissues 
of  the  body.  They  are  much  thinner  in 
substance  than  the  arteries,  so  that  when 
emptied  of  their  blood  they  are  flattened 
and  collapsed. 

Arteries  are  the  channels  through  which 
blood  passes  from  the  heart  to  the  various 
parts  of  the  body.  Veins  are  the  chan- 
nels by  which  it  returns  to  that  organ, 
and  to  the  lungs,  to  be  purified,  and  again 
rendered  fit  for  its  vital  purposes.  These 
two  different  channels  of  circulation  do 
not  communicate  directly  with  each  other, 
but  are  connected  by  the  minute  branches 
which  they  each  throw  out,  and  which  are 
called  capillaries.  These  ramify  all 
through  the  extremities,  and  all  over  the 
surface  of  the  body,  conveying  arterial 
and  taking  up  venous  blood,  which  is 
passed  into  the  smaller  veins,  thence  into 
the  larger,  and  so  proceeds  upward  to  the 
great  fountain  from  which  it  set  out,  con- 
stantly receiving  fresh  accessions  from  the 
tributary  veins  which  pour  into  the  main 
channels  on  every  side.  Veins  admit  of  a 
threefold  division — into  superficial,  deep, 
and  sinuses. 

Superficial  Veins  return  the  blood  from  the  integument  and 
superficial  structures,  and  take  their  course  between  the  layers 


THE  PRINCIPAL  VEINS  IN 
THE  FOREARM  AND 
BEND  OF  THE 
ELBOW. 

1,  the  Kadial  Vein;  2, the 
Cephalic;  3,  the  Anterior 
Ulnar;  4,  the  Posterior 
Ulnar;  5, the  Trunk,  formed 
by  their  union;  6,  the  Basi- 
lic, which  at  7 penetrates 
the  deep  fascia;  8,  point  of 
communication  between 
the  deep  veins  of  the  fore- 
arm and  the  upper  part  of 
the  Median;  9,  Median 
Cephalic;  10,  Median  Basi- 
lic; 11,  a convexity  of  the 
deep  fascia,  formed  by  the 
Brachial  Artery;  12,  Ex- 
ternal Cutaneous  Nerve, 
which  pierces  the  deep 
fascia,  and  dividing  into 
two  branches,  passes  be- 
hind the  Median  Cephalic 
Vein;  13,  Internal  Cutane- 
ous Nerve,  dividing  into 
branches,  and  passing  in 
front  of  the  Median  Basilic; 
14,  Inter  cos  to  Humeral 
Nerve ; 15,  Spiral  Cutaneous 
Nerve. 


68 


ANATOMY  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY. 


of  the  upper  fascia.  They  then  pierce  the  deep  fascia,  in  the 
most  convenient  and  protected  situation,  and  terminate  in  the 

Deep  Veins , which  are  situated  among  the  deeper  structures 
of  the  body,  and  generally  in  close  proximity  with  arteries.  In 
the  limbs  they  are  enclosed  in  the  same  sheath  with  these 
vessels : these  return  the  blood  from  the  capillaries  of  the  deep 
tissues. 

Sinuses  differ  from  these  veins  in  their  structure,  and  also 
in  their  mode  of  distribution,  being  confined  to  special  organs, 
and  situated  within  their  substances. 

One  very  remarkable  feature  of  veins  is  their  numerous 
valves , which  are  composed  of  a thin  stratum  of  nucleated 
areolar  tissue  mingled  with  fine  elastic  fibres,  and  coated  on  the 
two  surfaces  with  fine  elongated  cells.  The  segments,  or  flaps, 
of  these  valves  are  semi-lunar  in  form,  and  arranged  in  pairs, 
one  on  either  side  of  the  vessel  generally,  but  sometimes  there 
is  a single  flap  which  has  a spiral  direction,  and  occasionally 
there  are  three.  The  free  border  of  the  valvular  flaps  is  con- 
cave, and  directly  forwards,  so  that  while  the  current  of  blood 
is  permitted  to  flow  freely  towards  the  heart,  the  valves  are 
distended  and  the  current  intercepted,  if  the  stream  from  full- 
ness of  the  veins  above,  or  other  causes,  should  turn  back. 
When  we  consider  that  the  course  of  the  venous  current  is 
upward,  and  so  opposed  to  the  law  of  gravitation,  we  shall  see 
at  once  the  wisdom  of  such  an  arrangement.  On  page  31  will 
be  found  a cut  of  a valve  of  the  heart,  which  will  give  a good 
idea  of  the  general  conformation  of  those  of  the  veins.  In  those 
of  the  extremities,  particularly  the  deeper  ones,  they  are  most 
numerous.  In  the  portal  and  cerebral,  and  very  small  veins, 
and  those  of  the  viscera,  they  are  generally  absent,  and  alto- 
gether so  in  the  large  trunks. 

The  Glands. — A gland  is  an  organ  of  the  body,  in  which 
secretion  is  carried  on,  and  which  consists  of  a congerie  of 
blood-vessels,  nerves,  and  absorbents. 

There  are  two  primary  divisions  under  which  the  glands 
are  commonly  placed.  These  are — First,  those  employed  in 
secreting  some  particular  fluid  for  the  use  of  the  body,  such  as 
the  Liver , which  secretes  bile,  and  purifies  the  biood;  the 
Kidneys , which  secrete  urine ; and  the  Salivary  Glands , which 
secrete  the  saliva.  Second,  the  Absorbent  Glands , and  vessels 
whose  office  is  to  carry  off  the  waste  materials  of  the  machine. 
The  Pancreas  and  the  Spleen  should  also  be  placed  in  the  first 
of  these  divisions,  although  their  peculiar  offices  in  the  animal 
economy  is  somewhat  obscure. 


THE  BLOOD. 


69 


The  Blood. — The  blood  is  a red  fluid  circulating  through 
the  heart,  arteries,  and  veins  of  animal  bodies,  serving  for  the 
nourishment  of  all  their  parts,  and  the  support  of  life.  This 
nutritive  fluid  consists,  firstly,  of  water,  holding,  in  a dissolved 
condition,  fibrine,  albumen,  potassium, 
and  sodium,  together  with  phosphoric 
acid  and  other  substances;  secondly, 
of  corpuscles,  or  globules,  which  float 
in  the  liquor  sanguinis.  When  drawn 
from  the  body,  the  blood  undergoes  a 
remarkable  change.  By  degrees  it 
gelatinizes,  and  forms  spontaneously 
coagulum  and  serum.  Coagulum  con- 
sists of  the  fibrine  and  the  corpuscles ; 
serum,  of  water,  albumen,  and  the 
various  saline  matters.  The  corpus- 
cles are  of  two  kinds — red  and  white, 
the  red  being  the  more  numerous. 

Blood  is  termed  arterial  or  venous, 
according  to  the  vessel  in  which  it 
circulates.  Arterial  blood  is  a florid  red,  with  a stronger  odor 
and  less  specific  gravity  than  the  venous  fluid.  Venous  blood 
is  of  a dark  purple.  The  scarlet,  or  arterial  blood,  which  is  one 
degree  warmer  than  venous  blood,  owes  its  color  to  its  under- 
going contact  with  atmospheric  air  in  the  lungs.  It  circulates 
in  the  pulmonary  veins,  the  left  cavities  of  the  heart,  and  the 
arteries,  by  which  it  is  distributed  to  the  different  organs 
throughout  the  body.  The  dark  purple  blood  circulates  in  the 
veins,  in  the  right  cavities  of  the  heart,  the  pulmonary  artery, 
and  the  lungs.  There  is,  again,  a difference  between  arterial 
and  venous  blood  in  respect  to  the  gases  which  they  contain. 
The  first  holds  a supply  of  oxygen ; the  second  is  rendered  im- 
pure by  the  carbonic  acid  with  which  it  is  loaded. 

Blood  is  the  product  of  the  elaboration  of  chyle,  and  ac- 
quires its  nutritive  and  life-giving  qualities  in  respiration.  By 
means  of  the  arterial  vessels  it  penetrates  to  all  the  organs,  dis- 
tributing nutrition  to  every  organic  tissue.  It  is,  moreover, 
the  principal  source  of  animal  heat;  from  it,  also,  the  secretive 
organs  derive  their  various  products,  such  as  saliva,  bile, 
urine,  Ac.  The  average  quantity  of  blood  in  an  adult  man  has 
been  calculated  at  twenty-eight  pounds,  or  pints.  It  has  been 
shown  that  the  composition  of  the  blood  undergoes  a change  in 
various  diseases ; and,  after  repeated  bleedings,  the  number  of 
corpuscles  becomes  permanently  diminished.  The  color,  as 


FIG.  88. 


CORPUSCLES  OF  THE  BLOOD. 


1,  2, 1,  Blood  Corpuscles,  as  seen 
on  their  flat  surface  and  edge;  2, 
Congeries  of  Blood  Corpuscles  in 
columns.  In  coagulating,  the  Cor- 
puscles apply  themselves  to  each 
other,  so  as  to  referable  piles  of 
money.  1 (below),  Blood  Globules, 
or  Cells,  containing  smaller  cells, 
which  are  set  free  by  the  dissolu- 
tion of  the  containing  cell. 


70 


ANATOMY  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY. 


well  as  the  composition  of  the  blood,  varies  in  different  sections 
of  the  animal  kingdom : red  in  the  vertebrates  and  annelides ; 
white  and  transparent  as  water  in  insects  and  crustaceans; 
bluish-white  in  mollusca;  yellowish  in  liolothurians  and  some 
other  invertebrates.  This  difference  in  color  arises  from  the 
corpuscles,  which  are  in  some  cases  red,  and  in  others  white  or 
straw-colored,  or  bluish-white. 

The  chemical  constituents  of  blood,  when  in  a healthy  con- 
dition, are — albumen,  fibrin,  hsematin  or  coloring  matter,  oleic, 
stearic,  lactic,  phosphoric,  sulphuric,  and  hydrochloric  acids, 
in  combination  with  soda,  potash,  ammonia,  lime,  magnesia,  and 
a small  portion  of  phosphorized  fat.  The  blood  also  contains 
oxygen,  nitrogen,  and  carbonic  acid.  In  considering  the  chemi- 
cal constitution  of  the  blood,  it  may  be  regarded  as  consisting 
of  two  parts — the  liquor  sanguinis  and  the  blood  corpuscles 
floating  therein.  The  liquor  sanguinis  is  composed  of  serum, 
holding  a very  small  quantity  of  fibrin  in  solution.  Taking  the 
blood  as  a whole,  Liebig  gives  its  component  parts  as  water,  80 ; 
solid  matter,  20. 

The  solid  matter,  on  being  icinerated,  gives  1|  to  1J  per 
cent,  of  ash,  which  consists  of  one-half  sea-salt,  one-tenth  of 
peroxide  of  iron,  and  the  rest  of  lime,  magnesia,  potash,  soda, 
phosphoric  acid,  and  carbonic  acid. 

The  Skin. — Although  apparently  very  simple  in  its  struc- 
ture, the  skin  is  nevertheless  a very  compound  organ ; and  when 
we  consider  the  important  functions  it  performs,  and  its  re- 
lations to  the  rest  of  the  body,  we  shall  not  be  surprised  at 
this.  It  is  not  only  the  seat  of  common  sensation,  but  by  means 
of  the  vapor  it  constantly,  emits  in  the  form  of  perspiration, 
it  becomes  the  great  regulator  of  the  heat  of  the  body.  For 
these  purposes  it  is  supplied  with  nerves,  blood-vessels,  and 
glands. 

On  examining  a portion  of  skin  from  the  palm  of  the  hand, 
or  sole  of  the  foot,  from  without  inwards,  we  find  that  ex- 
ternally it  presents  a number  of  furrows,  or  lines,  which  are 
tolerably  constant  in  particular  parts  of  the  body.  On  the 
elevations  between  these  lines  are  seen  a number  of  minute 
openings  ( b b)  which  are  the  terminations  of  the  glands  ( d d d ) 
that  yield  perspiration.  These  furrows  and  pores  are  in  the 
upper  layer  of  the  skin,  called  epidermis  (c  c)  or  scarf  skin. 
This  membrane  is  in  some  parts  very  thin,  not  exceeding  the 
one  two-hundred-and-fortieth  part  of  an  inch  in  thickness,  whilst 
in  others,  as  in  the  sole  of  the  foot  and  the  palm  of  the  hand,  it 
is  at  least  one-twelfth  of  an  inch  thick.  It  is  this  portion  of 


THE  SKTN. 


n 


the  skin  which  is  elevated  when  what  are  called  blisters  are 
formed.  When  examined  with  the  microscope,  it  is  found  to 
consist  of  minute  flat  cells,  which  have  been  formed  below,  and 
are  gradually  thrust  upwards.  Below  this,  but  for  the  most 
part  continuous  with  it,  is  another  series  of  layers  of  cells  (c  c), 


FIG.  89. 


^TG.  90. 


DIAGRAM  OF  THE  STRUCTURE  OF 
TriE  SKIN. 

a.  Epidermis ; b b,  Pores ; c e.  Lay- 
ers of  epidermis  and  rete  mu- 
cosum  ; f,  Inhalent  vessels ; g g. 
Papillae  of  the  skin ; h h,  Corium  or 
true  skin;  d d d.  Bulbs  of  sudo- 
riferous glands  opening  in  the 
glands  b b. 


PORES  AND  PAPILUiE  OF  THE  SKIN. 

On  the  left  isaMagnified  View  of  the  Ridges  of  the 
Cuticle,  as  seen  in  the  Palm  of  the  Hand,  with  the 
Openings  of  the  Pores  in  their  Furrows.  On  the 
right,  the  Cuticle  has  been  removed,  leaving  corre- 
sponding rows  of  Papillae. 


and  which  were  called,  at  one  time,  by  the  name  rete  mucosum , 
as  it  was  supposed  to  be  a separate  membrane.  The  real  nature 
of  these  layers  of  cells  is,  that  they  are  all  secreted  on  the  sur- 
face of  a tough  fib ro- vascular  membrane,  called  the  corium  or 
true  skin  ( h lc).  The  cells  of  the  lower  layer,  called  the  rete 
mucosum,  are  softer  and  much  less  compressed  than  those  which 
form  the  epidermis.  'It  is  amongst  these  cells  that  a certain  set 
are  found  which  are  termed  pigment  cells.  When  separated 
they  have  a very  distinct  form,  and  are  easily  distinguished 
from  all  the  other  cells  by  their  dark  color.  This  dark  color  is 
dependent  on  the  presence,  in  the  cells,  of  a number  of  flat, 
rounded,  or  oval  granules,  not  more  than  the  one  twenty- 
thousandth  of  an  inch  in  diameter.  Now  it  is  found  that  these 
cells  are  always  present  in  the  skin  of  the  dark-colored  races  of 
mankind,  and  also  in  those  parts  of  the  skin  of  fair  races  which 
are  of  a dark  color.  It  is,  then,  to  the  presence  or  absence  of 
these  cells  that  the  skin  is  indebted  for  its  white  or  black  color. 
Where  they  are  very  abundant,  the  skin  has  a black  color ; and 


72 


ANATOMY  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY. 


in  proportion  to  their  diminution  are  the  various  shades  called 
red,  yellow,  brown,  brunette,  which  are  observed  amongst  the 
various  races  of  mankind.  The  skin  is  provided  with  two  dis- 
tinct sets  of  glands.  One  is  destined  to  free  the  blood  of  a large 
quantity  of  fluid,  and  are  named  the  perspiratory  or  sweat 

FIG.  91.  FIG.  92. 


A SWEAT  GLAND.  VERTICAL  SECTION  OF  THE  SKIN 


A vertical  section  of  the  sole  of  the 
foot — a,  the  Cuticle  or  Scarf  Skin,  the 
deeper  layers  of  which,  dark  in  color, 
being  called  the  rete  mucosum ; b,  the 
Papillce ; c,  the  Cutis  or  True  Skin ; 
and  d is  the  Sweat  Gland  in  a cavity 
of  oily  globules. 


LARGELY  MAGNIFIED. 

7i,  Sweat  Gland ; i,  a Hair  enclosed  in  its  Folli- 
cles, and  showing  its  pair  of  Sebaceous  Glands ; 
p,  a Sebaceous  Gland. 


glands;  the  other  being  designed  to  draw  off  a considerable 
amount  of  solid  matter,  and  are  styled  sebaceous  or  oil  glands. 
The  watery  vapor  which  is  constantly  passing  off  through  the 
pores  of  the  skin — when  not,  as  is  commonly  the  case,  in  such 
quantity  as  to  be  noticed — is  termed  insensible  perspiration ; 
when  so  profuse  as  to  collect  in  drops  on  the  surface,  it  is  sensi- 
ble perspiration  or  sweat.  The  fluid  which  thus  passes  off  from 
the  system  consists  chiefly  of  water,  with  a small  proportion  of 
muriate  of  soda  and  free  acetic  acid ; the  quantity  is  at  all  times 
very  considerable,  but  is  greatly  increased  during  violent  exer* 


THE  SKIN. 


73 


cise,  or  in  hot  weather.  The  sweat  gland  possesses  a twisted 
duct  which  passes  upward  to  the  surface,  and  through  this  tube 
ascends  to  the  surface  the  perspiration,  sensible  and  insensible! 
It  is  calculated  that  there  are  no  less  than  twenty-eight  miles 
of  this  tubing  on  the  surface  of  the  human  body,  and  that,  on 
an  average,  from  two  to  three  pounds  of  water  daily  reach  the 
surface  through  these  channels,  and  is  evaporated.  It  is  sup- 
posed  that  at  least  one  hundred  grains  of  effete  nitrogenous 
matter  are  daily  thrown  off  from  the  skin.  If  this  excretion  be 
checked  or  arrested,  it  throws  additional  labor  on  the  kidneys ; 
if  it  remains  in  the  blood,  it  will  prove  fatal  to  life  and  health. 
Great  attention,  therefore,  should  be  given  to  the  functions  of 
the  skin,  so  as  to  keep  the  pores  open  and  its  action  free ; and 
for  this  purpose  nothing  is  so  efficacious  as  bathing  in  cold 
water,  followed  by  friction  and  exercise. 

Beside  this  beautiful  arrangement  for  the  perspiration,  the 
skin  is  provided  with  another  set  of  special  organs,  named 
sebaceous  glands,  whose  office  it  is  to  withdraw  a peculiar  fatty 
matter  from  the  system,  while  the  secretion  itself  prevents  the 
skin  from  being  dried  and  cracked  by  the  influence  of  the  sun 
and  air.  These  glands  are  distributed  more  or  less  closely  over 
the  whole  surface  of  the  body,  but  are  most  numerous  in  those 
parts  which  are  largely  supplied  with  hair,  such  as  the  scalp 
and  face,  and  are  thickly  distributed  about  the  entrances  of  the 
various  passages  into  the  body,  as  the  anus,  nose,  lips,  and  ex- 
ternal ear.  They  are  altogether  absent  in  the  palms  of  the 
hands  and  the  soles  of  the  feet;  they  appear  to  be  made  up  of 
an  aggregate  of  small  vesicles,  and  these  small  vessels  are  filled 
with  an  opaque  white  substance,  something  like  soft  ointment. 
These  glands  are  overspread  with  minute  capillaries  or  blood- 
vessels, and  their  ducts  open  either  in  the  surface  of  the  skin, 
or,  which  is  more  usual,  directly  into  the  follicle  of  the  hair. 
These  hair-follicles,  into  which  the  sebaceous  glands  open,  are, 
in  fact,  among  the  secretory  organs  of  the  skin,  since  it  is  only 
at  their  root  or  lowest  part  that  the  material  produced  from 
their  walls  is  appropriated  to  the  growth  of  hair.  All  the  rest 
goes  to  anoint  the  hairs  and  the  surface  of  the  skin.  Hence  it 
is  that  this  secretion  is  much  more  abundant  in  the  inhabitants 
of  tropical  climates  than  in  those  which  .inhabit  cold  countries. 
But  for  this  benevolent  provision  of  the  great  Creator,  the  skin 
would  become  parched  and  dry ; and  even  with  this  provision  of 
nature,  the  natives  of  the  warm  countries  are  in  the  habit  of 
lubricating  their  skin  with  vegetable  oils  of  various  kinds,  to 
protect  it  from  the  scorching  influence  of  the  solar  rays. 


How  to  Maintain  Good  Health. 



Sickness  Prevented.  * Disease  Arrested 


Practical  Information  and  Rules  for  Everyday  Living. 


Before  taking  up  disease  and  its  remedies,  we  will  give  a 
brief  summary  of  the  rules  of  health,  by  the  observance  of  which 
disease  may,  in  a vast  number  of  cases,  be  prevented. 

If  it  is  asked  what  is  meant  by  the  term  “ health  ” it  is  appar- 
ently easy  to  answer ; but  there  is  no  one  who  will  not  lind 
it  a difficult  question.  The  difficulty  arises  from  the  fact  that 
the  term  “health”  is  a relative  one.  Such  a state  of  body  as 
would  be  considered  health  in  one  person  might  not  be  so  in 
another.  Some  persons  may  consider  themselves  healthy  when 
the  doctor  knows  they  are  not,  while  some  may  consider  them- 
selves diseased  when  the  doctor  knows  they  are  in  good  health. 

The  true  idea  of  health  is  a perfectly  sound  mind  in  a per- 
fectly sound  body — mens  sana  incorpore  sano , as  is  the  well 
known  Latin  saying.  A man’s  body  must  be  right,  and  his  mind 
and  soul  must  be  right,  or  he  is  not  a healthy  man. 

One  of  the  first  conditions  of  health  is  to  have  suitable  food. 
Our  bodies  are  made  up  of  certain  substances  which  are  constantly 
worn  out  by  our  activities,  so  that  during  our  whole  lives  there 
is  a constant  waste,  which  requires  a regular  supply  of  food  to 
replace  the  particles  destroyed.  Men  do  not  eat  simply  to  satisfy 
the  appetite.  The  object  of  taking  food  is  to  keep  up  the  size  and 
strength  of  the  body  and  to  replace  the  waste. 

The  animal  body  is  warm  and  constantly  emitting  heat,  and 
the  heat  so  emitted  must  be  replaced.  The  animal  body  has 
often  been  compared  to  a locomotive,  in  which,  by  air  and  water, 
heat  is  generated.  Food  may  be  considered  as  the  fuel,  but  it  does 
not  serve  to  generate  heat  only,  as  in  the  locomotive ; it  forms 
new  particles  for  the  growth  of  the  body,  and  to  replace  those 
worn  out.  While  in  the  engine  the  machine  is  constantly 
wearing  out,  the  body,  up  to  maturity,  is  not  only  constantly 


THE  CONDITIONS  OF  HEALTH,  ETC.  75 

replacing  the  waste,  but  increasing  the  weight  and  strength. 
And  here  is  seen  the  superiority  of  God’s  arrangements  over 
those  of  men. 

All  the  different  articles  of  food  may  be  reduced  to  two  great 
groups : 1st,  flesh-forming  substances ; and,  2d,  heat-forming 
substances.  The  flesh  of  men  and  animals  shows  a third  class 
of  substances,  known  as  nutritive  salts.  These  salts  have  only 
begun  to  be  fully  recognized  during  the  last  few  years.  These  salts 
may  be  seen  in  the  form  of  ashes  when  any  food  is  burned,  such 
as  phosphoric  acid,  potash  and  other  mineral  salts.  The  flesh- 
forming substances  are  required  to  form  the  flesh  and  muscles, 
the  heat-forming  substances  to  supply  fat,  which  may  be  consid- 
ered as  the  storehouse  of  heat;  and  the  salts  are  needed  for  the 
bones.  Good  food  must  contain  a certain  amount  of  flesh-forming 
substances,  heat  substances,  and  nutritive  salts. 

It  was  popularly  stated  that  a certain  weight  of  eggs  was 
equal  to  the  same  weight  of  flesh,  but  it  has  long  been  known 
that  eggs  are  not  equal  to  meat.  With  flesh  a carnivorous  animal 
may  support  life,  but  it  is  not  so  with  eggs.  A dog  may  eat 
eggs  but  cannot  digest  them  so  as  to  live  upon  them.  This  is 
because  the  parts  of  the  egg  eaten  do  not  contain  an  atom  of 
nutritive  salts.  If  we  must  eat  eggs,  in  order  to  obtain  full 
nutriment  we  ought  also  to  eat  the  shells.  An  egg  does  not 
contain  one  particle  of  nutritious  salts,  yet  when  the  chick  comes 
forth  it  contains  the  due  proportion  of  phosphate  of  lime.  This 
is  due  to  the  fact  that  in  the  process  of  incubation  the  chick  is 
able  to  dissolve  the  inner  portion  of  the  shell,  and  build  it  up 
into  bones,  and  thus  at  the  same  time  get  the  shell  ready 
to  break. 

There  was  a great  argument  a few  years  ago  as  to  how  the 
chick  got  out  of  the  shell.  True,  the  beak  is  so  arranged  at  a 
certain  point  as  to  be  ready  to  break  the  shell,  but  with  all  its 
power  a chick  could  not  break  the  shell  but  for  the  removal  of 
the  inner  portion  to  build  up  its  bones.  It  is  much  the  same 
with  meat ; if  it  is  soaked  in  water  it  becomes  worthless,  hence 
the  value  of  the  salts. 

In  salting  meat  15  per  cent,  of  the  nutritive  parts  are  lost  in 
the  brine,  and  salted  pork  is  far  more  nutritive  than  raw  or  boiled 
ham.  It  is  well  known  that  a man  dying  of  starvation  cannot 
satisfy  himself  with  boiled  ham.  It  can  be  eaten  and  enjoyed, 
but  that  is  because  other  things  are  taken  along  with  it. 

Raw  meats,  and  especially  pork,  should  not  be  eaten,  because 
they  may  contain  the  larvae  of  tapeworms.  Raw  pork  may 


76 


THE  CONDITIONS  OF  HEALTH. 


contain  other  elements  of  danger.  By  the  judicious  mixing  of 
the  nutritive  salts,  different  kinds  of  food  may  be  made  nutri- 
tious. It  is  this  mixing  of  food  which  makes  porridge  and  milk 
furnish  perfect  nutriment  even  for  an  adult. 

It  is  a pity  that  the  custom  of  eating  porridge  and  milk  is 
dying  out,  for  it  is  as  good  a food  for  keeping  up  the  weight, 
animal  heat,  and  strength  as  anything  that  can  be  eaten.  It  is 
also  an  ascertained  fact  that  a dog  if  fed  upon  white  bread  dies, 
whereas  his  health  does  not  suffer  at  all  if  he  is  fed  on 
brown  bread.  The  reason  of  this  is  that  in  preparing  flour  the 
most  nutritious  portion  of  the  wheat  is  removed  and  fine  white 
flour  is  less  valuable  and  nutritious  than  flour  of  the  entire 
wheat.  What  is  true  of  the  dog  is  true  also  of  the  man.  How 
many  more  men  could  be  fed  upon  brown  bread  than  upon  white 
at  present  in  this  country  ? At  least  a million. 

We  are  wasting  the  produce  of  the  earth  to  the  extent  of 
at  least  one-thirtieth  by  not  using  the  entire  wheat  for  bread. 
There  is  not  a child  but  would  prefer  brown  bread  after  once 
learning  how  to  use  it.  This  is  a natural  instinct,  and  these 
instincts  are  given  for  a wise  purpose.  God  has  so  arranged  it 
that  our  natural  instincts  lead  us  to  select  such  a class  of  food  as 
is  fit  for  the  body. 

Milk  contains  out  of  100  parts,  4£  of  flesh-forming  substances, 
8 parts  of  heat-giving  substances,  and  the  rest  is  a little  mineral 
and  water.  Milk  is  a perfect  type  of  natural  food.  Butchers’ 
meat  contains  22  parts  of  flesh-forming  substance,  14  of  heat- 
giving principle,  £ of  mineral  salts,  and  the  rest  water.  Bacon 
contains  only  8 parts  of  flesh-forming  substance,  but  62  of 
the  lreat-giving  principle.  The  relative  proportions  of  fish  are 
respectively  14  flesh-forming,  7 heat-giving,  1 mineral  salts,  78 
water;  flour,  17  flesh-forming  and  66  heat-giving  — it  consists 
mainly  of  starch,  which  is  essential  to  the  heat-giving  principle ; 
oatmeal,  13  flesh-forming,  70  heat-giving,  3 mineral  salts; 
potatoes,  1 flesh-forming,  22  heat-giving.  They  consist,  like 
flour,  mainly  of  starch  and  water.  Sugar  has  not  a particle  of 
the  flesh-forming  ingredient,  but  consists  entirely  of  the  heat- 
giving principle.  Bread  has  6 flesh-forming,  38  heat-giving,  1£ 
mineral  salts,  and  48  water ; cheese,  31  flesh-forming,  25  heat- 
giving, 4 mineral  salts.  In  beer  there  is  only  1 part  of  flesh- 
forming principle  and  9 of  the  heat-giving,  out  of  100  parts.  It 
is  almost  entirely  water.  The  flesh-forming  foods  are  charac- 
terized by  containing  nitrogen,  and  the  heat-giving  by  containing 
carbon  — flesh-forming  containing  a predominance  of  nitrogen, 


THE  CONDITIONS  OF  HEALTH,  ETC. 


77 


and  the  heat-giving  a predominance  of  carbon.  From  these 
facts  we  can  easily  estimate  the  relative  value  of  different  kinds 
of  food  for  sustaining  the  body.  In  case  of  illness  these  facts 
guide  medical  men.  If  a man  is  suffering  from  inflammation, 
and  has  been  a great  eater,  they  do  not  give  him  flesh-forming 
foods  but  the  other  kinds  to  let  him  burn  it  off.  Milk  is  the 
standard,  and  to  every  100  parts  of  nitrogen  in  human  milk, 
cow’s  milk  contains  237  parts.  Milk  is  intended  for  the  nour- 
ishment of  persons  only  in  a state  of  quietude,  such  as  babies. 
The  practice  of  letting  babies  sit  up  before  they  can  well  do  so, 
and  have  something  of  everything  on  the  table,  is  not  only 
unwise  but  also  very  harmful.  Milk  generally  should  be  given 
to  a child  until  it  gets  its  teeth.  Another  question  regarding 
food  is,  when  taken,  can  it  be  digested  ? One  kind  might  be 
very  nutritious,  but  might  be  inferior  to  another  with  not  so 
much  nourishment  in  it.  Suppose  a man  were  to  take  some 
highly  nourishing  food,  which  he  could  not  digest,  he  would 
derive  less  benefit  than  from  some  simple  food  which  his  stomach 
could  tolerate.  There  is  great  difference  in  the  digestibility  of 
food.  Rice  boiled  soft  digests  in  an  hour ; apples,  sweet  and 
ripe,  14  hours;  sago,  If  to  2 hours;  milk,  2 hours ; cabbage, 
2 hours;  parsnips,  24  hours;  roasted  potatoes,  24  hours  ; boiled 
potatoes,  34  hours;  carrots,  34  hours;  butter  and  bread,  3£ 
hours  ; venison,  14  hours;  oysters,  2 hours  and  3 minutes;  raw 
eggs,  the  same ; soft  boiled,  3 hours ; hard  boiled,  34  hours ; salt 
beef,  54  hours ; mutton,  3 hours ; pork,  34  hours ; salted  pork,  4 
hours  and  38  minutes,  etc.  Not  only  must  food  be  of  proper 
quality  and  such  as  can  be  digested,  but  care  must  be  taken  that 
it  be  cooked  in  proper  manner.  Many  articles  are  spoiled  by 
improper  cookery ; and  many  a cook  will  improve  an  inferior 
article.  The  French  peasant  lives  on  an  amount  of  food  which 
would  astonish  many,  for  the  manner  in  which  it  is  prepared  makes 
it  go  a long  way.  We  actually  use  more  food  than  we  need,  and 
it  is  wasted  in  the  system,  for  it  is  given  to  the  stomach  in  such 
a way  that  the  stomach  cannot  use  it.  Another  point  is  to  take 
care  that  no  portion  of  the  strength  of  the  meat  is  wasted  in  the 
cooking.  Not  one  person  in  five  hundred  knows  how  to  make  beef 
tea  or  boil  a leg  of  mutton.  If  they  put  beef  into  boiling  water 
they  will  be  sure  to  leave  a great  deal  of  the  nutriment  in  the 
meat,  and  of  course  so  much  the  less  in  the  tea.  When  people 
want  to  get  all  the  strength  out  of  beef,  they  should  take  a piece 
of  lean  meat,  mince  it  fine,  and  put  it  into  cold  water,  and  after- 
ward gradually  heat  the  water  to  a boiling  point,  but  by  no 


78 


THE  CONDITIONS  OF  HEALTH. 


means  do  this  quickly.  If  they  want  boiled  mutton  to  be  juicy, 
they  must  put  it  into  boiling  water,  which  will  have  the  effect 
of  coagulating  the  albumen.  Another  important  matter  is  the 
amount  of  food  to  be  taken.  This  ought  to  be  considered  by 
the  amount  of  work  a man  has  to  perform.  The  amount  of 
food  must  also  vary  according  to  the  climate.  Foods  containing 
fat  are  required  for  the  winter,  those  containing  starch  for  sum- 
mer. In  India  it  is  almost  necessary  to  live  on  rice,  in  Lapland 
the  people  have  to  eat  an  enormous  amount  of  fat  to  keep  up  the 
warmth  of  the  body.  People  should  always  remember  that  they 
ought  to  eat  to  live,  and  not  live  to  eat.  More  than  half  the  inhab- 
itants of  this  country  do  not  remember  this  maxim.  It  is  there- 
fore better  to  get  up  from  the  table  with  an  appetite,  than  to 
feel  that  you  cannot  take  any  more.  Some  systems  need  more 
than  others,  but  natural  instincts  must  guide  a man  on  this 
point.  There  is  also  as  much  disease  caused  by  intemperance 
in  eating  as  in  drinking.  Food  taken  into  the  stomach  and  not 
needed  is  an  incubus,  and  the  system  in  trying  to  get  rid  of  it  is 
often  deranged.  It  is  an  old  saying  that  good  eating  requires 
good  rest,  and  it  is  true ; hence  the  importance  of  not  taking 
active  exercise  of  body  or  mind  after  the  principal  meal  of  the 
day.  Food  when  taken  into  the  stomach  requires  an  extra 
amount  of  blood  to  digest  it,  and,  if  we  indulge  in  reading,  the 
blood  is  taken  away.  There  should  be  a good  breakfast,  a 
hearty  meal  eaten  in  the  middle  of  the  day,  and  a light  supper 
when  the  work  is  done.  There  is  much  truth  in  the  saying  : — 

After  dinner  sit  awhile, 

After  supper  walk  a mile. 

Long  fasting  is  objectionable.  The  food  should  be  well  masti- 
cated, and  our  teeth  are  for  this  purpose.  Food  when  imper- 
fectly masticated  takes  a long  time  to  digest,  and  ferments  in 
the  stomach,  tainting  the  breath.  Hence  the  importance  of  hav- 
ing artificial  teeth  when  our  natural  ones  are  gone,  for  there  can 
be  no  doubt  that  modern  dentistry  has  lengthened  the  average 
duration  of  life  in  this  country.  Then,  as  to  suitable  bever- 
age ; it  is  evident  from  the  very  abundant  supply,  that  God 
intended  our  drink  should  consist  mainly  of  water.  Everybody 
is  agreed  as  to  the  suitability  of  water  as  a drink.  In  all  nations, 
some  kinds  of  artificial  stimulants  are  used.  Some  are  less 
injurious  than  others,  but  all  of  them  when  taken  to  excess  are 
injurious  to  both  body  and  mind.  In  moderation,  at  least  some 
of  them  are  useful,  such  as  tea  after  a hard  day’s  work.  A cup 


THE  CONDITIONS  OF  HEALTH,  ETC.  79 

of  tea  is  far  more  refreshing  than  a glass  of  spirits  or  wine. 
Perhaps  a safe  rule  is  for  persons  to  take  those  articles  which  do 
not  intoxicate  at  their  own  discretion,  such  as  tea,  coffee,  etc., 
while  those  which  are  intoxicating  should  not  be  taken  except 
under  judicious  advice.  It  must  never  be  forgotten  that  good, 
wholesome  food  is  the  corn,  while  stimulants  are  only  the  whip. 
Another  important  condition  of  health  is  plenty  of  air. 

Air  is  as  necessary  to  existence  as  food,  and  its  total  depriva- 
tion is  still  more  rapidly  fatal ; but  the  quality  of  the  air  is  also 
of  nearly  equal  importance,  though  this  is  not  so  readily  proved. 
Nevertheless,  it  is  an  admitted  fact  that  pure  air,  uncontami- 
nated either  by  decomposing  animal,  vegetable,  or  mineral 
products,  is  of  the  greatest  consequence  to  the  human  race. 

Whatever  renders  the  blood  impure  tends  to  originate  dis- 
ease. Whatever  makes  the  air  impure  tends  to  make  the  blood 
impure.  It  is  the  air  we  breathe  which  purifies  the  blood.  If 
the  water  we  use  to  wash  our  clothing  is  dirty,  it  is  impossible 
to  wash  the  clothing  clean;  so  if  the  air  we  breathe  is  impure,  it 
is  impossible  for  it  to  purify  the  blood. 

What,  then,  are  some  of  the  more  prominent  things  which 
render  the  air  impure  ? It  is  the  nature  of  still  water  to  become 
impure.  Running  water  purifies  itself.  Air  in  motion  purifies 
itself.  Thus  it  is  that  the  air  of  a close  room  becomes  inevitably 
impure.  Thus  it  is  that  close  rooms  cause  headache  and  other 
disturbances.  Hence  all  rooms  should  be  constructed  with  a 
view  to  ventilation. 

A man  of  ordinary  size  renders  a hogshead  of  air  unfit  for 
breathing,  and  consumes  its  blood  purifying  qualities  every 
hour.  Hence,  sleeping  in  a close  room,  even  though  alone,  or 
sitting  for  a very  short  time  in  a crowded  vehicle  or  among  a 
large  assembly  corrupts  the  blood.  Close  bedrooms  make  the 
graves  of  multitudes.  The  simple  fact  set  forth  by  Dr.  Arnott, 
long  ago,  that  a canary  bird  suspended  near  the  top  of  a cur- 
tained bedstead  in  which  people  are  sleeping  will  generally  be 
found  dead  in  the  morning,  should  be  sufficient  to  show  the 
danger  of  breathing  a vitiated  atmosphere,  and  the  necessity  of 
providing  a constant  and  ample  supply  of  fresh  air  in  our  dwell- 
ings. 

Impure  air,  however,  cannot  be  seen ; its  effects  are  not 
immediate  ; and  so  it  is  allowed  to  work  mischief  continually. 
A healthy,  full-grown  man  respires  about  twenty  times  in  a 
minute  and  inhales  in  that  period  about  700  cubic  inches  of  air. 
Fresh  air  contains  twenty-three  per  cent,  of  oxygen ; by  the 


80 


THE  CONDITIONS  OF  HEALTH. 


process  of  respiration  the  oxygen  is  reduced  to  eleven  per 
cent.,  and  the  carbonic  acid  is  increased  to  rather  more  than 
eight  per  cent.  Three  and  a half  per  cent,  of  this  gas  renders 
air  unfit  to  support  life  ; and  this  will  give  some  idea  of  the 
large  quantity  of  air  required  for  the  healthful  occupation  of  a 
building  by  a number  of  persons,  especially  in  sleeping  rooms. 

It  is  very  important  upon  taking  a house  to  consider  well 
beforehand  all  the  advantages  or  disadvantages  connected  with 
the  proposed  residence ; for  not  only  may  the  physical  comfort 
of  a family,  but  also  its  mental  and  moral  well-being,  be  materi- 
ally affected  by  the  selection. 

The  primary  advantage  every  home  should  possess  is 
healthiness.  Do  not  choose  your  house  in  a low,  damp  situation, 
however  cheap  it  may  apparently  be ; houses  in  such  situations 
cannot  be  well  drained,  and  the  consequence  is,  that  fever  or 
cholera  often  prevails  in  such  a locality.  A house  built  on  dry, 
gravelly  soil,  on  rising  ground,  and  where  the  drains  are  in  good 
order,  should  be  selected  as  being  that  in  which  health  may  be 
best  preserved.  The  signs  of  damp  are  moulding  of  the  walls, 
paper-hanging  mouldy  and  peeling  off,  and  moist  floors.  High 
and  dry  situations,  with  a free  circulation  of  air,  whether  in 
towns  or  in  the  country,  are  proverbially  healthy,  while  those 
which  are  low  and  damp,  or  surrounded  by  confined  air,  are  the 
opposite. 

A plentiful  supply  of  pure  water  is  indispensable  both  for 
drinking  and  cleansing  ; good  health  cannot  be  expected  if  im- 
pure water  is  drunk,  and  you  cannot  have  comfort  in  a dirty 
house  or  in  dirty  linen.  Therefore,  let  “ cleanliness  be  next  to 
godliness.”  A sign  of  good  water  is,  that  a drop  dried  on 
a clean  cloth  leaves  no  stain  behind ; it  has  likewise  neither 
taste  nor  smell.  Standing  pools  and  wells  are  not  unfrequently 
impure.  River  water  varies  according  to  the  soil  over  which  it 
runs,  the  influence  of  the  weather,  etc.,  and  though  commonly 
drunk  it  is  never  pure.  Next  to  well  and  river  water,  rain 
water  may  be  considered  in  the  scale  of  preference.  The  water 
most  to  be  preferred  is  that  which  descends  from  mountains  or 
lofty  hills,  through  flints  and  sands,  and  rolls  gently  over  a sim- 
ilar bed  of  rocks. 

The  selection  of  a temporary  residence  for  invalids  is  a mat- 
ter of  great  importance  ; for  one  class  an  elevated  situation,  and 
a dry  bracing  air,  will  be  most  proper ; a sheltered  residence, 
with  a milder  air,  will  be  suitable  for  another,  while  the  seaside 
may  perhaps  be  preferable  for  a third. 


THE  CONDITIONS  OF  HEALTH,  ETC. 


81 


Very  precious  time  is  often  lost,  and  real  injury  inflicted, 
from  want  of  care  upon  this  point,  and  from  persons  acting  upon 
their  own  ideas,  or  upon  insufficient  advice.  The  subject  is  too 
extensive  to  admit  of  profitable  consideration  in  this  work,  and 
the  decision  respecting  climate  is  so  much  a matter  of  judgment, 
and  of  such  great  importance,  that  medical  opinion  ought  always 
to  be  taken  when  change  of  climate  is  determined  upon. 

A change  of  residence  and  scene  often  has  a beneficial 
influence  on  the  health.  Those  persons  accustomed  to  sedentary 
pursuits  in  town  frequently  derive  beneficial  results  by  resort 
to  the  country  or  seaside.  The  nervous  system  is  braced  by 
the  change,  and  all  the  functions  are  brought  into  more  vigor- 
ous play. 

Ventilation  is  a primary  consideration.  It  is  not  possible  to 
have  too  much  fresh  air  in  the  house,  provided  only  an  uncomfort- 
able and  chilly  draught  is  not  allowed  to  blow  upon  the  body. 
Mischief  from  draught  may  be  prevented  by  means  of  folding 
screens  to  turn  aside.  A house  without  sufficient  windows,  or 
without  chimneys  in  the  sleeping  rooms,  is  by  no  means  healthy  ; 
a free  current  of  air  must  be  allowed  to  pass  through  all  the 
apartments  every  day.  The  warmer  and  stiller  the  air  is,  the 
more  difficult  it  becomes  to  secure  the  free  ventilation  of  rooms. 
In  the  calm,  hot  nights  of  summer,  the  windows  of  sleeping 
rooms  should,  on  this  account,  be  left  partly  open.  It  is  better 
to  breathe  air  moistened  with  dew  than  it  is  to  breathe  air 
impregnated  with  poisonous  vapors.  The  upper  part  of  an 
unventilated  room  is  always  filled  with  foul  air.  The  openings 
for  the  escape  of  foul  air  should  be  made  as  near  the  ceiling  as 
possible.  Fresh  air  finds  its  way  into  a room  at  the  lower  part, 
and,  if  openings  for  ventilation  are  made  in  the  upper  part,  a 
current  of  air  fit  for  breathing  is  always  passing  through  the 
room,  the  foul  air  escaping  as  it  becomes  vitiated. 

A dwelling,  to  be  healthy,  must  by  all  means  be  well 
lighted ; a dark  house  is  not  only  gloomy  and  dispiriting,  but 
always  unhealthy. 

Light  is  as  needful  to  health  as  fresh  air.  A plant  will  not 
flourish  until  it  has  light.  Put  a geranium  in  a cellar  and  its 
leaves  will  fade,  its  blossoms  turn  white,  and  its  general  look 
betoken  sickliness.  So  it  is  with  human  beings. 

Chlorine  and  hydrogen  gases  if  mixed  together  and  kept  in 
the  dark  will  never  unite  ; the  light  of  day  causes  them  to  min- 
gle slowly,  but  in  direct  sunshine  they  combine  instantaneously, 
and  explode  with  a loud  report.  Colors  fade  in  a strong  light, 


82 


THE  CONDITIONS  OF  HEALTH. 


and,  as  most  readers  know,  portraits  are  taken  by  action 
of  light. 

People  who  work  in  dark  rooms,  or  in  mines,  are  sallow  in 
complexion  and  sickly,  and  sometimes  deformed.  One  great 
cause  of  despondency  and  illness  among  emigrants  while  on 
board  ship  is  want  of  sufficient  light  between  decks  ; and  it  is 
well  known  that  some  animals  are  tamed  by  being  deprived  of 
light. 

Bearing  these  facts  in  mind,  we  shall  better  comprehend  the 
reason  why  dwelling  houses  ought  to  be  built  so  as  to  admit 
plenty  of  light,  with  no  dark  corners  to  invite  untidiness  or 
sickness. 

A certain  degree  of  warmth  is  necessary  for  the  healthy  play 
of  the  vital  functions.  The  temperature  of  this  climate  is  such 
as  to  require  the  aid  of  artificial  heat.  This  is  supplied  partly 
by  fuel  and  partly  by  clothing.  Exercise  warms,  invigorates, 
and  purifies  the  body;  clothing  preserves  the  warmth  which  the 
body  generates ; fire  imparts  warmth  externally  ; therefore,  to 
obtain  and  preserve  warmth,  exercise  is  preferable  to  fire. 
Within  doors,  where  less  exercise  can  be  taken,  we  are  depend- 
ent greatly  for  health  as  well  as  comfort  on  the  mode  of  heating 
rooms  and  houses.  In  small  rooms,  the  snug  and  cheerful  fire- 
side is  preferable  to  all  kinds  of  stoves. 

Nature  teaches  us  to  use  the  materials  and  the  amount  of 
clothing  which  the  climate  makes  necessary.  In  this  country  it 
is  best  to  have  some  material  next  the  skin  which  combines 
warmth  with  lightness,  protecting  from  the  variations  of  tem- 
perature, and  absorbing  the  insensible  perspiration.  Spun  silk, 
flannels,  and  lamb’s  wool,  of  various  thicknesses  for  different 
seasons,  are  the  best  materials  for  this  purpose.  By  habit,  many 
can  dispense  with  underclothing,  but  it  is  always  a great  protec- 
tion, and  not  to  use  it  is  unwise.  In  hot  climates,  a stranger  is 
apt,  for  momentary  comfort,  to  throw  off  abruptly  the  under- 
clothing, and  many  a life  has  been  lost  by  diseases  produced 
from  the  check  to  perspiration,  which  the  continued  use  of  the 
article  would  have  prevented.  If  thick  underclothing  is  worn 
during  the  day,  that  of  much  thinner  texture  should  be  used  at 
night. 

Children  are,  in  many  cases,  most  insufficiently  protected 
from  the  weather ; numbers  go  without  a single  article  of  under- 
clothing, either  in  consequence  of  carelessness  or  poverty,  or 
from  the  erroneous  idea  of  rendering  them  hardy.  The  surface 
of  a child,  from  the  neck  downwards,  ought  to  be  kept  warm  by 


THE  CONDITIONS  OF  HEALTH,  ETC. 


83 


clothing;  exposed  chests,  bare  legs,  and  thin  coverings  invite 
croup,  inflammation  of  the  lungs,  and  scrofula. 

The  clothing  of  the  feet  is  a matter  of  the  greatest  impor- 
tance to  all  who  value  health.  They  should  be  kept  dry  and 
warm.  On  the  other  hand,  the  head,  especially  of  children, 
should  be  kept  cool.  Infants  and  small  children  ought  to  be 
shielded  from  the  rays  of  the  hot  sun. 

Exercise  comes  next  to  air  and  food  in  its  bearing  upon  the 
healthy  development  of  the  human  frame,  but  its  effects  are 
dependent  on  different  laws.  Respiration,  circulation,  digestion, 
secretion,  and  all  the  bodily  functions  are  assisted  by  it.  The 
evil  results  of  deficient  exercise  are  seen  in  persons  of  indolent 
life  and  sedentary  habits.  Indigestion,  costiveness,  and  a mul- 
titude of  chronic  maladies  are  induced,  besides  the  general 
derangement  and  discomfort  of  the  whole  system  from  which 
nervous  and  hypochondriacal  patients  suffer. 

Without  exercise  the  muscles  become  enfeebled,  the  inter- 
nal functions  of  the  body  deranged,  and  the  brain  is  incapable  of  a 
great  mental  effort.  With  it  the  machinery  of  life  goes  on  with 
vigor  and  regularity,  and  the  mind  is  stimulated  to  healthy 
action.  The  benefits  of  exercise,  therefore,  to  those  whose  occu- 
pation does  not  require  physical  exertion,  cannot  be  too  highly 
estimated.  The  body  must  undergo  a certain  amount  of  fatigue 
to  preserve  its  natural  strength,  and  maintain  all  the  muscles 
and  organs  in  proper  vigor.  This  activity  equalizes  the  circula- 
tion and  distributes  the  blood  more  effectually  through  every 
part.  Cold  extremities  indicate  that  the  circulation  is  languid. 
The  muscles  during  exercise  stimulate  the  veins  and  urge  on  the 
blood  currents  by  quickening  every  vessel  into  activity.  When 
exercise  is  neglected,  the  blood  gathers  about  the  central  organs, 
and  the  oppression  about  the  heart,  difficulty  of  breathing, 
lowness  of  spirits,  anxiety,  and  heaviness  are  evidence  of  this 
stagnation. 

The  precise  amount  of  exercise  required  depends  in  a great 
measure  upon  a person’s  strength,  but  under  ordinary  circum- 
stances every  person  should  pass  at  least  two  hours  daily  in  the 
open  air.  The  delicate  may  take  exercise  within  doors,  select- 
ing the  largest  room  with  the  window  open. 

Daily  exercise  is  necessary  to  preserve  the  healthy  functions 
of  the  body ; it  is  a merciful  provision  by  which  the  decree 
that  man  should  earn  his  bread  by  the  sweat  of  his  brow  be- 
comes a blessing ; it  gives  the  laborer  sound  sleep  and  a good 
appetite. 


84 


THE  CONDITIONS  OF  HEALTH. 


Cleanliness  has  a powerful  influence  on  the  health  and  pres- 
ervation of  the  body.  Cleanliness  in  our  garments  and  person 
prevents  the  pernicious  effects  of  dampness,  bad  odors,  and  con- 
tagious diseases.  Cleanliness  keeps  up  a free  perspiration, 
renews  the  air,  refreshes  the  blood,  and  animates  and  enlivens 
the  mind. 

Frequent  ablutions  of  the  body  in  water  is  not  only  neces- 
sary to  cleanliness  and  comfort,  but  it  is  also  necessary  to  the 
preservation  of  the  health.  The  explanation  of  this  is,  that  the 
pores  of  the  skin  remove  from  the  body  the  useless  and  super- 
fluous matter  which  is  constantly  being  generated.  If  this  refuse 
is  suffered  to  accumulate  upon  the  surface,  it  forms  a thick,  hard 
crust  which  obstructs  the  pores  and  impedes  their  functions. 
The  whole  body  should  be  daily  washed  with  water,  or  rubbed 
over  with  a coarse,  damp  towel. 

When  it  is  considered  that  our  well-being  depends  in  a 
measure  upon  the  healthy  condition  of  the  skin,  the  importance 
of  bathing  must  be  obvious ; and,  for  this  purpose,  either  the  cold 
or  tepid  bath  may  be  employed.  In  addition  to  cleanliness,  the 
cold  bath,  when  used  by  persons  in  health,  increases  the  tone  of 
the  stomach,  strengthens  the  digestive  organs,  diminishes  the 
sensibility  of  the  whole  system,  particularly  of  the  skin,  and  ren- 
ders the  body  less  susceptible  to  atmospheric  impressions,  cold, 
wet,  and  sudden  changes  of  temperature.  The  interval  for  a 
person  to  remain  in  a cold  bath  should  not  at  any  time,  and  in 
the  most  robust  health,  exceed  ten  minutes  or  a quarter  of  an 
hour ; and  in  the  winter  not  more  than  five  minutes.  In  the 
morning,  before  breakfast,  is  the  best  time  for  those  in  health  to 
indulge  in  the  bath,  but  those  less  vigorous  should  bathe  about 
two  hours  after  breakfast. 

The  use  of  the  tepid  bath  is  important  for  the  purposes  of 
cleanliness,  and  the  general  preservation  of  health ; as  a remedy 
for  disease,  it  is  occasionally  valuable.  The  proper  range  of 
temperature  is  from  85  to  92  degrees.  The  temperature  may  be 
lowered  gradually  in  some  cases,  until  it  reaches  that  of  the 
cold  bath.  For  the  purpose  of  ablution,  the  tepid  water  is  the 
best,  choosing  the  degree  of  warmth  that  is  most  agreeable.  It 
is  very  refreshing  after  the  fatigue  of  traveling,  and  is  service- 
able to  persons  of  sedentary  habits. 

Summary  and  Practical  Rules. — When  you  find  a 
want  of  vigor  and  activity  of  body  and  mind,  or  when  you 
experience  depression  of  spirits,  morbid  and  gloomy  imaginations 
or  perverted  feelings,  try  to  discover  the  cause,  and  whether  it  is 


THE  CONDITIONS  OF  HEALTH,  ETC. 


85 


dependent  on  jour  own  acts.  If  you  are  sure  that  you  have 
no  organic  disease,  suspect  bad  condition  of  the  blood, — to  rem- 
edy which  look  first  to  your  diet , its  quality  and  quantity  ; re- 
member that  generally  during  the  period  of  growth,  deficiency 
is  to  be  feared;  and,  in  adult  life,  excess  is  the  thing  to  be 
guarded  against.  If  your  appetite  is  defective,  inquire  why  ; if 
your  vocations  are  sedentary,  see  that  you  get  exercise  daily, 
and  in  the  open  air.  Cultivate  quietness  of  mind,  and  freedom 
from  care  and  passion, — both  of  which  destroy  the  appetite.  As 
to  the  quality  of  your  food,  remember  its  twofold  object  is  to 
produce  heat  and  to  repair  waste , but  also  remember  that  iov  you 
what  you  can  well  digest  is  the  only  proper  food.  If  you  lose 
weight  in  consequence  of  muscular  or  mental  exertion,  you  must 
regain  it  by  using  a due  proportion  of  nitrogenous  or  flesh  pro- 
ducing foods;  for  those  who  work  chiefly  with  the  brain,  peas 
and  beans  are  less  suited  than  for  those  whose  labor  is  chiefly 
muscular . 

If  you  are  disposed  to  emaciation,  use  abundance  of  farina- 
ceous food,  and  that  containing  starch  and  sugar, — especially  sound 
bread,  and  take  the  utmost  care  that  it  be  sound.  If  you  are 
disposed  to  superfluous  fat  (obesity),  take  the  diet  just  described, 
but  very  sparingly,  and  use  more  meat.  Consider  your  habit  of 
body,  and  also  to  what  disorders  you  have  a tendency,  either 
hereditary  or  acquired. 

All  scrofulous  or  consumptive  patients  require  pure,  dry  air, 
but  not  necessarily  a hot  climate.  It  is  quite  a mistake  to  sup- 
pose that  hot  climates  are  favorable  to  consumptive  invalids  in 
all  stages  of  the  disorder;  to  some  they  prove  positively  hurtful. 
Do  not  neglect  the  care  of  the  skin.  Use  frequent  warm  baths, 
soap,  and  friction  with  coarse  towels.  Cold  baths  should  be 
used  only  by  the  robust. 

Exercise  as  much  as  possible,  in  the  open  air  when  prac- 
ticable ; and  use  sufficient  exercise,  at  least  once  a day,  to  pro- 
duce sensible  perspiration  of  the  skin.  When  out-of-door  exer- 
cise is  impracticable,  do  not  omit  it;  not  only  gymnastics,  but 
reading  aloud,  singing,  and  music  can  be  used  to  indoor 
advantage.  Those  who  are  in  moderate  health  ought  to  accus- 
tom themselves  to  the  open  air  in  all  weathers.  Use  warm 
clothing,  but  avoid  as  much  as  possible  that  which  is  impervious 
to  perspiration. 

As  to  temperature, — let  your  rooms  be  kept  at  a tempera- 
ture not  exceeding  seventy-two  degrees,  nor  falling  below  sixty 
degrees.  \*  hen  you  pass  from  a warm  room  to  the  open  air  in 


86 


THE  CONDITIONS  OF  HEALTH. 


very  cold  weather,  get  well  warmed  before  you  expose  yourself. 
In  passing  from  very  cold  air  to  the  house,  go  first  into  the  cool- 
est part  of  the  house,  so  as  to  avoid  the  sudden  transition  from 
cold  to  hot  air,  which  is  very  hurtful.  There  is  no  danger,  but 
much  benefit,  from  the  application  of  cold  water  to  the  skin 
when  the  latter  is  extremely  hot,  since  this  is  just  the  condition 
in  which  cold  affusion  is  useful,  as  in  fevers. 

To  promote  proper  excretion,  and  to  avoid  constipation, 
observe  the  following  : Let  not  your  diet  be  too  concentrated, 
bulk  as  well  as  nutrient  elements  being  necessary.  Remember 
that  constipation  often  depends  upon  imperfect  digestion ; there- 
fore eat  only  what  you  can  thoroughly  digest.  Do  not  use  aper- 
ient medicines  if  you  can  possibly  regulate  the  bowels  without 
them.  If  they  become  needful,  a few  grains  of  rhubarb,  or  a 
teaspoonful  of  castor  oil,  are  to  be  preferred,  especially  for  the 
aged,  who  should  avoid  saline  medicines,  or  use  them  very  spar- 
ingly, as  they  reduce  heat. 

As  to  the  excretion  of  the  urine, — if  you  find  yourself 
growing  fat  and  weak,  and  dropsical,  with  a dry  skin  and  a 
scanty  amount  of  urine,  also  great  thirst  and  a pain  in  the  back, 
suspect  disease  of  the  kidneys  and  seek  advice.  Never  defer 
attention  to  the  natural  call  to  evacuate  the  urine,  as  trouble 
sometimes  ensues  from  this  cause. 

Take  care  that  your  clothing  admits  of  free  action  of  the 
muscles  of  the  trunk,  by  which  respiration  is  carried  on.  Be 
careful,  also,  to  avoid  all  pressure  which  can  obstruct  the  circu- 
lation of  the  blood,  especially  in  the  neck  and  in  the  lower  limbs. 

Learn  a lesson  from  the  trainer, — by  what  means  does  he  bring 
his  pupil  into  a fit  condition  for  a contest  or  a trial  of  his 
strength  ? The  rules  are  these : — 

1st.  Abstinence  from  strong  drink,  and  from  all  sensual  in- 
dulgences. 

2d.  Continued  removal  of  the  waste  particles  of  the 
body,  by  means  of  strong  exercise  ; this  waste  being  supplied  by 
nutritious  diet. 

3d.  Plain  diet  of  brown  meats,  especially  beef  and  mut- 
ton, good  bread,  and  solid  wholesome  food,  a very  spare  use  only 
of  any  beverage  being  allowed. 

4th.  Active  frictions  of  the  skin. 

5th.  Abundant  and  pure  air,  with  early  hours  for  retiring. 

We  see,  therefore,  that  physical  training  is  nothing  more 
than  the  application  of  the  laws  of  health  to  their  fullest  extent . 


HOW  TO  DETECT 


Approaching  Disease 


Disease  always  sends  a warning  cry  ahead,  which,  if  heeded 
in  season,  will  avert  illness  and  often  prevent  death. 

The  aches,  pains,  and  physical  suffering  of  the  human 
family  are  largely  due  to  ignorance  of  a few  simple  facts  easily 
comprehended  even  by  a child. 

A disordered  system  and  approaching  sickness  may  be 
clearly  detected  by  the  Countenance , the  Eye , the  Tongue , the 
Pulse , the  Gums  and  Lips,  the  Stomach , Bowels , etc. 

The  Countenance  is  the  great  dial  plate  of  the  internal 
organs. 

When  the  countenance  is  livid  and  tinged  with  blood,  there 
may  be  impeded  respiration  and  circulation,  and  probably  con- 
gestion of  the  brain ; this  is  the  case  in  apoplexy,  disease  of  the 
heart,  effusion  of  the  lungs,  etc.  A pale  countenance  may  be 
a sign  of  fainting,  of  anaemia,  and  hemorrhage,  external  or  inter- 
nal. When  the  expression  is  violent  and  excited,  there  is 
probably  the  delirium  of  fever,  inflammation  of  the  brain,  mania, 
or  delirium  tremens.  In  paralysis,  convulsions,  epilepsy, 
hysteria,  and  chorea,  we  have  a distorted  countenance ; and  a 
flushed  one  is  symptomatic  of  fever  in  general,  and  of  the  early 
stage  of  delirium  tremens. 

Sometimes,  in  the  last  stage  of  an  incurable  disease,  the 
face  becomes  what  nurses  call  “ struck  with  death,”  and  to  this 
corpse-like  expression  has  been  applied  the  term  Facies  Hippo- 
cratica,  because  it  has  been  vividly  pictured  by  Hippocrates 
himself.  Here  is  his  picture : “ The  forehead  wrinkled  and  dry, 
the  eye  sunken,  the  nose  pointed  and  bordered  with  a dark  or 
violet  circle  ; the  temples  sunken,  hollow,  and  retired ; the  ears 
sticking  up,  the  lips  hanging  down,  the  cheeks  sunken,  the  chin 
wrinkled  and  hard,  the  color  of  the  skin  leaden  or  violet ; the 
hair  of  the  nose  and  eyelashes  sprinkled  with  a yellowish  white 
dust.” 

The  Eye. — The  expression  of  the  eye,  and  of  the  whole 
countenance,  affords  an  excellent  ind-jx  to  the  state  of  health  or 

87 


88 


INDICATIONS  OF  DISEASE. 


disease.  When  the  eye  is  bright,  but  not  too  much  so,  good 
health  is  generally  present ; if  languid,  there  is  a want  of  tone  ; 
and,  on  the  other  hand,  if  excited  and  wandering,  some  affec- 
tion of  the  brain  may  be  predicted. 

The  Tongue  is  a certain  indicator  of  the  state  of  the  sys- 
tem, and  is  always  consulted  by  the  physician  as  reliable  author- 
ity. Florid  redness  is  a sign  of  dyspepsia ; a livid  or  purple 
tongue  shows  that  there  is  obstruction  in  the  circulation,  or 
lungs ; a pale  or  white  tongue  denotes  a weak  and  impoverished 
state  of  the  blood ; a furred  tongue  is  common  to  some  people 
even  when  in  health,  but,  when  there  are  bright  red  points  per- 
ceptible beneath  the  fur,  scarlet  fever  may  be  present ; a tongue 
with  red  edges  and  furred  in  the  middle  is  a sign  of  intemper- 
ance, or  brain  disorder. 

In  feverish  conditions  of  the  system  the  tongue  becomes 
very  dry  and  hot,  or  parched  ; when  the  tongue  is  clammy  and 
viscid,  there  is  usually  derangement  of  the  digestive  functions ; 
a yellow  tinge  on  the  coating  of  the  tongue  indicates  a biliary 
disorder;  a thin,  creamy  white,  inflammatory  disease  in  the 
abdomen.  In  sore  throat,  we  often  find  the  tongue  of  a dingy, 
whitish  color ; in  scarlatina,  we  have  elongated  papillse,  appear- 
ing as  bright  red  spots ; and  in  some  forms  of  intestinal  irrita- 
tion and  hemorrhage,  and  after  acute  disease,  it  is  morbidly  clean 
and  red.  In  anaemic  patients  we  find  this  organ  partaking  of 
the  general  condition  of  the  system,  being  pale  and  flaccid ; in 
paralysis  it  is  drawn  on  one  side  ; in  delirium  tremens,  and  nerv- 
ous affections,  it  is  tremulous  ; and  in  typhoid  stages  of  fever 
it  becomes  almost  black,  and  cannot  be  protruded. 

The  Pulse  is  one  of  the  chief  indications  of  disease. 
Walsh,  in  his  Domestic  Economy , gives  the  following  on  the 
pulse,  gums,  lips,  and  stomach : — 

When  the  pulse  is  frequent,  large,  and  soft,  it  indicates  the 
early  stage  of  fever  or  of  acute  inflammation,  as  in  scarlatina, 
erysipelas,  inflammation  of  the  lungs,  etc. 

When  very  frequent,  large,  and  hard,  it  accompanies  the  full 
onset  of  fever,  of  an  inflammatory  kind,  such  as  rheumatic  fever, 
small-pox,  etc. 

A moderately  frequent,  large,  and  hard  pulse  may  be  that  of 
mere  fullness  of  blood. 

When  frequent,  hard,  large,  and  thrilling,  there  is  generally 
some  disease  of  the  artery,  or  in  its  close  neighborhood,  such  as 
aneurism  or  tumor. 

A frequent  and  small  pulse  is  often  met  with  in  consumption, 


INDICATIONS  OF  DISEASE. 


89 


in  which  the  quantity  of  blood  is  diminished,  and  is  equally 
impaired. 

A slow , laboring , large,  and  hard  pulse  is  often  attendant 
upon  apoplexy,  or  other  forms  of  pressure  on  the  brain. 

The  Gums  and  Lips  are  also  useful  as  indicative  of 
certain  conditions  of  the  system : — 

When  the  gums  are  swollen,  and  bleed  at  the  slightest  touch, 
there  is  reason  to  believe  that  the  system  is  generally  out  of 
order,  in  a state  commonly  called  scorbutic. 

A pale  bluish-red  gum,  with  a maiked  line  of  blue  at  the 
edge,  is  a sign  that  lead  has  been  taken  into  the  system  in  some 
way. 

When  the  lips  are  parched,  and  cracked,  with  fetid  breath, 
there  is  reason  to  suppose  that  fever  is  present  in  a typhoid  type, 
though  this  is  by  no  means  a certain  sign  by  itself. 

The  Stomach. — The  symptoms  affecting  the  stomach  are 
vomiting  or  nausea,  flatulence,  pain  after  eating,  and  in  some 
cases  eructations  of  a watery  fluid  in  large  quantities. 

Flatulency  is  a system  of  disordered  stomach  of  a chronic 
character,  as  dyspepsia. 

Pain  after  eating  is  also  a sign  of  indigestion  or  disordered 
stomach?  but  there  is  generally  inflammation  accompanying  it. 

The  Bowels  present  the  following  symptoms  when  dis- 
ordered : — 

Constipation  may  arise  from  torpor  of  the  bowels,  owing  to 
long  continued  neglect,  or  the  absence  of  suitable  articles  of 
diet,  or  from  a deficient  secretion  of  the  natural  stimulus,  the 
bile. 

Diarrhoea  consists  in  an  increased  discharge  of  liquid  faeces, 
and  may  be  caused  by  the  irritation  of  food  or  medicine,  or  the 
presence  of  hardened  faeces  ; or  sometimes  from  a poison  dis- 
ease, such  as  cholera. 

The  Faeces. — The  faeces  are  the  rejected  residue  of  the 
food  after  it  has  served  the  purposes  of  nutrition.  According  to 
Berzelius,  the  normal  constituents  of  the  human  faeces  are  as 
follows : — 


Water 73.3 

Vegetable  and  Animal  Remains 7.0 

Bile 0.9 

Albumen 0.9 

Peculiar  Extractive  Matter 2.7 

Salts 1.2 

Slimy  Matter,  consisting  of  picromel,  peculiar  animal  matter, 
and  insoluble  residue 14.0 


100.0 


90 


INDICATIONS  OF  DISEASE. 


This  is  the  composition  of  the  faeces  when  the  health  is  per- 
fect, and  there  is  nothing  very  peculiar  in  the  diet  to  render  it 
otherwise.  In  diseases  great  changes  take  place,  not  only  in 
the  proportions,  but  even  in  the  ingredients  of  which  the  faeces 
are  composed.  By  the  peculiarity  of  smell  and  color,  the  medical 
man  is  enabled  to  judge  of  the  nature  and  progress  of  Certain 
diseases  ; therefore  it  is  of  importance  that  they  should  be  pre- 
served for  his  inspection.  The  following  are  a few  of  their  most 
obvious  indications: — 

Natural  faeces  are  of  a gingerbread  color,  slightly  varying  in 
tint  and  hue,  and  of  tolerable  consistency,  although  perfectly 
impressible.  The  smell  is  offensive,  but  has  not  that  peculiar 
fetidity  observed  in  some  diseased  conditions  of  the  system. 
The  evacuations  should  be  daily,  and  at  or  near  a certain  hour ; 
but  a deviation  from  this  rule  is  no  proof  of  ill  health.  We  have 
known  persons,  in  a perfectly  healthy  state,  who  went  to  stool 
only  once  in  two,  three,  or  four  days,  or  even  a week.  It  depends 
greatly  upon  habit,  but  such  a habit  is  not  good.  Children 
should  be  taught  to  go  at  a certain  hour  every  day,  and  the 
habit  of  a daily  evacuation  of  the  bowels  once  fixed,  will  prob- 
ably remain  through  life,  except  when  it  is  interfered  with  by 
sickness,  or  the  failing  powers  which  are  often  a consequent 
upon  old  age. 

Mucous  evacuations  have  a semi-transparent,  jelly-like 
appearance.  They  may  be  tinged  with  brown,  green,  or  yellow, 
all  indicating  the  presence  of  bile ; or  red  with  blood,  when 
there  is  inflammation  or  congestion  of  the  mucous  membrane,  as 
in  mucous  diarrhoea  and  dysentery.  Evacuations  may  have  a 
rough,  shreddy,  or  spotty  appearance.  There  may  be  little 
irregular  round  specks,  like  dirty  white  of  egg,  scattered  through 
the  fseces,  or  long  pieces  like  shreds  of  lymph  or  dingy-colored 
parchment.  In  such  cases  there  may  be  acute  inflammation  of 
the  mucous  membrane  of  the  intestines,  situated  in  any  part  of 
the  bowels  or  rectum. 

Pus  in  the  fseces  indicates  either  ulceration  of  the  bowels, 
or  the  breaking  of  an  abscess  into  the  alimentary  canal.  If 
there  is  much  of  it,  the  latter  is  most  likely  the  case.  This  is  a 
symptom  of  danger. 

Bile  in  the  fseces  indicates  excessive  action  of  the  liver,  the 
cause  of  which  may  be  irritation  or  active  congestion, — in  which 
case  the  color  is  generally  of  a yellowish  brown,  but  sometimes,  es- 
pecial^ in  children,  it  is  of  a decided  green  color.  This,  too,  is 
often  the  case  with  grown  persons,  when  the  liver  is  just  recover- 


INDICATIONS  OF  DISEASE. 


91 


mg  from  a torpid  state  and  beginning  to  act  violently.  This  is 
commonly  the  case,  too,  in  hydrocephalus,  when  the  color  is  a 
peculiarly  deep  green.  Bilious  motions  may  or  may  not  be  loose, 
although  they  are  generally  so,  from  the  bile  acting  as  an  irritant 
to  the  lining  of  the  bowels. 

Absence  of  bile  in  the  fseces  is  shown  by  absence  of  color. 
The  motions  are  clayey,  sometimes  as  pale  as  pipe  clay,  and 
ranging  from  that  shade  up  to  the  natural  hue,  occasionally 
assuming  a grayish  tint.  They  vary  in  substance,  and  when 
liquid  are  usually  frothy,  and  float  upon  water  on  account  of 
the  quantity  of  gas  which  they  contain. 

Loose  bowels  result  from  so  many  causes  that  we  cannot 
take  them  as  clear  indications  of  any  particular  diseases.  An 
irritated  or  inflamed  state  of  the  mucous  membrane  causes 
diarrhoea,  in  some  stages  of  which  the  stools  are  fluid.  If,  in 
this  state,  they  are  rice  water  stools,  it  indicates  Asiatic  cholera, 
or  the  too  powerful  action  of  saline  or  drastic  purgatives. 

Hard , solid  fceces  at  unequal  intervals  indicate  constipation. 

Offensive  stools  occur  in  some  forms  of  dyspepsia.  The 
foetor  is  excessive  in  low  fevers,  when  the  poison  introduced  into 
the  system  seems  to  render  the  whole  of  the  solids  and  fluids 
thereof  peculiarly  liable  to  decomposition. 

Expectoration.  — This  is,  first,  the  act  of  discharging 
mucus  or  other  matter  from  the  throat,  lungs,  or  trachea  ; and, 
second,  the  substances  so  discharged.  The  term  in  its  first  mean- 
ing is  synonymous  with  coughing,  and  need  not  further  occupy 
our  attention  ; but,  in  its  second,  we  find  so  many  important  con- 
siderations connected  with  the  diagnosis  of  disease,  that  we  must 
pause  awhile  to  consider  it.  It  is  by  the  nature  of  the  expec- 
toration that  the  physician  is  enabled  to  judge  of  the  character 
and  progress  of  the  malady  with  which  he  has  to  contend.  If 
this  be  frothy , it  indicates  active  bronchitis,  catarrh,  or  influenza  ; 
if  stringy , and  of  a whitish  or  yellowish  color,  the  bronchitis  has 
become  chronic,  or  spasmodic,  or  there  may  be  whooping-cough 
present  or  impending ; if  purulent,  it  may  indicate  the  latter 
stages  of  catarrh  or  influenza,  especially  if  the  sputum,  or  matter 
expectorated,  is  mixed  more  or  less  with  a tenacious  mucus  ; gen- 
uine pus,  capable  of  being  poured  from  one  vessel  to  another,  indi- 
cates the  bursting  of  an  abscess  in  the  lungs,  or  of  pus  from  the 
empyema  having  found  its  way  into  the  bronchial  passages; 
the  yellow  matter  often  expectorated  in  humid  asthma  is  not 
truly  purulent,  but  to  a large  extent  mucous.  If  lumpy,  there 
can  be  no  mistake  as  to  the  nature  of  the  disease ; pulmonary 


92 


INDICATIONS  OF  DISEASE. 


consumption  has  fairly  set  in,  and  made  considerable  advances  ; 
there  is  sure  to  be  a softening  and  breaking  up  of  tubercles, 
where  there  are  small  yellowish  or  whitish  lumps  expectorated 
along  with  the  clearer  fluid  on  which  they  float,  perfectly  dis- 
tinct. If  membranous,  the  sputum  indicates  inflammatory  action 
of  a chronic,  most  likely  of  a croupy,  character.  If  stringy  and 
rusty-colored , there  is  certainly  pneumonia ; if  bloody , there  is 
hemoptysis, — either  a blood-vessel  of  the  lungs  has  broken,  or 
blood  has  oozed  through  the  bronchial  membrane,  both  of  which 
are  symptoms  indicative  of  great  danger  to  the  patient.  If 
offensive  and  putrid , there  may  be  gangrene  of  the  lungs,  but 
this  is  only  a single  sign  and  not  to  be  relied  on  alone. 

These  are  the  distinctive  characters  which  expectoration 
assumes,  and  its  increase  or  decrease  in  bulk  or  density,  its 
varieties  of  tint,  and  other  particular  changes,  tell  to  the  experi- 
enced eye  of  the  doctor  how  the  case  is  progressing  and  whether 
it  is  likely  to  terminate  in  convalescence  or  death. 

The  Temperaments. — In  physiology  temperament  has 
been  defined  as  a peculiar  organization  of  the  system  common 
to  several  individuals,  which  to  a certain  extent  influences  the 
thoughts  and  actions.  There  is,  besides,  in  each  individual  a 
further  peculiarity  of  organization  which  serves  to  distinguish 
his  temperament  from  that  of  another  person,  to  whom,  however, 
he  may  in  other  respects  bear  a great  resemblance.  This  indi- 
vidual temperament  is  called  Idiosyncrasy. 

Four  temperaments  were  distinguished  by  the  old  physicians, 
founded  on  the  notion  of  four  qualities  which  entered  into  the 
constitution  of  man,  and  were  supposed  to  temper  each  other, 
and  influence  the  character,  according  as  one  or  other  prevailed 
over  the  rest.  These  qualities  were,  in  the  abstract — hot,  cold, 
dry,  moist ; in  the  concrete — fire,  air,  earth,  and  water ; and 
their  highest  point  of  development  was  as  follows  : — 

1.  The  Sanguine  Temperament , supposed  to  be  character- 
ized by  a full  habit,  soft  skin,  ruddy  complexion,  blue  eyes,  red 
or  auburn  hair,  frequent  pulse,  large  veins,  and  vivid  sensations. 

2.  The  Melancholic  Temperament , described  as  existing  in 
a thinner  but  firmer  frame  than  the  preceding,  with  a dark  com- 
plexion, black  hair,  and  a slower  circulation,  a nervous  system 
less  easily  moved,  and  a character  grave  and  meditative. 

8.  The  Bilious  Temperament , intermediate  between  the 
two  preceding,  marked  by  black,  curling  hair,  dark  eyes,  a 
swarthy  and,  at  the  same  time,  ruddy  complexion ; a thick, 
rough,  hairy  skin ; and  a strong,  full  pulse. 


INDICATIONS  OF  DISEASE. 


93 


4.  The  Phlegmatic  Temperament.  This  differs  from  all 
the  rest  in  the  laxity  of  the  skin,  the  lighter  color  of  the  hair, 
and  the  greater  sluggishness  of  the  faculties.  Without  keeping 
to  the  old  theory,  modern  physiologists  to  a certain  extent  adopt 
these  terms,  to  which  they  have  added — 

5.  The  Nervous  Temperament , marked  by  a combination 
of  some  of  the  above  characteristics,  with  a quick  and  brilliant 
intellect,  and  great  susceptibility. 

Not  often  do  these  temperaments  occur  in  a pure  form. 
We  meet  with  the  indications  of  two,  or  even  three,  of  them 
mingled  in  one  person, — whom,  therefore,  we  must  call  nervous- 
sanguine,  or  nervous-bilious-sanguine,  as  the  case  may  be. 

Viewing  temperament  as  a predisposing  cause  of  disease, 
we  may  say  that  sanguine  persons  are  more  liable  to  acute  in- 
flammation than  others ; nervous,  to  mental  disorders  and  affec- 
tions of  the  nerves ; phlegmatic,  to  scrofula ; phlegmatico-san- 
guine,  to  gout;  and  bilious,  to  hypochondria,  and  disorders  of 
the  digestive  organs. 

Idiosyncrasy. — In  most  individuals  there  are  certain 
mental  or  bodily  peculiarities  which  we  term  Idiosyncrasies ; 
and  these,  to  a certain  extent,  shape  and  fashion  the  life  and 
mode  of  thought,  and  greatly  influence  the  state  of  health.  In 
reference  to  the  latter  subject,  when  we  say  that  a man  has  a 
predisposition  to  gout  or  gravel,  we  allude  to  one  of  his  idiosyn- 
crasies, and  we  speak  of  the  gouty  or  other  state  of  that  man 
as  his  Diathesis.  What  are  commonly  called  antipathies  are 
the  peculiar  result  of  states  and  conditions  of  the  system,  to 
which  the  above  terms  may  be  properly  applied ; and  it  is 
impossible  to  affix  any  assignable  cause  for  these,  nor  can  the 
medical  man  be  aware  of  them  until  he  has  noticed  them  in 
their  effects,  or  been  fully  informed  of  them  by  the  patient  or 
his  friends. 

To  some  persons  a particular  odor  is  perfectly  unbearable  ; 
others  cannot  abide  a certain  sound ; the  sight  of  an  insect,  or 
other  animal,  not  obnoxious  to  most  people,  will  make  this  or 
that  person  ready  to  faint  away,  and  fill  the  mind  with  a name- 
less dread. 


o'  ^ K 


INTERNAL  LOCATION  OF  THE  ORGANS. 


<*.  Externa]  Jug- 
ular Vein. 

b.  Deltoid  Mus- 

cle. 

c.  Pectoral  Mus- 

cle-r-  Suratus 
Magnus. 

d.  Latissunus 

M u s c 1 e , or 
Diaphragm. 
Transversalis 
Muscle. 

f.  Crest  of  Ilium 

g.  Sartorius  Mus- 

cle. 

h.  ThyroidGland 

i.  Trachea,  o r 

Wind-pipe. 
k.  Right  Ventri- 
cle of  Heart. 
/.  Right  Auricle 
of  Heart, 
w.  Left  Auricie. 
ft. Outline  of  Per- 
icardium, or 
Sac  of  Heart. 
Left  Lung. 

. Right  Lung. 

.Cardiac  Orifice 
of  Stomach. 

s.  Kidneys. 

t.  Uretus. 

u.  Bladder. 

w. 

x. 

y.  First  Ribs. 

z.  SubclavianAr- 

tery  (right 
and  left  J 


1.  Apex  of  Heart. 

2.  Lumbar  Glands 

3.  Left  Ventricle 
of  Heart. 

4.  Coronary  Ar- 
teries. 

5.  Superior  Vena 
Cava.  (Vein.) 

6.  Arch  of  Aorta. 
Left  Pulmona- 
ry Artery. 

Right  — Vena 
Cava,  or  In- 
nomenata. 
Left  — Vena 
Cava,  or  In- 
nomenata. 

10.  Subclavian 
Vein. 

11.  Internal  Jug- 
ular Vein. 

12.  Left  Common 
CartoidArtery. 

13.  Brachial  Ar- 
tery. 

14.  Pulmonary 
Veins. 

15.  Descending 
Aorta. 

16.  Inferior  Vena 
Cava. 

17.  Renal  Vein. 
.q  18.  Right — Cora- 
ls mon  IliacVein. 

19.  Left, Common 
Iliac  Artery. 

20.  Femoral  Ar- 
tery and  Vein. 

21.  HepaticVeina 


DISEASES. 

REMEDIES  AND  TREATMENT. 


ABSCESS. 

An  abscess  is  a collection  of  pus  or  matter,  resulting  from 
inflammation. 

Causes . — It  is  caused  by  inflammation  of  the  inner  surface 
of  the  skin  and  its  surrounding  parts.  The  pus  or  matter  does 
not  pass  off  by  gradual  cessation,  but  collects  in  a cavity  which 
is  formed,  and  is  termed  an  abscess. 

Symptoms. — The  inflammation  of  the  part  quickly  sub- 
sides ; the  top  of  the  tumor  becomes  soft  and  white,  while  all 
around  it  is  redder. 

Treatment. — Take  a slightly  cooling  and  gentle  aperient. 
Foment  the  part  with  hot  flannel,  and  apply  a poultice  of  lin- 
seed meal.  In  parts  where  the  poultice  is  difficult  to  retain,  it 
must  be  put  in  a bag  made  of  muslin  with  a tape  attached  to  each 
corner  of  the  bag  to  fasten  it  on  and  retain  it  in  its  place.  The 
poultice  should  be  renewed  every  six  or  eight  hours.  When 
the  abscess  looks  white  in  the  center,  it  is  ripe  and  should  be 
opened.  After  discharging  pretty  freely,  a slip  of  lint  should 
be  inserted  by  a probe,  and  renewed  once  or  twice  a day,  accord- 
ing to  the  nature  of  the  discharge.  After  this  the  part  should 
be  supported  by  a bandage,  or  slips  of  adhesive  soap  or  plaster, 
to  facilitate  contraction ; and  the  aperture  should  be  left  open 
to  facilitate  the  discharge.  When  healed,  tonic  medicine  and 
change  of  air  should  be  resorted  to.  During  the  continuance  of 
the  abscess,  the  patient  should  live  on  food  which  is  plain  and 
nutritious,  without  being  stimulating,  avoiding  at  the  same  time, 
except  under  extraordinary  circumstances,  wine,  spirits,  and  beer. 

ABSCESS  IN  THE  EAR. 

Apply  warm  fomentations ; syringe  the  ear  with  warm 
water.  When  the  abscess  has  broken  and  discharged  freely,  the 

96 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


m 

ear  must  be  kept  clean,  and  a syringeful  of  slightly  astringent 
lotion,  such  as  ten  grains  of  sulphate  of  zinc  to  a quarter  of  a 
pint  of  rose  water,  should  be  injected  lukewarm  twice  a day.  Or 
this  will  be  found  beneficial : When  there  is  much  discharge, 

injections  of  warm  soap  and  water  should  be  used  to  , cleanse  the 
ear,  and  a little  fine  boric  acid  blown  into  it  with  a quill  or 
powder  blower.  This  treatment  should  be  followed  twice  a day 
until  the  discharge  ceases. 

ANEURISM. 

Aneurism  has  been  defined  as  a pulsating  tumor,  containing 
blood,  and  communicating  with  an  artery.  Aneurisms  may  be 
internal  or  external, — in  the  former  case,  being  so  situated  in 
the  cavities  of  the  body,  like  those  of  the  abdomen,  chest,  or 
cranium,  as  to  render  the  nature  of  the  disease  often  very 
obscure ; in  the  latter,  they  are  so  placed  in  the  limbs  that 
access  may  be  easily  had  to  them. 

Causes. — The  whole  arterial  system  is  liable  to  aneurisms ; 
but  they  occur  much  more  frequently  internally  than  externally; 
and  oftener  in  those  main  trunks  near  the  heart  than  elsewhere. 
They  usually  occur  in  persons  of  advanced  age,  such  being  most 
liable  to  calcareous  degeneration  of  the  coats  of  the  arteries, 
which  is  one  of  their  predisposing  causes.  The  exciting  causes 
are  violent  contusions,  abuse  of  spirituous  liquors,  fits  of  anger, 
straining,  and  violent  exertion  of  any  kind.  Gunshot,  and  other 
wounds,  often  cause  aneurisms. 

Symptoms. — In  the  early  stage  there  is  a small  tumor, 
pulsating  very  strongly,  more  or  less  evident  to  the  sight  and 
touch,  according  to  the  depth  at  which  it  is  seated.  Sometimes 
its  presence  is  only  known  by  the  rapid  pulsation,  and  pain,  and 
tenderness  of  the  part.  Sometimes  it  interferes  with  the  func- 
tions of  some  important  organ,  producing  impeded  respiration, 
cough,  and  other  distressing  symptoms,  and  ending  in  death;  for 
which,  without  a post  mortem  examination,  the  physician  can 
assign  no  adequate  cause.  For  the  internal  form  of  the  disease 
no  remedial  measures  are  advised.  They  depend  so  much  upon 
situation,  and  other  varying  circumstances,  that  only  the  medical 
practitioner  can  judge  of  the  means  to  be  employed. 

Treatment  of  external  aneurisms. — This  must  depend 
very  much  on  circumstances ; constant  pressure  over  the  tumor 
has  cured  some  cases.  A surgical  operation  offers  the  best 
chance  of  cure  in  the  majority  of  cases ; this  consists  in  tying 
the  artery  on  which  the  aneurismal  tumor  is  situated,  both  above 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


97 


and  below  the  tumor.  It  should  be  attempted  by  no  unprofes- 
sional person. 

No  external  irritant  or  friction  must  be  applied  in  aneurism  ; 
neither  fomentations  nor  other  hot  applications.  Active  exer- 
tion must  be  avoided,  both  mental  and  physical. 

APOPLEXY. 

This  is  deprivation  of  motion  by  a sudden  stroke ; it  is  one 
of  the  most  common  modes  of  sudden  death ; in  an  instant  a 
healthful  and  vigorous  man  is  smitten  down,  one  who  has  exhib- 
ited no  signs  of  disease,  who  has  perhaps  received  no  premoni- 
tory warning,  lies  before  us  motionless. 

Apoplexy  may  be  either  cerebral — proceeding  from  conges- 
tion or  rupture  of  the  brain — or  pulmonary — proceeding  from 
hemorrhage  of  the  parenchyma  of  the  lungs.  The  first  is  its 
more  common  form,  and  this  may  be  spoken  of  under  two  heads  : 
first,  when  it  is  sudden  and  violent;  second,  when  it  is  compara- 
tively slight  at  the  commencement,  and  increases  in  severity. 

Causes . — The  causes  of  apoplexy  are  either  predisposing 
or  exciting  ; among  the  former  may  be  named,  first : Sex — men 
are  more  liable  to  it  than  women,  because  they  are  more  subject 
to  its  exciting  causes,  of  which  we  shall  presently  speak ; sec- 
ond : Age — it  is  very  rare  in  childhood,  rare  also  in  youth, 

most  common  between  the  ages  of  forty  and  seventy — rare  much 
beyond  the  latter  age  ; third : Bodily  conformation — the  man 

of  sanguine  and  plethoric  temperament,  with  large  head,  short 
neck,  and  full  chest,  is  most  liable  to  its  attack,  although  one  of 
the  opposite  condition  is  sometimes  smitten  down  with  it ; 
fourth : Mode  of  life — persons  of  sedentary  habits,  who  live 

luxuriously,  are  its  frequent  victims  ; fifth : Mental  anxiety — 

such  as  a long  continuance  of  harassing  fears,  business  perplexi- 
ties, grief,  or  any  violent  emotions  or  passions.  All  these  are 
predisposing  causes  of  apoplexy.  The  history  of  lawyers,  judges, 
and  philosophers,  ancient  and  modern,  proves  that  the  studious 
are  not  more  liable  than  others.  Persons  of  advanced  age,  who 
take  rich  and  stimulating  food  in  excessive  quantity,  and  whose 
intellectual  faculties  are  exercised  but  little,  are  those  most  fre- 
quently carried  off  by  this  disease  formerly  designated  as  the 
“ skeleton  at  a feast.”  The  exciting  causes  of  apoplexy  are 
intemperance,  whether  in  eating  or  drinking,  violent  exertions 
of  the  mind  and  body — in  short,  whatever  tends  to  determine 
the  blood  with  an  undue  impetus  to  the  brain,  or  impedes  its 
return,  is  an  invitation  to  this  dreadful  destroyer  to  step  in  and 


98 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


arrest  the  vital  current  in  its  flow,  as  the  breath  of  frost  stays 
the  water  of  the  river. 

Symptoms. — Apoplexy  may  be  known  by  the  patient 
falling  down  in  a state  of  insensibility  or  stupor,  out  of  which  it 
is  impossible  to  arouse  him  by  any  of  the  ordinary  means  ; the  face 
is  generally  flushed,  the  breathing  difficult  and  stertorous ; the 
upper  lip-margin  is  projected  at  each  expiration;  the  veins  of 
the  head  and  temples  protrude  as  though  overfilled,  the  skin  is 
covered  with  perspiration,  and  the  eyes  are  fixed  and  bloodshot ; 
sometimes,  however,  the  face  is  pale,  with  a look  of  misery  and 
dejection  ; and  the  pulse,  instead  of  being  full  and  hard,  is  weak 
and  intermitting. 

We  have  said  that  apoplexy  comes  without  warning,  but 
this  is  not  strictly  true.  However  sudden  the  attack  itself  may 
be,  there  are  certain  premonitory  symptoms  which  no  prudent 
man  will  disregard.  Among  these  may  be  named  a sense  of 
fullness  in  the  veins  of  the  head,  and  a feeling  of  pressure  in  the 
head  itself,  with  occasional  darting  pains,  giddiness,  vertigo, 
partial  loss  of  memory,  and  the  powers  of  vision  and  speech ; 
numbness  of  the  extremities,  drowsiness,  and  a dread  of  falling 
down  ; irregularity  in  the  action  of  the  bowels,  and  involuntary 
passage  of  urine.  These  all  indicate  that  some  internal  changes 
are  going  on,  and  if  their  warning  is  attended  to  the  threatened 
attack  may,  perhaps,  be  avoided.  Persons  whose  full  habit  of 
body  and  modes  of  life  predispose  them  to  this  disease,  should, 
when  such  warnings  reach  them,  live  sparingly,  avoid  stimulants, 
especially  fermented  and  spirituous  liquors,  take  regular  and 
moderate  exercise,  sleep  on  a firm  pillow  and  harsh  mattress  with 
the  head  elevated,  and  nothing  round  the  neck  to  impede  the  act 
of  breathing;  the  mind  should  be  in  a cheerful  condition,  and 
free  from  excitement ; sexual  indulgence  and  late  suppers  should 
be  avoided.  Keep  the  bowels  regulated  by  an  occasional  dose 
of  saline  purgatives.  Those  of  a spare  habit  should  take  a light, 
although  nourishing  diet.  Spirituous  liquors  and  hot  spices 
should  be  avoided,  also  excessive  bodily  fatigue  and  nervous 
excitement. 

Treatment.  — This,  of  course,  must  vary  considerable 
in  accordance  with  the  pathological  condition  of  the  brain  of  the 
person  attacked,  and  with  other  circumstances  which  only  those 
accustomed  to  the  treatment  of  disease  can  judge  of.  The  im- 
mediate measures  to  be  adopted  when  a fit  of  apoplexy  comes 
on  are  the  following:  Place  the  patient  in  a reclining  position, 
with  the  head  elevated  ; remove  everything  about  the  neck,  and 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


99 


let  the  air  be  freely  admitted ; apply  cold  wet  cloths  to  the  head, 
and  mustard  plasters  to  the  soles  of  the  feet ; if  the  patient  be 
old  and  the  pulse  weak  and  feeble,  the  skin  bloodless,  and  the 
countenance  pinched,  warm  flannels  and  hot  bricks  should  be 
used,  strong  spirits  of  ammonia  applied  to  the  nostrils,  the  feet 
put  into  a warm  bath  with  a little  mustard,  and  every  means 
taken  to  improve  the  patient’s  condition.  As  soon  as  this  is  so 
far  effected  that  the  patient  can  swallow,  give  i dram  of  aro- 
matic spirits  of  ammonia  in  1£  ounces  of  camphor  mixture,  as  a 
stimulant  draught ; but  it  is  only  when  the  pulse  is  feeble  and 
fluttering  that  the  stimulants  should  be  administered.  If  unable 
to  swallow,  one  or  two  drops  of  croton  oil  may  be  rubbed  on  the 
back  of  the  tongue,  and  an  injection  composed  of  a tablespoonful 
of  common  salt,  with  a pint  of  warm  water.  Other  means  of 
relief  may  be  taken  should  these  fail ; should  the  head  be  very  hot 
let  it  be  shaved,  and  a cold  lotion  of  water  and  vinegar  applied 
to  it.  Should  the  attack  be  soon  after  a full  meal,  administer 
an  emetic.  In  all  cases,  after  the  crisis  of  the  disease  is  over, 
and  when  the  patient  has  become  convalescent,  it  behooves  him 
to  be  very  careful,  as  a slight  indiscretion  may  bring  on  a fresh 
attack. 

J Eclectic  Treatment  for  Apoplexy . 

The  great  object  is  to  draw  the  blood  from  the  head  and 
equalize  the  circulation.  To  do  this  apply  cold  water  to  the 
head,  face,  and  neck,  and  place  the  feet  in  warm  water  to  which 
has  been  added  some  powdered  mustard  or  cayenne.  An  injec- 
tion must  be  used  if  the  patient  shows  no  symptoms  of  rapid 
recovery,  the  same  as  in  the  regular  treatment,  and  also  the 
croton  oil. 

It  is  desirable  to  promote  perspiration,  which  may  be  done 
by  using  composition  powder,  pennyroyal  or  catnip  tea.  After 
recovery,  observe  the  rules  regarding  diet,  etc.,  as  before  directed, 
and  take  abundance  of  exercise  in  the  open  air. 

ASTHMA. 

This  is  a disease  of  the  lungs,  whose  main  characteristic  is 
laborious  breathing,  which  comes  in  paroxysms,  and  is  accom- 
panied by  a wheezing  noise.  Humid  asthma  is  that  in  which  the 
attack  terminates  in  expectoration;  when  it  does  not,  this  is 
called  dry  asthma.  Persons  so  afflicted  have  generally  disease 
of  the  heart  or  lungs.  When  they  have  not,  it  is  called  spas- 


100 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


modic  asthma,  and  to  this  persons  are  sometimes  subject,  who, 
when  the  attack  is  passed,  may  appear  quite  vigorous  and 
healthy. 

Causes. — Hereditary  predisposition  ; dwelling  in  a cold  or 
moist  atmosphere,  or  being  subject  to  sudden  changes  of  tem- 
perature ; gout,  intense  study,  great  mental  anxiety ; suppression 
of  perspiration ; irritation  of  the  air-cells  and  lungs  by  atmos- 
pheric impurities;  irritation  of  the  stomach,  uterus,  or  other 
viscera. 

Symptoms. — The  attack  commonly  occurs  in  the  night, 
the  patient  having  gone  to  bed  in  a listless,  drowsy  state,  with  a 
troublesome  cough,  oppression  at  the  chest,  and  symptoms  of 
flatulence ; towards  midnight  probably  the  breathing  becomes 
more  labored,  the  wheezing  sounds  louder,  and  the  patient 
is  obliged  to  assume  an  erect  posture  to  prevent  suffocation. 
Sometimes  he  starts  out  of  bed,  and  rushes  to  the  window  for 
air,  or  he  sits  with  his  body  bent  forward,  his  arms  resting 
on  his  knees,  with  a flushed  or  livid  face,  or  deadly  pale, 
gasping  and  struggling  for  breath,  in  a Qondition  painful  to  be- 
hold ; the  pulse  is  weak  and  intermittent,  with  palpitation  of  the 
heart ; sometimes  there  is  vomiting,  with  involuntary  emission 
of  the  urine,  which  is  of  a pale  color,  and  relaxed  bowels.  The 
attack  will  probably  last  for  a couple  of  hours  or  more,  when 
the  severe  symptoms  will  gradually  remit,  with  an  expectoration 
of  frothy  mucus,  and  a tranquil  sleep  follows.  For  some  days 
there  will  be  felt  a tightness  of  the  chest,  and  the  slightest 
exertion  brings  on  a difficulty  of  breathing ; there  will  be 
slighter  paroxysms,  and  after  a longer  or  shorter  period  another 
severe  one. 

Treatment. — The  objects  to  be  attained  in  this  are,  first, 
to  moderate  the  violence  of  the  paroxysm ; second,  to  prevent 
its  recurrence.  Gentle  aperients  should  be  administered,  and 
anti-spasmodic  mixtures ; a mustard  plaster  on  the  chest  will 
often  afford  much  relief.  Castor  oil,  given  in  peppermint,  or 
weak  brandy  and  water,  is  a suitable  aperient.  Where  there  is 
reason  to  suppose  the  stomach  is  overloaded,  an  emetic  should 
be  given.  Tincture  of  lobelia  inflata  is  good  in  obstinate  cases, 
dose  one  dram.  Inhaling  the  fumes  of  stramonium  is  some- 
times of  service,  and  the  good  effect  will  be  assisted  by  a cup  of 
hot  coffee,  putting  the  feet  in  warm  water,  or  using  the  warm 
bath. 

To  prevent  the  return  of  a paroxysm  of  asthma,  avoid  the 
exciting  causes,  keep  the  bowels  open  with  some  mild  aperient, 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


101 


and  strengthen  the  system  by  bitter  infusions,  such  as  camomile 
or  gentian.  If  there  is  tightness  of  the  chest,  put  on  a poultice, 
and  take  an  expectorant  now  and  then  to  clear  out  the  phlegm 
from  the  bronchial  passages.  Take  a light  nourishing  diet, 
avoiding  everything  difficult  of  digestion  ; wear  warm  clothing, 
as  flannel  next  to  the  skin  ; take  regular  and  moderate  exercise ; 
change  of  climate  if  possible,  should  the  situation  occupied  be 
damp,  or  bleak  and  exposed.  Do  not  indulge  in  sensual  or 
intemperate  habits. 

j Eclectic  Treatment  for  Asthma. 

When  the  symptoms  appear,  at  once  place  the  feet  in  warm 
water,  and  take  a decoction  of  catnip  or  pennyroyal,  to  produce 
a gentle  perspiration.  If  the  attack  still  continues,  take  a 
tablespoonful  of  the  tincture  of  lobelia  in  a cup  of  warm  tea,  every 
half  hour.  The  following  remedy  has  produced  marked  results 
in  severe  cases  : Take  a half  ounce  of  well-bruised  seneca  snake- 
root;  immerse  in  one  pint  of  water,  and  boil  over  a slow  fire 
till  reduced  to  a half  pint.  Dose,  a tablespoonful  every  ten  or 
fifteen  minutes.  A teaspoonful  of  mustard-seed,  taken  in  tea 
or  soup,  morning  and  evening,  has  cured  many  severe  cases. 
Damp  houses  and  damp  air  must  be  carefully  avoided.  Let  the 
food  be  light  and  nutritious ; sleep  on  a hard  mattress ; and 
frequently  take  the  country  air. 

PAINS  IN  THE  BACK. 

Pains  in  the  back  are  of  many  kinds,  and  may  result  from 
a variety  of  causes. 

Treatment. — If  weakness  be  the  cause,  cold  bathing,  the 
shower  bath,  and  squeezing  a sponge  repeatedly  down  the  back, 
together  with  vigorous  rubbing  with  a rough  towel,  will  be 
found  efficacious.  Rest,  in  a recumbent  or  semi-recumbent 
position,  will  also  alleviate  the  pain  and  contribute  to  its 
removal. 

BALDNESS. 

This  is  caused  by  disorganization  of  the  root  or  bulb  of  the 
hair,  and  may  proceed  from  age,  general  derangement  of  the 
functions,  or  local  disease.  When  baldness  proceeds  from  age, 
the  hair  can  never  be  restored. 

Treatment. — Mix  well  together  liquor  of  ammonia,  one 
ounce ; camphorated  alcohol,  one  and  a half  drams ; bay  salt, 


102 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


half  ounce ; water,  one  pint.  With  this  mixture  bathe  the  head 
three  times  a day.  Afterwards,  rub  well  into  the  scalp  a poma- 
tum made  of  fresh  lard,  four  parts,  and  camphor,  one  part. 
The  action  of  the  sedative  water  restores  the  capillary  circu- 
lation which  forms  the  bulb  of  the  hair,  and  imparts  new  life 
to  the  organ.  The  pomatum  assists  and  favors  the  growth. 

Or,  use  either  of  the  following : Castor  oil,  one  and  a half 
ounces;  tincture  of  cantharides,  half  an  ounce.  Mix  well 
together,  and  rub  the  bald  part  with  it  night  and  morning.  Or, 
use  lard,  made  to  a thin  consistence  with  rum,  rubbed  in  night 
and  morning. 

One  of  the  most  successful  remedies  ever  used  is  prepared 
as  follows  ; Glycerine,  4 ounces  ; tannin,  1 dram  ; tincture  of 
cantharides,  2 drams ; oil  of  capsicum,  10  drops.  Apply  to 
the  bald  spots  morning  and  evening. 

BARBER’S  ITCH. 

It  is  communicated  by  an  unclean  razor  or  brush  in  shaving, 
or  may  be  sometimes  caused  by  a dull  razor. 

Symptoms . — It  appears  on  the  hairy  part  of  the  face — 
the  chin,  upper  lip,  the  region  of  the  whiskers,  the  eyebrows, 
and  nape  of  the  neck.  It  consists  in  little  conical  elevations, 
which  maturate  at  the  top,  and  have  the  shaft  of  a hair  passing 
through  them.  These  pimples  are  of  a pale  yellowish  color.  In 
a few  days  they  burst,  and  the  matter,  running  out,  forms  into 
hard,  brownish  crusts.  These  crusts  fall  off  in  one  or  two  weeks, 
leaving  purplish,  sluggish  pimples  behind,  which  disappear 
very  slowly. 

Treatment . — The  most  important  part  of  the  treatment 
is  the  removal  of  the  cause.  The  beard  must  not  be  pulled  with 
a dull  razor,  and  the  shaving  had  better  be  discontinued  alto- 
gether, the  beard  being  simply  cropped  off  close  with  the 
scissors.  All  intemperance  in  eating  or  drinking  must  be 
avoided,  as  well  as  exposing  the  face  to  heat.  A light,  cool 
diet  will  do  much  toward  a cure.  Nitrate  of  mercury  ointment 
and  a solution  of  oxalic  acid  are  the  best  applications. 

BED  SORES. 

The  constant  pressure  of  certain  portions  of  the  body  upon 
the  bed  or  mattress  frequently  produces  in  invalids,  excoriations 
which  are  known  by  the  above  name. 

Treatment . — When  the  skin  becomes  red  and  inflamed, 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


103 


and  painful  to  the  touch,  immediate  steps  should  be  taken  to 
prevent  if  possible  an  abrasion  of  the  skin.  Mix  two  teaspoon- 
fuls of  brandy  in  a wineglassful  of  hot  water,  with  thirty 
drops  of  tincture  of  arnica.  Bathe  the  part  with  this,  and  dry 
with  violet  powder.  Or,  either  before  or  after  the  skin  breaks, 
dip  a camel’s-hair  brush  into  collodion,  and  brush  the  inflamed 
surface  over,  repeating  the  operation  from  time  to  time  until 
the  part  is  healed. 

BLEAR  EYE. 

A term  given  to  an  inflammatory  appearance  of  the  eyelids 
and  corners  of  the  eye  itself. 

Causes. — Advancing  age,  cold,  or  temporary  weakness. 
It  is  also  caused  by  hereditary  taint,  and  resolves  itself  into  a 
constitutional  defect. 

Treatment. — Where  it  is  not  constitutional,  use  the 
following  lotion : Mix  five  grains  of  sulphate  of  zinc  in  two 
tablespoonfuls  of  water.  Moisten  the  eye  frequently  with  a 
linen  cloth. 

Another  good  remedy  is  to  take  an  active  aperient  of  calo- 
mel and  rhubarb,  and  bathe  the  eye  with  poppy- water.  If  the 
eye  should  feel  weak  after  the  inflammation  has  subsided,  bathe 
it  frequently  during  the  day  with  a lotion  composed  of  one 
grain  of  sugar  of  lead  to  a large  tablespoonful  of  water. 

BLEEDING  FROM  THE  BLADDER. 

(. Bloody  Urine.') 

Causes. — Falls,  blows,  bruises,  or  some  violent  exertion, 
such  as  jumping  or  the  like  ; sometimes  from  small  stones  in  the 
kidneys,  ureter,  or  bladder,  which  wound  those  parts. 

Symptoms. — The  blood  is  somewhat  coagulated,  and 
deposits  a dark  brown  sediment  resembling  coffee  grounds. 
When  the  blood  is  from  the  kidneys  or  ureter,  it  is  commonly 
attended  by  acute  pain,  and  sense  of  weight  in  the  back,  and 
some  difficulty  in  voiding  the  urine.  When  the  blood  is  from 
the  bladder  immediately,  it  is  usually  accompanied  by  a sense  of 
heat,  and  pain  at  the  lower  part  of  the  body,  and  the  blood  is 
not  so  much  coagulated. 

Treatment. — Empty  the  bowels  with  cooling  purges, 
and  take  the  following  astringent  tonic  mixture : Tincture  of 
iron,  three  drams  ; infusion  of  roses,  six  ounces  ; mix,  take  two 


104 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


tablespoonfuls  every  three  hours ; and  physicians  generally 
recommend  that  the  drink  should  be  thick  barley  water,  solution 
of  gum  arabic,  or  a decoction  of  mallows  sweetened  with  honey. 
The  following  is  a mild  aperient  draught : Bitartrate  of  potash, 
one  dram  ; tincture  of  senna,  one  dram ; manna,  half  an  ounce ; 
warm  water,  one  and.  a half  ounces;  mix,  and  take  at  once. 

BLEEDING  AT  THE  NOSE. 

Persons  of  a sanguine  temperament  and  full  habit  of  body 
are  often  subject  to  this  disease.  It  ought  to  be  regarded  as 
beneficial,  unless  excessive.  Those  who  are  troubled  with  ver- 
tigo and  headache,  arising  from  a fullness  of  the  veins  and  a 
tendency  of  blood  to  the  head,  are  often  relieved  by  bleeding 
from  the  nose ; and  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  many  a fit  of 
apoplexy  has  been  averted  by  it,  and  many  an  attack  of  inflam- 
matory fever,  or  congestion  of  the  brain,  thus  relieved. 

Causes . — Violent  exercise,  great  heat,  blows  on  the  nose, 
the  long  continuance  of  a stooping  posture,  and  disease  of  the 
vessels  which  convey  the  blood  to  the  brain,  rendering  them 
liable  to  rupture.  It  may  come  on  without  any  previous  warn- 
ing, or  be  preceded  by  headache  and  a sense  of  heaviness,  sing- 
ing noises  in  the  ears,  heat  and  itching  of  the  nostrils,  throbbing 
of  the  temporal  artery,  and  accelerated  pulse. 

Treatment . — When  it  comes  on  frequently  and  continues 
long,  so  as  to  cause  faintness,  and  especially  if  the  person  sub- 
ject to  it  be  weak  or  advanced  in  years,  it  should  be  stopped  as 
soon  as  possible.  This  may  sometimes  be  effected  by  immersing 
the  head  in  cold  water,  free  exposure  to  cool  air,  and  drinking 
cool  acidulous  liquids.  The  body  of  the  patient  should  maintain 
an  erect  position,  with  the  head  thrown  somewhat  back,  a 
cold  piece  of  metal  or  ice  applied  to  the  neck  over  the  spinal 
cord,  vinegar  snuffed  up  the  nostrils,  or  an  astringent  wash 
injected  into  them  with  a syringe.  It  may  be  composed  as 
follows : Alum  and  acetic  acid,  of  each  two  drams ; water,  six 
ounces.  Or,  three  drams  of  the  muriate  tincture  of  iron  in  the 
same  quantity  of  water.  Or,  if  these  fail,  the  nostrils  may  be 
plugged  with  lint  dipped  in  a strong  solution  of  the  sulphate  of 
copper.  When  the  bleeding  has  stopped  there  should  be  no 
haste  to  remove  the  clotted  blood  from  the  nostrils.  Do  not 
blow  the  nose  violently,  nor  take  stimulants,  unless  there  be 
excessive  faintness,  in  which  case  a little  cold  brandy  and  water 
may  be  taken.  Where  there  is  a full  habit  of  body,  cooling 
medicines  and  light  diet  may  be  safely  advised. 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


105 


BLEEDING  FROM  THE  LUNGS. 

(. Hemoptysis .) 

This  denotes  in  general  the  spitting  of  blood,  and  is 
generally  used  by  pathologists  to  signify  the  expectoration  of 
blood  from  the  lungs  and  air  tubes.  It  is  important  to  ascertain 
the  source  of  the  blood  which  escapes  from  the  mouth,  and,  if 
determined  to  be  from  the  lungs,  to  ascertain  whether  it  is 
symptomatic  of  disease  of  these  organs,  or  merely  vicarious  in 
its  character.  It  is  not  so  much  dangerous  in  itself  as  an  indica- 
tion of  some  other  dangerous  disease,  being  most  frequently 
connected  with  tubercular  consumption. 

Causes . — Bleeding  from  the  lungs  may  occur  without 
organic  disease,  in  plethoric  and  robust  individuals  living  a life 
of  excitement  and  excess,  and  in  nervous,  irritable  individuals, 
weakened  by  mental  or  bodily  fatigue,  and  leading  sedentary 
lives.  It  is  often  hereditary,  and  may  be  brought  on  by  violent 
muscular  effort,  paroxysms  of  cough,  blows  or  pressure  on  the 
chest,  inspiration  of  irritating  vapors,  or  of  rarefied  air  on  high 
mountains.  The  blood  may  be  exuded  from  the  tracheal  or 
bronchial  membranes,  or  it  may  proceed  from  capillaries  com- 
municating with  the  air  passages  in  any  part  of  their  extent. 
The  amount  varies  from  a dram  to  a pint  at  a time,  and  is 
generally  florid,  and  more  or  less  mixed  with  air,  differing  from 
the  dark,  coagulated  blood  which  comes  from  the  stomach. 

Symptoms . — An  attack  is  frequently  announced  by  a 
feeling  of  heat  and  oppression  in  the  chest  behind  the 
sternum,  followed  by  a cough  which  brings  up  the  blood.  When 
the  quantity  is  very  great  it  pours  forth  without  a cough,  and 
almost  by  an  act  of  vomiting,  with  considerable  spasmodic  effort. 

Treatment. — Elevating  the  breast  and  shoulders,  admit- 
ting plenty  of  fresh  air,  with  spare  diet  and  perfect  quiet,  are 
among  the  most  useful  measures  to  be  adopted.  The  chest  should 
be  sponged  with  vinegar  and  cold  water,  and  a dessertspoonful 
of  the  former  in  half  a wineglassful  of  the  latter  will  be  a useful 
accompaniment  to  any  other  medicines  which  may  be  thought 
necessary.  The  oil  of  turpentine,  ten  to  thirty  drops  in  a glass 
of  water ; or  gallic  acid,  in  doses  of  ten  to  fifteen  grains,  every 
three  or  four  hours,  have  been  found  of  great  value.  Cold 
liquids,  and  the  sucking  of  pieces  of  ice,  will  be  of  service. 
Nauseating  medicines,  as  tartar  emetic  and  ipecacuanha,  are  also 
frequently  employed.  A teaspoonful  of  common  salt,  taken 
frequently,  is  an  excellent  popular  remedy.  In  all  cases,  calm- 


106 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


ness  of  mind,  rest,  silence,  erect  position,  cool  air,  and  freeness 
of  the  bowels  should  be  enjoined.  When  the  attack  proceeds 
from  congestion,  blood-letting  is  recommended  in  certain  cases. 
If  cough  be  present,  it  should  be  allayed  by  narcotics.  After 
the  attack,  astringent  tonics,  as  iron  and  quinine,  may  be  given  ; 
and  the  return  of  the  bleeding  is  to  be  guarded  against  by 
avoiding  the  exciting  causes,  and  attending  to  the  general 
health. 

BLINDNESS. 

Deprivation  of  sight  may  proceed  from  various  causes,  such 
as  one  of  the  diseases  which  affect  the  eyeball,  or  deficiency  of 
power  in  the  optic  nerve,  local  or  general  paralysis,  or  any 
disease  whose  seat  is  in  the  brain  or  the  nervous  system ; the 
formation  of  a speck  on  the  cornea,  or  of  a film  over  the  lens. 
Sometimes  the  affection  of  the  brain  or  nerves,  from  which  loss 
of  sight  proceeds,  is  sympathetic,  arising  from  a disordered 
stomach.  In  this  case,  as  in  many  others,  it  is  but  transient ; 
and  matters  may  be  set  right  by  a blue  pill  and  senna  draught, 
with  low  diet,  and  avoidance  of  the  exciting  causes  of  the 
disorder.  If  these  do  not  have  the  desired  effect,  a surgeon 
should  be  consulted,  as  there  is  reason  to  suspect  some  organic 
mischief. 

Proceeding,  as  blindness  does,  from  such  a variety  of  causes, 
few  general  directions  can  be  given  for  its  treatment.  When 
it  is  owing  to  a change  in  the  structure  of  the  eye  itself,  its  ap- 
proaches will  be  very  gradual,  unless  this  change  is  the  result 
of  active  inflammation.  Temporary  loss  of  sight  is  a frequent 
symptom  of  apoplexy.  It  also  results  from  diseases  of  exhaus- 
tion, and  sometimes  occurs  after  copious  bleeding ; its  total  loss 
may  be  effected  by  a blow  on  or  about  the  region  of  the  eye. 
For  the  blind  from  birth  there  is  no  hope  of  recovery. 

ACUTE  INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  BOWELS. 

This  is  an  inflammation  of  the  mucous  membrane  lining 
them,  which  extends  till  all  the  tissue  is  involved. 

Symptoms . — The  disease  may  begin  with  a chill,  and 
with  uneasiness  and  slight  griping  pains,  which  increase  in 
severity.  Pre-ssure  aggravates  the  pain,  which  is  greatest  about 
the  navel,  but  extends  over  the  whole  bowel.  There  is  sickness  at 
the  stomach,  and  sometimes  vomiting;  loss  of  strength,  costive- 
ness, great  anxiety,  thirst,  heat,  and  fever ; dry,  furred,  and  red 
tongue,  and  but  little  urine,  with  pain  in  passing  it.  The  stools 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


107 


are  dark  and  fetid,  and  the  whole  abdomen  is  sore  to  the  touch. 
The  pulse  is  quick,  hard,  and  small.  If  the  stomach  sympa- 
thizes but  little  with  the  disease,  it  indicates  the  seat  of  it  to  be 
in  the  lower  portion  of  the  bowels.  The  length  of  time,  also, 
before  drink  and  medicine  are  vomited  up  after  being  swallowed 
is  a pretty  sure  indication  of  the  distance  of  the  disease  from 
the  stomach.  To  discriminate  this  disease  from  colic,  it  is 
necessary  to  know  that  pressure  produces  pain,  which  it  does 
not  in  colic  ; the  pain  never  wholly  ceases,  as  it  does  in  colic ; 
the  knees  are  drawn  up  and  the  breathing  short,  or  altered. 

Treatment . — Hot  fomentations,  turpentine  stupes,  mus- 
tard poultices,  soothing  and  quieting  injections,  cooling  drinks, 
such  as  slippery  elm  or  flaxseed  tea,  are  beneficial.  Tincture  of 
veratrum  viride  in  doses  of  three  drops  every  hour,  to  keep  up  a 
free  perspiration,  may  be  tried.  If  relief  is  not  soon  obtained, 
employ  a competent  physician  without  delay. 

If  the  disease  has  been  occasioned  by  the  strangulation  of  a 
gut,  or  by  hernia,  it  is  very  unmanageable.  The  gut  may  be 
-disentangled  by  applying  a large  dry  cup,  or,  what  is  better,  a 
number  of  small  ones,  but  the  tenderness  of  the  abdomen  makes 
this  difficult. 

CHRONIC  INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  BOWELS. 

The  signs  of  this  disease  are  a dull  pain  in  the  abdomen,  the 
tongue  bordered  with  red,  abdomen  either  swelled  or  flat,  skin 
dry  and  husky,  cold  extremities,  small,  frequent  pulse,  thirst, 
loss  of  flesh,  low  spirits,  scanty  urine,  and  slimy  discharges  from 
the  bowels  from  one  to  four  times  a day. 

Treatment . — The  treatment  commences  with  mustard 
poultices  and  hot  fomentations.  The  body  should  be  well 
covered  with  flannel,  if  the  bowels  are  very  feverish,  and  the 
warm  bath  may  be  used,  taking  care  not  to  take  cold.  The  diet 
must  be  very  simple  and  unstimulating, — beginning  with  gum 
water,  rice  or  barley  water,  sago  or  arrowroot  gruel,  and  grad- 
ually raising  it  to  chicken  broth,  beef  tea,  or  tender  beefsteak. 
Gentle  carriage  exercise,  as  soon  as  the  patient  is  able,  will 
prove  beneficial.  A very  mild  laxative  should  be  given  when 
the  inflammation  subsides. 

BRONCHITIS. 

Bronchitis  may  be  described  as  inflammation  of  the  lining 
membrane  of  the  throat.  It  will  be  evident  that  an  inflamed 


108 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


state  of  these  passages  must  interfere  with  the  vital  functions. 
Bronchitis  is  either  acute  or  chronic. 

Causes . — The  exciting  causes  are  exposure  to  cold  and 
moist  air,  against  which  people  cannot  too  carefully  guard.  In- 
haling irritating  substances  or  vapors  will  also  cause  it. 

Symptoms . — The  acute  stage  may  commence  immedi- 
ately after  exposure  to  cold.  Most  usually  the  lining  membrane 
of  the  eyelids,  nostrils,  and  throat  are  first  affected,  and  then  the 
inflammation  extends  downwards  into  the  chest.  The  earlier 
symptoms  are  running  at  the  nose,  watering  of  the  eyes,  frequent 
sneezing,  and  all  the  distressing  symptoms  of  what  is  generally 
known  as  influenza.  The  fever  generally  runs  high ; there  is 
extreme  lassitude,  with  headache,  and  probably  a troublesome 
cough,  with  expectoration  of  mucus.  With  adults  the  most 
active  stage  of  the  disease  frequently  assumes  a dangerous 
character,  and  prompt  measures  are  required  to  arrest  its  prog- 
ress. If  the  febrile  symptoms  continue  to  increase  in  intensity, 
and  the  breathing  becomes  difficult  from  the  clogging  of  the 
tubes  with  mucus,  there  is  great  reason  for  apprehension. 

Treatment. — The  patient  should  be  confined  to  the  bed, 
and  the  treatment  consist  of  warm  diluent  drinks,  such  as  flax- 
seed tea,  or  barley  water,  with  a slice  or  two  of  lemon  in  it ; 
gentle  aperients,  if  required  ; foot-baths,  and  hot  poultices  to  the 
chest.  One  teaspoonful  of  the  syrup  of  ipecac  every  hour,  until 
vomiting  is  produced,  may  be  necessary  to  aid  in  removing  the 
accumulations  of  thick  mucus.  Sometimes  it  is  necessary  to  give 
stimulants ; carbonate  of  ammonia  in  five-grain  doses,  or  sal 
volatile,  half  a teaspoonful  about  every  hour.  These  are  pref- 
erable to  alcoholic  stimulants  ; but  should  they  not  succeed, 
brandy  may  be  tried,  with  strong  beef  tea.  When  the  urgency 
of  the  symptoms  yields,  a milder  treatment  may  be  followed  out. 1 
The  following  is  a good  mixture:  Wine  of  ipecac,  one  dram; 

aromatic  spirits  of  ammonia,  two  drams ; water,  four  ounces ; 
one  teaspoonful  to  be  given  every  four  hours.  If  the  cough  is 
troublesome,  add  a grain  of  acetate  of  morphine  to  the  mixture. 
The  diet  should  be  light  and  nourishing,  and  all  exposure  to  cold 
must  be  carefully  avoided.  In  children,  acute  bronchitis  does 
not  commonly  produce  such  marked  effects  as  in  adults,  although 
sometimes  it  is  extremely  rapid  and  fatal,  allowing  little  time 
for  the  action  of  remedies,  which  should  be  much  the  same  as 
those  above  recommended,  with  proper  regard,  of  course,  to 
difference  of  age.  Great  attention  must  be  paid  to  the  bowels, 
and.  also  to  the  temperature  of  the  air  breathed  by  the  little  suf- 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


109 


ferer.  A blister  on  the  chest,  about  as  big  as  a copper  cent,  may- 
be sometimes  applied  to  advantage  if  the  hot  poultice  does  not 
give  the  desired  relief. 

Winter  coughs,  catarrh,  and  asthma  are  very  common  forms 
of  chronic  bronchitis.  For  the  cough,  give  as  follows  : Paregoric, 
half  an  ounce;  syrup  of  ipecac,  one  ounce  ; syrup  of  tolu,  two 
ounces ; anise  water,  one  ounce ; mix,  and  give  one  teaspoonful 
every  two  or  four  hours.  If  there  are  febrile  symptoms,  give  fif- 
teen minims  of  sweet  spirits  of  niter  every  two  or  four  hours. 

It  is  especially  during  the  spring  months,  and  when  there 
is  a prevalence  of  east  wind,  that  bronchitis  attacks  young  and 
old,  with  frequency.  With  aged  people,  in  such  cases,  there  is 
commonly  a great  accumulation  of  mucus  in  the  bronchial  tubes, 
which  causes  continued  and  violent  coughing  in  the  efforts  to 
expel  it.  The  respiration  is  impeded  ; the  blood,  from  want  of 
proper  oxygenation,  becomes  unfit  for  the  purposes  of  vitality, 
and  death  is  often  sudden  in  consequence.  Such  patients  must 
be  carefully  treated,  no  debilitating  measures  will  do,  also  a 
warm  and  generous  diet  should  be  used  to  maintain  the  strength ; 
warm  flannel  next  to  the  skin,  a genial  atmosphere,  inhala- 
tion of  steam — if  medicated  with  turpentine  or  balsam  of  Peru, 
so  much  the  better. 

CANCER. 

A cancer  is  a tumor  of  the  worst  kind.  When  fully  devel- 
oped it  spreads  in  a very  rapid  manner,  discharges  a thin,  acri- 
monious matter,  and  has  a very  fetid  smell. 

It  is  found  that  persons  of  scrofulous  constitutions  are 
more  liable  to  this  complaint ; it  arises  frequently  from  some 
external  injury,  but  now  and  then  from  previous  inflamma- 
tion. In  most  cases  it  is  difficult  to  determine  the  cause. 
Women  about  the  change  of  life  are  more  liable  to  it  than  men. 

Symptoms, — A cancer  develops  usually  in  the  glands  or 
glandular  structure,  as  the  breasts,  or  in  the  stomach,  the  liver, 
and  womb.  It  is  also  frequent  about  the  nose  and  lips.  It  first 
appears  as  a hard  tumor,  about  the  size  of  a hazelnut,  which 
remains  stationary  for  a while  ; then  it  begins  to  enlarge,  the 
color  of  the  skin  begins  to  change,  first  red,  afterwards  purple, 
then  livid,  and  at  last  black ; the  place  enlarges  until  at  last  it 
bursts,  then  a little  ease  is  felt ; but  if  the  disease  is  not  arrested 
the  place  extends  until  it  bursts  some  blood-vessels,  or  reaches 
some  vital  part  and  destroys  life.  Therefore  immediate  means 
should  be  taken  to  cure,  wherever  the  cancer  is  found  to  exist, 


110 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


even  in  the  most  incipient  form.  The  disease  is  usually  attended 
by  severe  shooting  pains. 

Treatment, — The  diet  should  be  light  but  nourishing, 
avoiding  salted  or  highly  seasoned  food  or  strong  liquors.  No 
treatment  could  be  suggested  that  would  be  satisfactory  or  safe 
for  domestic  use.  The  following  has  been  well  spoken  of: 
Hydriodate  of  potash,  one  dram;  fresh  lard,  three  ounces.  Mix 
well;  rub  on  the  size  of  a hazelnut  twice  a day  for  a fortnight; 
then  cease  for  a week,  and  apply  a poultice  of  tigs  boiled  in  milk, 
for  three  or  four  days ; then  apply  the  ointment  again,  and  con- 
tinue doing  so.  This  has  disposed  of  many  conspicuous  tumors. 

CANCRUM  ORIS  OR  GANGRENOUS  STOMATITIS. 

This  is  a gangrenous  inflammation  which  chiefly  affects  the 
cheeks  and  gums  of  children  of  a weakly,  scrofulous  habit,  with 
debilitated  constitution.  Unwholesome  food,  impure  air,  and 
all  the  bad  influences  of  poverty  and  wretchedness,  which  sur- 
round so  many  of  the  poorer  classes,  are  favorable  to  the 
development  of  this  disease. 

Causes, — It  is  very  often  attributed  to  the  action  of  medi- 
cine which  has  nothing  to  do  with  its  development.  Its  most 
frequent  causes  are  weakness  and  debility,  combined  with  a 
scrofulous  constitution.  Sometimes,  but  rarely,  the  disease 
show  itself  after  measles,  scarlet  fever,  or  other  acute  inflam- 
matory affections. 

Symptoms. — Its  first  symptom  is  usually  a hard,  red  spot 
on  the  cheek,  which  spreads  and  opens  into  a shallow  ulcer  on 
the  inside,  discharging  matter  of  a peculiarly  offensive  character. 
As  the  disease  progresses,  the  cheek  swells,  the  breath  becomes 
fetid,  there  is  a great  flow  of  saliva,  which  is  often  tinged  with 
blood  ; there  is  mortification  of  the  surrounding  parts,  including 
the  gums  ; the  teeth  drop  out,  typhoid  symptoms  show  them- 
selves. and,  finally,  the  patient  sinks  exhausted,  death  coming 
like  a happy  release  from  its  sufferings.  This  is  the  usual  course, 
if  early  efforts  are  not  made  to  arrest  the  progress  of  the  disease. 
The  disease  must  not  be  mistaken  for  canker  sore  mouth,  which 
is  an  affliction  of  mild  character  and  yields  to  simple  astringent 
washes,  and  remedies  to  aid  digestion. 

Treatment. — As  soon  as  the  red  spot  in  the  cheek  gives 
warning  of  its  commencement,  the  constitution  should  be 
strengthened  with  good  nourishing  diet,  such  as  beef  tea,  milk, 
and  eggs ; wine,  if  there  is  extreme  debility,  and  no  great 
amount  of  fever  ; quinine,  in  half-grain  doses  three  times  a day, 


DISEASES  AND  THEItt  REMEDIES. 


Ill 


in  infusion  of  gentian  or  decoction  of  bark  may  be  given,  or  some 
preparation  of  iron  with  a warm  stomachic,  as  the  following: 
Wine  of  iron,  two  drams  ; compound  tincture  of  valerian,  two 
drams ; made  up  to  eight  ounces  with  cinnamon  or  mint  water ; one 
or  two  tablespoonfuls  twice  or  thrice  a day.  Change  of  air,  sea 
bathing,  and  anything  which  is  likely  to  invigorate  the  consti- 
tution should  also  be  tried.  Chlorate  of  potash,  one  dram,  with 
twenty  drops  of  muriatic  acid,  in  six  ounces  of  water,  sweetened 
with  a little  syrup  of  orange-peel,  is  a pleasant  and  serviceable 
mixture.  It  may  be  given  to  a child  six  years  of  age,  a table- 
spoonful every  four  hours.  For  local  treatment,  lunar  caustic, 
or  sulphate  of  copper,  rubbed  along  the  edges  of  the  wound, 
are  recommended.  The  mouth  should  be  frequently  washed 
with  a lotion  made  of  chloride  of  soda  and  water,  in  the  propor- 
tion of  two  drams  of  the  former  to  half  a pint  of  the  latter  ; or 
it  may  be,  one  dram  of  chloric  ether  to  the  same  quantity.  By 
this  means  the  unpleasant  foetor  is  diminished  so  as  to  be  endur- 
able. When  extensive  ulceration  and  sloughing  takes  place 
outwardly,  poultices  must  be  applied. 

CATALEPSY  OR  TRANCE. 

A spasmodic  seizure,  which  causes  a rigidity  of  the  limbs, 
retaining  them  in  a certain  position,  however  inconvenient  or 
painful. 

Causes . — The  causes  of  this  disease  are  seldom  local,  but 
such  as  affect  the  whole  system  ; catamenia,  worms,  and  painful 
emotions  of  the  mind,  or  impaired  digestion,  may  be  mentioned 
as  among  the  most  frequent;  women  are  more  subject  to  these 
attacks  than  men  ; and  sometimes  they  result  in  apoplexy,  epi- 
lepsy, or  melancholia. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  are  a sudden  deprivation  of 
all  power  of  motion  and  sensation  ; the  patient  remaining  in  pre- 
cisely the  same  position  as  he  was  when  seized  ; the  attack 
comes  on  suddenly,  without  any  warning,  except,  it  may  be,  a 
slight  languor  of  body  and  mind,  and  lasts  for  several  minutes, 
or  perhaps  hours,  although  the  longer  period  is  rare  ; if  during 
the  fit  the  position  of  the  limbs  is  altered,  they  will  remain  as 
placed,  and,  when  the  paroxysm  is  over,  there  will  generally  be 
no  consciousness  of  what  has  transpired  while  it  lasted  ; in  this 
respect  it  resembles  the  mesmeric  sleep,  or  the  state  of  insensi- 
bility produced  by  the  inhalation  of  ether  or  chloroform. 

Treatment . — The  treatment  must  depend  upon  the  prob- 
able cause  ; if  the  patient  is  of  a plethoric  habit,  give  cathartics  ; 


112 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES, 


if  debilitated,  tonics  and  anti-spasmodics  must  be  given.  During 
the  attack  apply  mustard  plasters  to  the  palms  of  the  hands  and 
soles  of  the  feet,  pit  of  the  stomach  and  spine  ; if  the  fit  continue 
long,  ammonia  may  be  carefully  applied  to  the  nostrils ; a mix- 
ture of  ether,  fetid  spirits  of  ammonia,  and  tincture  of  musk,  two 
drams  of  each  to  eight  ounces  of  peppermint  water,  should  be  ad- 
ministered in  ounce  doses  every  quarter  of  an  hour  or  so.  On 
recovery,  the  system  should  be  strengthened  as  much  as  possible 
with  good  diet,  gentle  exercise,  sea  bathing,  or  the  cold  shower 
bath ; chalybeate  waters  may  also  be  drunk  with  advantage,  or 
preparations  of  iron,  bitter  infusion,  or  cascarilla  with  aromatic 
spirits  of  ammonia. 

CATARACT. 

A disease  of  the  eyes,  causing  opacity  of  the  crystalline 
lens,  which  prevents  the  passage  of  the  rays  of  light,  and  so 
produces  blindness. 

Symptoms . — A dimness  of  vision,  which  may  generally 
be  noticed  before  any  opacity  can  be  perceived  on  the  lens  itself. 
Then  there  are  optical  illusions,  like  specks  or  motes  floating 
before  the  eye.  Sometimes  the  progress  of  the  disease  is  slow 
and  gradual,  but  frequently  it  is  rapid,  especially  in  the  latter 
stages.  Persons  who  have  passed  the  middle  age  are  most 
likely  to  be  affected  by  it,  and  sometimes  it  has  made  consider- 
able progress  in  one  eye  before  the  patient,  by  some  accidental 
circumstance,  has  discovered  its  approach. 

Treatment. — There  is  no  remedy  that  is  known  to  have 
much  effect  upon  this  disease ; nor  is  it  at  all  likely,  from  the 
structure  of  the  parts,  that  any  such  remedy  exists.  All  pal- 
liative measures,  therefore,  are  confined  to  attention  to  the 
general  health  of  the  patient,  and  the  removal  of  any  inflamma- 
tory symptoms  that  may  exist  along  with  it.  The  only  mode  of 
cure  is  actual  removal  by  an  operation ; but  so  long  as  one  eye 
remains  unaffected,  the  operation  may  be  delayed. 

CATARRH. 

Catarrh,  or  cold  in  the  head,  is  the  most  common  of  all 
the  disorders  to  which  the  human  body  is  subject,  more  par- 
ticularly in  variable  climates,  like  our  own.  There  are  two 
kinds  of  this  disease, — the  one,  a common  cold ; the  other,  influ- 
enza or  epidemic  cold.  A common  catarrh  is  an  inflammatory 
state  of  the  mucous  membranes  of  the  head,  or  chest;  in  the 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


113 


former  case.it  is  called  cold  in  the  head,  or  coryza;  in  the 
latter,  cold  on  the  chest,  or  bronchitis. 

Causes. — The  common  cause  of  this  disease  is  exposure 
to  cold  or  damp  atmosphere,  or  to  draughts,  especially  when  the 
surface  of  the  body  is  warm  or  perspiring.  It  is  frequently 
occasioned  by  passing  from  a warm  into  a cold  atmosphere,  and, 
we  believe,  even  more  frequently  by  passing  immediately  from 
a cold  into  a warm  atmosphere.  Indeed,  any  sudden  atmos- 
pheric change  is  apt,  in  delicate  persons,  to  produce  cold ; but  in 
passing  from  a warm  room  to  the  cold  air,  people  generally  take 
some  care,  while  they  are  not  generally  aware  that  like  danger 
attends  passing  from  the  cold  air  into  a heated  room,  and  hence 
do  not  provide  against  it. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  of  a cold  in  the  head  are  a 
sense  of  uneasiness,  heat,  and  stuffiness  in  the  nostrils,  diminution 
or  loss  of  smell,  dull,  heavy  pain  in  the  forehead,  inflamed  eyes, 
sneezing,  and  a slight  impediment  in  breathing.  Generally,  it 
extends  to  the  throat  and  chest,  and  occasions  hoarseness,  cough, 
and  difficulty  of  breathing.  Frequently  there  is  also  a general 
derangement  of  the  system,  loss  of  appetite,  lassitude,  chilliness, 
succeeded  by  fever,  and  stiffness  of  the  joints.  The  nostrils 
discharge  a fluid,  at  first  thin  and  acrid,  afterwards  thicker,  and 
often  purulent. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  of  a common  cold  is  usually 
a simple  matter.  Confinement  to  the  house  for  a day  or  two,  a 
warm  footbath,  diluent  drinks,  abstinence  from  animal  food 
and  fermented  liquors,  and  a dose  or  twTo  of  some  gentle  laxa- 
tive, are  usually  sufficient  to  remove  the  disease.  There  is  also 
what  is  called  the  dry  method  of  cure,  which  has  the  advantage 
of  not  requiring  confinement  to  the  house,  though  otherwise 
some  might  be  inclined  to  regard  the  cure  as  worse  than  the 
disease.  It  consists  simply  in  abstinence  from  every  kind  of 
drink,  until  the  disease  is  gone.  Dr.  Williams,  its  inventor, 
states  that  the  necessary  privation  is  not  hard  to  bear,  and  that  a 
cure  is  effected,  on  an  average,  in  forty-eight  hours.  He  allows 
a tablespoonful  of  tea  or  milk  for  the  morning  and  evening 
meals,  and  a wineglassful  of  water  at  bedtime.  The  principle 
acted  upon  is  that  of  cutting  off  the  supply  of  watery  materials 
to  the  blood,  and  thus  leaving  nothing  to  feed  the  secretion  from 
the  inflamed  mucous  membrane.  The  best  preventive  against  cold 
is  the  daily  use  of  the  cold  bath,  and  this  is  the  best  means  that  can 
be  adopted  by  those  who  have  an  habitual  tendency  to  this 
disease.  It  should,  however,  be  begun  in  summer,  and  the 


114 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


water  ought  to  be  at  first  tepid ; but,  after  being  begun,  the 
practice  may  be  continued  throughout  the  winter. 

CHRONIC  CATARRH. 

( Ulceration  of  the  Nose.') 

This  is  usually  the  result  of  neglected  common  catarrh, 
and  is  exceedingly  troublesome,  lasting  sometimes  for  years. 

Symptoms. — When  the  inflammation  has  continued,  and 
ulceration  taken  place,  matter  is  secreted,  which  falls  down  into 
the  throat.  This  is  one  of  the  worst  features  of  this  disease,  as 
the  matter  often  finds  its  way  into  the  stomach,  causing  a 
general  derangement  of  the  system.  In  the  morning,  on  rising, 
great  difficulty  is  experienced  in  clearing  the  head  and  throat. 
The  smell  is  impaired,  and  sometimes  destroyed.  Loss  of  ap- 
petite and  general  emaciation  frequently  occur. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  consists  chiefly  of  local 
washes  or  injections.  If  no  syringe  or  douche  is  at  hand,  they 
may  be  snuffed  up  the  nose.  A solution  of  chloride  of  potassa, 
or  lime,  is  highly  recommended,  where  the  discharge  is  offen- 
sive. An  injection  composed  of  acetate  of  lead,  sulphate  of  zinc, 
sulphate  of  copper,  or  nitrate  of  silver,  has  been  found  very 
beneficial,  as  has  also  the  inhalation  of  the  vapor  of  creosote, 
tar,  and  vinegar.  Common  salt  is  also  a good  remedy.  Alum 
has  been  known  to  arrest  the  most  violent  attack  in  a few 
minutes.  Place  about  half  a dram  in  the  mouth  and  let  it  dis- 
solve gradually  ; swallowing  a little  occasionally. 

Eclectic  or  Herbal  Treatment  for  Catarrh. 

Promote  a free  perspiration,  by  taking  every  night  warm 
hoarhound  or  boneset  tea,  which  may  be  drunk  cold  during 
the  day ; if  the  cough  is  troublesome,  take  a tea  made  of  slippery  - 
elm  bark,  or  flaxseed.  Add  a little  lemon  juice,  and  sweeten. 

The  following  is  also  an  excellent  remedy  for  a cough: 
Take  the  yolk  of  two  fresh  eggs ; beat  them  up  well  in  a basin; 
then  add  quarter  pound  of  moist  sugar,  and  beat  them  together. 
Take  another  vessel ; mix  a wineglassful  of  white-wine  vinegar 
and  the  juice  of  two  large  lemons.  Stir  all  these  ingredients 
up  ; mix  them  and  put  the  whole  into  a bottle  and  cork  it  close. 
It  is  fit  for  use  at  once.  Take  a tablespoonful  when  the  cough 
is  troublesome. 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


115 


CHAPPED  OR  CRACKED  LIPS. 

The  lips  are  often  chapped  and  cracked  by  exposure  to 
cold,  and  it  is  sometimes  a difficult  matter  to  heal  them. 
The  following  is  a good  form  for  lip-salve  to  be  used  in 
such  a case  : White  wax,  two  and  one-half  ounces  ; spermaceti, 
one-half  ounce  ; almond  oil,  three  ounces.  Melt  together,  stir 
well,  and  put  by  to  cool ; apply  to  the  lips  on  going  to  bed 
at  night.  It  may  be  made  of  a pretty  pink  color  first  by  tint- 
ing the  oil  with  a small  piece  of  alkanet  root,  which  should 
be  taken  out  before  the  other  ingredients  are  introduced. 
When  the  lips  heat  and  burn  much,  a little  cold  cream  will  be 
found  a pleasant  and  serviceable  application. 

CHILBLAINS. 

Chilblains  are  an  inflammatory  affection  of  the  skin,  gener- 
ally confined  to  the  extremities,  and  especially  to  the  fingers 
and  toes.  Exposure  to  sudden  alternations  of  heat  and  cold 
usually  gives  rise  to  these  troublesome  visitations,  which  are 
rather  characterized  by  itching  and  irritation  than  pain.  Per- 
sons of  scrofulous  habit  and  languid  circulation  are  most  subject 
to  them,  as  children  and  aged  persons.  It  is  a popular  fallacy, 
that  to  keep  the  surface  of  the  skin  in  a state  of  unnatural 
warmth,  by  hot  bottles  and  woolen  socks  by  night,  and  fur  lin- 
ings and  feet-warmers  by  day,  is  the  best  way  to  prevent  chil- 
blains ; but  this  only  serves  to  keep  up  a constant  perspiration, 
and  so  weakens  the  tone  of  the  system,  and  increases  the  liability 
to  them.  A nightly  footbath  of  cold,  or — for  aged  persons — of 
tepid  salt  and  water,  with  plenty  of  friction  with  a rough  towel, 
and  exercise  during  the  day,  will  be  most  likely  to  keep  chil- 
blains from  the  feet;  and  for  the  hands,  a careful  rubbing  so  as 
to  get  them  carefully  dry  after  every  washing  or  dipping  in 
water,  and  an  avoidance  of  all  unnecessary  exposure  to  severe 
cold,  are  the  best  preventive  measures.  It  is  a good  plan  to 
have  a pan  of  oatmeal  always  at  hand,  and  to  rub  them  well 
over  with  that  after  they  have  been  wetted,  and  wiped  as  dry  as 
possible.  This  will  absorb  any  moisture  left  by  the  towel,  and 
have  a softening  and  cooling  effect.  Bathing  the  feet  and  hands 
every  night  in  warm  water  in  which  a small  quantity  of  salt  is 
dissolved  is  one  of  the  best  preventives  against  chilblains. 

Treatment • — Should  chilblains  come,  as  sometimes  they 
will,  in  spite  of  ail  precautions,  let  them  be  gently  rubbed  every 
night  and  morning  with  some  stimulating  application ; alco 


116 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


hol,  spirits  of  turpentine,  or  camphorated  spirits  of  wine  are  all 
good  for  this  purpose  ; but  the  application  which  we  have  found 
most  efficacious  is  a lotion  made  of  alum  and  sulphate  of  zinc — 
two  drams  of  each  to  half  a pint  of  water,  rubbed  in  warm ; it 
may  be  made  more  stimulating  by  the  addition  of  one  ounce  of 
camphorated  spirits.  When  the  chilblains  are  broken  there 
must  be  a different  course  of  treatment ; the  ulcers  formed  are 
often  difficult  to  heal,  especially  in  weakly  and  ill-conditioned 
persons  ; there  is  generally  a great  deal  of  inflammation,  which 
must  be  subdued  by  means  of  bread  and  water  poultices  applied 
cold,  and  afterwards  by  cooling  ointments,  such  as  the  cerate  of 
acetate  of  lead,  or  spermaceti  ointment,  with  forty  drops  of 
Goulard’s  extract  added  to  the  ounce  ; should  there  be  a dispo- 
sition to  form  proud  flesh,  the  ointment  of  red  precipitate  should 
be  used. 

CHICKEN  POX. 

( Varicella.') 

Chicken-pox  is  a very  mild  form  of  eruptive  disease,  which 
affects  a person  but  once  in  a lifetime,  and  can  generally  be 
traced  to  specific  contagion  or  infection ; it  is  a children’s  dis- 
ease. 

Symptoms . — It  is  preceded  usually  by  slight  fever,  which 
lasts  for  one  or  two  days  before  the  eruption  appears,  which  is 
in  the  form  of  conical  pimples  with  a white  head,  mostly  on  the 
shoulders,  breast,  and  neck,  and  more  sparingly  over  the  face 
and  body  generally.  Then  vesicles  appear  on  the  second  day, 
like  little  globular  blisters,  but  with  little  or  no  surrounding 
inflammation ; they  now  become  filled  with  a watery  fluid,  which 
is  not  converted  into  pus,  as  in  small-pox  (to  which  this  disease 
bears  some  resemblance),  and,  about  the  fifth  day,  the  vesicles 
shrivel  up  and  dry  away,  leaving  only  crusts  or  scales.  The  main 
distinctions  between  chicken-pox  and  small-pox  are  the  absence 
or  extreme  mildness  of  the  premonitory  fever  in  the  former  dis- 
ease, and  the  form  and  contents  of  the  vesicles  ; those  of  the 
latter  eruption  being  filled  with  dark  matter,  and  having,  in- 
variably, a depression  in  the  center. 

Treatment. — On  the  first  appearance  of  the  eruption,  the 
patient  should  be  put  upon  spare  diet,  and  given  a dose  or  two 
of  some  cooling  aperient,  as  rhubarb  or  magnesia.  Should  the 
febrile  symptoms  run  high,  give  a saline  draught,  as  the  follow- 
ing : Carbonate  of  potash,  one  scruple ; citric  or  tartaric  acid, 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


117 


fifteen  grains  ; essence  of  cinnamon,  one-half  a dram ; syrup  of 
orange  peel,  one  dram ; water,  ten  ounces.  Shake,  and  drink 
while  sparkling  a wineglassful  as  a refrigerant.  To  make  it 
effervescing,  add  the  acid  after  the  draught  is  poured  out.  Give 
plenty  of  cooling  drink,  and,  if  the  bowels  are  at  all  obstinate, 
emollient  injections.  Care  must  be  taken  that  the  skin  is  not 
irritated  by  scratching — as  painful  and  troublesome  sores  may  be 
produced — and  also  that  the  patient  does  not  take  a chill.  If 
these  precautions  are  observed,  little  or  no  danger  is  to  be  appre- 
hended from  chicken-pox. 

ASIATIC  CHOLERA. 

The  Asiatic,  malignant,  or  pestilential  cholera  is  a very  vio- 
lent form  of  disease.  It  commonly  comes  on  without  any  warn- 
ing, and  the  patient  is  frequently  a corpse  in  a few  hours. 

Causes . — It  depends  upon  a peculiar  contagion  in  the 
atmosphere.  Crowded  towns  and  cities  are  the  most  liable  to 
its  ravages,  also  low  and  damp  situations.  Its  ravages  are  fa- 
vored by  eating  improper  food,  intoxication,  sensual  habits,  or 
anything  that  undermines  the  general  health.  Fear  of  this  dis- 
ease often  depresses  the  vitality  and  was  once  thought  to  be 
sufficient  to  cause  it. 

Symptoms . — The  attack  usually  begins  with  sickness  and 
purging ; the  discharge  in  this  case  not  being  bilious,  but  a thin, 
colorless  fluid,  like  rice  water,  accompanied  with  great  pros- 
tration of  strength  and  cold,  clammy  sweats.  In  a short  time 
dreadful  cramps  assail  the  extremities,  and  afterwards  the  ab- 
domen and  other  parts  of  the  body.  The  body  becomes  bent, 
the  limbs  twisted,  the  countenance  cadaverous,  the  pulse  almost 
imperceptible,  the  eyes  sunken  and  surrounded  by  a dark  cir- 
cle ; the  patient  sinks  into  a state  of  apathy,  and,  unless  a fa- 
vorable change  speedily  takes  place,  he  soon  expires.  When 
reaction  does  take  place,  the  pulse  gradually  returns,  the  natu- 
ral warmth  of  the  body  is  restored,  and  the  spasms  and  difficulty 
of  breathing  give  way.  Frequently,  however,  the  reaction  is  ac- 
companied by  fever,  closely  resembling  typhus,  and  which  often 
terminates  fatally,  in  from  four  to  eight  days. 

Treatment, — In  regard  to  the  treatment  of  cholera  the 
views  of  medical  men  have  of  late  somewhat  changed.  Watson, 
who  has  recently  modified  the  views  expressed  in  the  last 
edition  of  his  lectures,  says,  that  “one  important  and  guiding 
rule  of  treatment  is  not  to  attempt  by  opiates  or  by  other  di- 
rectly repressive  means  to  arrest  a diarrhoea  while  there  is 


118 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


reason  to  believe  that  the  bowel  contains  a considerable  amount 
of  morbid  and  offensive  materials.  The  purging  is  the  natural 
way  of  gettingrid  of  the  irritant  cause.  We  may  favor  the  re- 
covery by  directing  the  patient  to  drink  copiously  any  simple 
diluent  liquid,  as  toast  water,  barley  water,  or  weak  tea ; and 
we  may  often  accelerate  the  recovery  by  sweeping  out  the 
alimentary  canal  by  some  safe  purgative,  and  then,  if  necessary, 
soothing  it  by  an  opiate.”  A tablespoonful  of  castor  oil  may  be 
given  for  this  purpose,  and  after  the  oil  has  acted  freely,  “ a 
tablespoonful  of  brandy  may  be  taken  in  some  thin  arrowroot  or 
gruel,  and  if  there  be  much  feeling  of  irritation,  with  a sense  of 
sinking,  from  five  to  ten  drops  of  laudanum  may  be  given  in 
cold  water.  The  brandy  and  laudanum  may  be  repeated  as  the 
necessity  of  the  case  requires.  These  means  will  suffice  for 
the  speedy  arrest  of  most  cases  of  choleraic  diarrhoea.  If  the 
diarrhoea  has  continued  for  some  hours,  the  stools  having  been 
copious  and  liquid ; if  there  be  no  griping  pain  in  the  bowels, 
no  feeling  or  appearance  of  distension  of  the  intestines,  the  ab- 
domen being  flaccid  and  empty,  and  the  tongue  clean,  we  may 
conclude  that  the  morbid  agent  has  already  purged  itself  away,” 
and  there  will  be  no  need  for  any  purgative,  but  the  brandy  and 
laudanum  may  be  given  immediately  as  above.  “The  rule  in 
all  cases  is  not  to  give  the  opiate  until  the  morbid  poison  and  its 
products  have  for  the  most  part  escaped,  not  to  close  the  door 
until  the  4 enemy  ’ has  been  expelled.  In  some  cases  of  severe 
and  prolonged  diarrhoea  it  may  be  necessary  to  repeat  the  oil 
and  the  laudanum  alternately  for  more  than  once  at  intervals  of 
three  or  four  hours.”  If  the  diarrhoea  be  associated  with  vomit- 
ing, this  should  be  encouraged,  and  assisted  by  copious  draughts 
of  tepid  water.  If  there  be  nausea  without  vomiting  an  emetic 
may  be  given.  The  following  preparation  lias  been  found  very 
useful : Chalk  mixture,  one  ounce  ; aromatic  confection,  ten  to 
fifteen  grains;  tincture  of  opium,  ten  to  fifteen  drops.  To  be 
taken  every  three  or  four  hours  until  looseness  ceases. 

Eclectic  Treatment  for  Cholera . 

Dr.  Annesley,  who  had  much  experience  in  India  with  this 
epidemic,  states  that,  if  taken  at  its  commencement  or  within 
an  hour  after  its  attack,  it  is  as  manageable  as  any  other  acute 
disease  ; but  the  alarming  rapidity  with  which  it  runs  its  course 
demands  the  most  active  treatment.  The  loss  of  an  hour  may 
prove  fatal  to  life.  Put  the  patient  quietly  into  a warm  bed. 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


119 


Mustard  plasters  should  be  applied  to  the  feet,  and  brandy  or 
other  spirits  should  be  administered  to  stimulate  the  system. 
The  body  should  be  frequently  rubbed  with  a warm  flannel 
sprinkled  with  a little  starch  or  camphorated  oil.  If  the  stomach 
is  too  weak  to  bear  spirits,  give  a strong  decoction  of  cloves  or 
cinnamon,  or  of  ginger,  or  cayenne  pepper,  a teaspoonful  every 
half  hour. 

The  following  has  been  very  effectual  in  curing  severe  cases 
of  virulent  cholera  : Tincture  of  opium,  tincture  of  camphor,  and 
spirits  of  turpentine,  of  each  three  drams;  oil  of  peppermint, 
thirty  drops  ; mix.  Dose,  one  teaspoonful  in  brandy  and  water, 
for  the  mild  form  of  cholera  ; and  one  tablespoonful  for  the  more 
virulent.  As  a preventive  the  following  may  be  taken  in 
cholera  times  : Bicarbonate  of  soda,  one  scruple  ; ginger,  eight 
grains.  Take  in  a glass  of  water,  after  breakfast  and  supper. 

CHOLERA  MORBUS. 

This  is  a disease  prevalent  in  hot,  damp  weather.  From 
the  great  amount  of  bile  secreted,  it  is  also  called  Bilious 
Cholera. 

Causes. — Excessive  heat,  sudden  atmospheric  changes, 
wet  feet,  indigestible  food,  and  unripe  fruits. 

Symptoms. — This  disease  begins  with  sickness  and  dis- 
tress at  the  stomach,  succeeded  by  violent  gripings  with  vomit- 
ing of  thin,  dirty  yellowish,  whitish,  or  greenish  fluid.  The 
contents  of  the  upper  bowels  may  be  vomited.  The  nausea  and 
distress  continue  between  the  vomiting  and  purging,  and  the 
pain  at  times  is  intense.  The  pulse  is  rapid,  soon  becoming 
small  and  feeble,  the  tongue  dry,  the  urine  high  colored,  and 
there  is  much  thirst,  though  no  drink  can  be  retained  on  the 
stomach. 

Treatment. — Apply  a large  mustard  poultice  over  the 
stomach  and  liver.  Give  large  draughts  of  warm  teas,  by  which 
means  the  stomach  will  be  cleansed  of  all  its  solid  contents. 
Warm  injections  must  be  given  frequently,  and  hot  bricks 
applied  to  the  feet,  while  the  whole  body  should  be  swathed  in* 
warm  flannels.  To  get  up  a warmth  of  the  body  and  the 
stomach  is,  in  fact,  the  most  important  thing  in  this  disease. 
Hot  brandy,  in  which  is  a dose  of  cayenne,  is  excellent  to  quiet 
the  vomiting  and  griping.  A few  drops  of  laudanum  in  the 
injections  may  be  given,  if  the  pain  is  excessive.  If  these 
remedies  do  not  bring  immediate  relief,  call  a physician  without 


120 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


delay,  as  a continuation  of  the  pain  soon  produces  cramps  and 
fatal  results. 

Eclectic  Treatment  for  Cholera  Morbus . 

No  time  must  be  lost  in  treating  the  severe  stages  of  this 
disease.  Give  the  patient  copious  drinks  of  whey,  warm  barley 
water,  thin  water  gruel,  or  weak  chicken  broth.  Bathe  the  feet 
and  legs  in  warm  saleratus  water,  and  apply  warm  fomentations 
of  hops  and  vinegar  to  the  bowels.  In  addition  to  these,  apply 
a\warm  poultice  of  well  stewed  garden  mint,  or  a poultice  of 
mustard  and  strong  vinegar  will  be  found  of  much  service. 
The  vomiting  and  purging  may  be  stopped  by  the  following: 
Ground  black  pepper,  one  tablespoon ful  ; table  salt,  one  table- 
spoonful ; warm  water,  one-half  tumblerful ; cider  vinegar,  one- 
half  tumblerful.  Dose,  a tablespoonful  every  few  minutes. 
Stir  and  mix  each  time  until  the  whole  is  taken. 

Nourishing  diet  should  be  taken  by  the  patient.  A wine- 
glassful  of  cold  camomile  tea,  once  or  twice  a day,  would  be 
very  beneficial,  as  would  ten  drops  of  elixir  of  vitriol,  three  or 
four  times  a day,  or  a tea  made  of  black  or  Virginia  snake-root. 
Flannel  should  be  worn  next  the  skin,  and  the  warm  bath 
should  be  frequently  resorted  to. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  PHARYNX. 

Clergyman9 s Sore  Throat . 

(. Pharyngitis .) 

This  is  an  inflammation  of  the  back  part  of  the  throat,  as 
seen  when  the  mouth  is  stretched  open.  There  is  also  an 
inflamed  condition  of  the  vocal  cords,  and  other  portions  of  the 
larynx. 

Causes. — Overexertion  of  the  voice,  imhaling  impure  air, 
exposure  to  cold  winds  when  heated  will  also  produce  it. 

Symptoms. — Spitting,  hoarseness,  coughing,  sometimes 
loss  of  voice,  difficulty  of  swallowing,  etc. 

Treatment. — Avoid  the  night  air,  and  loud  talking  or 
singing  in  the  open  air  when  walking.  Let  the  diet  be  nourish- 
ing, but  abstain  from  all  spicy  and  acid  foods  that  irritate  the 
mucous  membrane.  Spirituous  liquors,  strong  beer,  and  other 
heating  liquids  must  be  entirely  avoided.  The  local  treatment 
consists  of  applying  solutions  of  nitrate  of  silver,  alum,  or  car- 
bolic acid,  to  the  diseased  parts,  by  means  of  a sponge  or  brush. 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


121 


COLIC. 

Colic  is  a name  given  to  several  varieties  of  disease  charac- 
terized by  severe  pain  of  the  bowels,  with  distention  or  flatulence, 
but  without  looseness  or  diarrhoea.  Physicians  distinguish  sev- 
eral varieties  of  this  complaint:  Spasmodic,  in  which  the  princi- 
pal symptoms  are  sharp  and  spasmodic  pains  about  the  navel ; 
that  occasioned  by  indigestible  food,  gas,  or  acrid  matter  in  the 
intestines;,  bilious,  when  accompanied  by  vomiting  of  bile,  or 
by  obstinate  costiveness ; lead  or  Devonshire  colic,  which  is  due 
to  the  poison  of  lead. 

Causes. — Among  the  most  frequent  causes  may  be  named 
worms,  poisonous  or  unwholesome  substances,  indigestible  food, 
gout,  rheumatism,  intense  cold,  acid  fruits,  and  unripe  vege- 
tables. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  of  colic,  in  general,  are  a pain- 
ful distention  of  the  lower  region  of  the  belly,  with  a twisting 
pain,  and  very  commonly  vomiting,  costiveness,  and  spasms. 

PAINTERS’  COLIC. 

Lead  or  painters’  colic  is  characterized  by  obstinate  costive- 
ness, and  vomiting  of  bile.  The  pain  comes  on  in  paroxysms. 
The  spasms  gradually  become  more  violent,  and,  if  not  alleviated, 
become  unbearable. 

Treatment. — Give  immediately  from  thirty  to  forty  drops 
of  laudanum  and  apply  heat  over  the  abdomen.  Hot  drinks 
containing  peppermint,  spearmint,  and  composition  tea  generally 
afford  relief. 

For  the  treatment  of  paralysis,  or  palsy  arising  from  the  ab- 
sorption of  lead,  which  is  generally  confined  to  the  wrists,  use 
galvanism,  friction,  and  shampooing,  with  chalybeate  waters. 
Those  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  lead,  or  in  occupations  in 
which  one  or  other  of  its  preparations  are  frequently  handled, 
may  generally  escape  its  baneful  effects  by  strict  attention  to 
cleanliness.  They  should  never  take  their  meals  where  they 
work,  or  with  unwashed  hands.  Let  them  eat  fat  meat,  and 
butter,  and  take  acidulous  drinks,  especially  those  rendered  so 
by  sulphuric  acid.  The  men  employed  at  the  Birmingham 
white  lead  works  have  been  almost  free  from  this  disease,  to 
which  they  were  much  subject  before,  since  they  have  mixed 
a little  of  the  above  acid  with  their  molasses  beer.  From  the 
first  attack  of  lead  colic  patients  generally  recover;  but  unless 
they  change  their  occupations,  or  observe  the  above  precautions 


122 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


with  scrupulous  care,  the  attacks  are  repeated,  each  time  with 
greater  violence,  and  they  will  become,  eventually,  miserable 
cripples. 

WIND  COLIC. 

Wind  colic  is  a severe  and  distressing  pain  in  the  bowels; 
sometimes  a stoppage,  and  swelling  about  the  pit  of  the  stomach 
and  the  navel.  The  complaint  may  be  caused  by  weakness  in 
the  digestive  organs,  by  indigestible  food,  unripe  fruit,  or  cos- 
tiveness. 

Treatment . — If  the  pain  is  caused  by  having  eaten  any- 
thing indigestible,  an  emetic  should  be  immediately  taken.  If  this 
does  not  bring  relief,  a dose  of  s&lts,  or  sweet  tincture  of  rhubarb, 
may.  If  there  is  no  sickness  at  the  stomach,  a little  essence  of 
peppermint  in  water,  or  brandy,  or  gin  in  hot  water,  may  be 
sufficient  to  expel  the  wind  and  give  relief.  If  there  be  costive- 
ness, and  continued  pain,  a stimulating  injection  should  be 
given. 

BILIOUS  COLIC. 

Bilious  colic  is  a painful  disease.  There  is  griping,  twist- 
ing, tearing  pain  about  the  navel,  or  sometimes  over  the  whole 
abdomen. 

Causes. — It  is  caused  by  irritating  articles  taken  into  the 
stomach,  the  presence  of  bile  in  the  stomach,  long  exposure  to 
cold,  torpid  liver  and  skin,  great  unnatural  heat,  etc. 

Symptoms. — It  comes  and  goes  by  paroxysms.  Some- 
times the  abdomen  is  contracted,  at  other  times  enlarged,  and 
stretched  like  a drumhead.  At  first  the  pain  is  relieved  b}r 
pressure,  but  after  a time  the  abdomen  grows  tender  to  the 
touch.  There  is  thirst  and  heat,  and  vomiting  of  bilious  matter 
from  the  stomach.  In  the  worst  cases,  the  pulse  is  small,  the 
face  pale,  the  features  are  shrunk,  and  the  whole  body  is  covered 
with  a cold  sweat. 

Treatment. — Administer  an  active  cathartic  immedi- 
ately. Give  a mixture  of  pulverized,  camphor,  four  grains ; 
cayenne,  one  grain  ; white  sugar,  one  scruple.  This,  divided 
into  eight  powders,  and  given  once  in  fifteen  minutes,  will 
relieve  the  pain,  at  the  same  time  a mustard  poultice  should  be 
laid  upon  the  abdomen.  If  the  pain  does  not  yield,  give  a 
teaspoonful  of  paregoric.  The  sickness  of  stomach  may  be  al- 
layed by  hot  draughts  over  the  stomach  in  which  are  a few  drops 
of  laudanum ; one  drop  of  croton  oil  in  a crumb  of  bread  will  often 
purge  successfully ; or  castor  oil  and  spirits  of  turpentine,  equal 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


123 


parts,  in  two  tablespoonful  doses,  may  be  used  before  trying 
the  other.  A warm  bath  is  good,  and  bottles  filled  with  hot 
water,  placed  at  the  feet  and  sides,  to  promote  perspiration. 

Eclectic  Treatment  for  Colic . 

A decoction  of  equal  parts  of  skullcap  and  high  cranberry 
bark,  to  which  is  added  a tablespoonful  of  the  compound  tinc- 
ture of  Virginia  snakeroot,  has  been  found  very  useful.  Apply 
over  the  stomach  and  bowels  hot  fomentations  of  wormwood 
and  boneset,  or  hops,  stramonium  leaves,  or  hops  and  lobelia. 

In  flatulent  colic  the  legs  should  be  bathed  in  warm  water, 
and  poultices  of  mustard  or  hot  salt  placed  over  the  bowels  and 
stomach.  The  bowels  may  be  opened  with  a dose  of  castor  oil, 
and  ginger  or  peppermint  tea  may  be  drunk  freely.  To  ease 
the  pain,  from  thirty  to  sixty  drops  of  paregoric  may  be  given. 
In  very  severe  cases,  a mixture  compounded  of  equal  parts  of 
laudanum,  tincture  of  camphor,  and  essence  of  peppermint,  in 
teaspoonful  doses,  may  be  given.  In  some  cases  a teaspoonful  of 
spirits  of  turpentine,  taken  with  a teaspoonful  of  castor  oil,  has 
been  found  to  give  immediate  relief.  For  painters’  or  lead  colic, 
the  following  is  highly  recommended : Sulphate  of  magnesia, 

one-half  pound ; powdered  alum,  one  ounce  ; sulphuric  acid, 
one  and  one-half  drams;  boiling  water,  one  and  one-half  pints. 
Mix.  Dose,  a tablespoonful  in  a wineglassful  of  water ; repeat 
every  hour  until  it  operates  upon  the  bowels.  To  prevent 
the  acid  from  injuring  the  teeth,  the  solution  may  be  sucked 
through  a quill  or  a glass  tube.  After  the  bowels  have  been 
freely  opened,  the  medicine  should  be  continued  for  weeks  or 
months,  in  doses  sufficient  to  produce  one  or  two  passages  every 
twenty-four  hours.  The  sulphuric  acid,  by  uniting  with  the 
oxide  of  lead  in  the  system,  forms  the  sulphate  of  lead,  which 
is  a harmless  salt. 

The  following  is  recommended  to  be  taken  by  persons  who 
are  exposed  to  the  bad  influence  of  lead:  Elixir  vitriol,  one-half 
ounce ; tincture  of  prickly  ash  berries,  one  ounce.  Dose,  a tea- 
spoonful in  a gill  of  water,  and  repeat  three  or  four  times  a day. 

CLOUDED,  THICK,  OR  DARK-COLORED  URINE. 

Take  the  following  antacid  diuretic  mixture  : Liquor  potash, 
two  drams  ; tincture  of  cubebs,  two  ounces  ; infusion  of  buchu 
leaves,  thirteen  ounces  ; mix,  take  two  tablespoonfuls  four  times 
a day. 

The  following  will  usually  effect  a cure : Dilute  nitric  acid. 


124 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


two  drams  ; syrup  of  lemon,  four  drams  ; water,  eight  ounces ; 
mix,  take  one  tablespoonful  three  times  a day  ; or  take  half  a 
teaspoonful  of  citric  acid  in  water  four  times  a day. 

CONCUSSION  OR  INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  BRAIN 

Is  nearly  always  produced  by  a blow  or  a fall ; it  is  one  of 
the  most  frequent  injuries  to  which  the  brain  is  exposed  ; it  may 
be  either  slight  or  severe,  in  proportion  to  the  severity  of  the 
exciting  cause  ; in  the  former  case  the  effect  is  but  momentary — 
the  patient  is  stunned,  but  very  soon  recovers  consciousness,  and 
perhaps  feels  no  more  of  it,  except  a little  tenderness  of  the  part 
struck  ; in  the  latter  case  he  remains  unconscious,  without  the 
power  to  move  or  speak ; the  pulse  is  slow  and  feeble,  the 
breathing  difficult,  frequently  there  is  vomiting,  and  an  unnat- 
ural contraction  or  dilation  of  the  pupils  of  the  eyes  ; in  this 
case  but  little  can  be  done  beyond  putting  the  patient  to  bed, 
and  keeping  the  surface  of  the  skin  warm  by  frictions  and  hot 
applications;  when  there  is  extreme  depression,  a little  brandy 
or  sal  volatile  may  be  given,  but  very  sparingly,  because,  if 
death  does  not  ensue,  there  will  be  reaction,  with  an  inflamed 
state  of  the  organ.  If  it  is  simple  concussion,  a fatal  termina- 
tion is  not  likely ; but  sometimes  the  shock  causes  rupture  of  the 
substance  of  the  brain  itself,  or  its  inclosing  membranes,  or  of 
one  or  more  of  its  blood-vessels,  causing  effusion ; in  this  case 
the  patient  may  never  rally  from  his  state  of  stupor,  or,  if  he 
does,  it  will  be  but  for  a short  time  ; there  will  probably  be  convul- 
sions, paralysis,  and  other  symptoms  resembling  apoplexy.  All 
these  are  characteristic  of  inflammation.  In  so  sensitive  an  organ 
as  the  brain,  it  must  be  evident  that  an  inflamed  state  of  the 
tissues  is  by  all  means  to  be  avoided;  hence,  when  reaction  sets 
in  after  the  stunning  and  depressing  effects  of  concussion  have 
passed  off,  keep  the  head  cool  and  the  patient  quiet. 

If  a physician  is  not  within  reach,  and  the  alarming  symp- 
toms increase  in  intensity,  the  hair  of  the  head  should  be  cut  or 
shaved  off,  and  towels  wet  with  cold  water  applied ; if  iced,  so 
much  the  better.  A thorough  cathartic  should  be  given.  To 
reduce  the  pulse  and  cause  perspiration,  give  four  drops  of  tinc- 
ture of  veratrum,  in  a little  sweetened  water,  every,  hour,  till 
the  desired  results  are  produced. 

Among  the  symptoms  of  inflammation  of  the  brain,  or  its 
investing  tissues,  may  be  mentioned  as  prominent : Shivering, 
succeeded  by  heat  in  the  skin ; great  thirst ; tongue  furred ; 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


125 


pain  in  the  head ; intolerance  of  light ; bloodshot  eyes,  with  a 
wild,  wandering  look ; sickness,  and  delirium.  There  may  be 
violent  and  obstinate  vomiting,  as  a first  symptom,  followed  after 
a time  by  others.  It  should  be  borne  in  mind  that  concussion 
of  the  brain  is  not  always  the  result  of  a blow  ; it  may  be  pro- 
duced by  a violent  shock  to  the  nervous  system,  such  as  that 
caused  by  doming  down  heavily  on  the  feet  from  a leap. 

CONGESTION. 

Congestion  is  the  term  applied  to  undue  fullness  of  the 
blood-vessels ; those  of  the  brain  are  most  usually  so  affected, 
owing  to  the  unyielding  nature  of  the  bones  of  the  cranium,  which 
do  not  admit  of  sufficient  expansion  for  a greatly  increased  quan- 
tity of  blood.  Most  of  the  other  important  viscera  are  contained 
in  cavities  with  yielding  walls,  and  in  them  a greater  fullness  of 
the  veins  than  usual  is  not  attended  with  such  dangerous  effects. 

Causes . — Congestion  may  be  caused  by  anything  which 
impedes  the  circulation  so  as  to  increase  the  action  of  the  heart ; 
any  pressure  on  the  veins  which  obstructs  the  passage  of  the 
blood  through  them ; a dilation  of  the  coats  of  the  veins  from 
debility ; cold  applied  to  the  surface  of  the  body,  or  a dry  state 
of  the  skin  ; a blocking  up  of  the  small  secreting  tubules  of  the 
kidneys  with  epithelium  causing  local  congestion,  which,  if  not 
relieved,  may  lead  to  congestion  of  the  whole  system.  It  is 
caused  by  an  excessive  accumulation  of  blood  in  the  vessels  due 
to  various  causes.  Persons  of  a plethoric  habit  are  most  sub- 
ject to  it. 

Treatment, — Quiet  both  of  mind  and  body,  with  cooling 
aperient  medicines,  abstinence  from  all  rich  and  stimulating  food 
and  drink,  is  the  proper  treatment;  in  those  of  spare  habit,  it  is 
sometimes  owing  to  want  of  vital  energy,  and  in  this  case  the 
diet  should  be  rich  and  stimulating ; and  the  aperients,  if  re- 
quired, must  be  of  a tonic  nature  ; but  all  this  should  be  left  to 
the  medical  practitioner ; the  disease  too  nearly  affects  the  issues 
of  life  and  death  to  be  tampered  with. 

CONVULSIONS  OR  FITS. 

Involuntary  contractions  of  the  muscles  of  a part  or  the 
whole  of  the  body,  generally  with  corresponding  relaxations. 
When  the  contractions  and  relaxations  alternate,  they  are  called 
clonic  spasms,  as  in  hysteria.  When  the  contractions  are  con- 
stant, they  are  called  tonic  spasms,  as  in  lockjaw ; when  the 
convulsions  are  slight  and  rapid,  they  are  called  trenjors.  They 


126 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


are  universal  when  they  affect  all  the  limbs  and  muscles,  as  in 
epilepsy,  and  partial  when  they  affect  only  some  of  the  muscles 
irregularly,  as  in  chorea  or  St.  Vitus  dance. 

Causes. — Convulsions  in  children  are  generally  caused  by 
some  disturbance  of  the  stomach,  intestines,  or  brain,  as  teething, 
worms,  water  on  the  brain,  the  striking  in  of  a rash,  or  the  ac- 
cession of  some  disease,  such  as  small-pox,  scarlatina,  etc.  A 
very  trifling,  functional  derangement  will  often  be  sufficient  to 
produce  them,  and  the  younger  and  more  irritable  the  child,  the 
more  liable  will  it  be  to  attacks. 

Symptoms. — Convulsions  are  violent,  spasmodic  affec- 
tions, with  or  without  intermission.  Previous  to  their  coming  on 
there  is  generally  giddiness,  coldness  of  the  extremities,  dimness 
of  vision,  tremblings,  and  a creeping  chill  up  the  spine.  There 
are  also,  particularly  in  adults,  anxiety  of  mind  and  dejection  of 
spirits,  nausea,  and  a sense  of  faintness,  yawning,  stretching, 
dizziness,  and  palpitation  of  the  heart.  When  the  fit  is  on,  the 
teeth  chatter,  the  tongue  is  protruded  and  often  bitten,  there  is 
foaming  at  the  mouth,  the  eyes  roll  wildly,  there  is  a struggle 
for  breath,  and  a clutching  of  the  hands,  which  are  often 
clenched  so  that  the  nails  enter  into  the  flesh ; sometimes  the 
lips  and  cheeks  and  the  whole  surface  of  the  face  and  arms  be- 
come purple,  and  the  veins  stand  out  as  though  they  would 
burst ; and  so  great  is  the  muscular  force  exerted  that  several 
attendants  are  required  to  keep  the  patient  from  bodily  injury. 
A violent  paroxysm  may  last  but  a few  minutes  only,  or  for 
several  hours,  and  may  have  longer  or  shorter  intermissions.  It 
is  followed  by  extreme  languor,  frequently  by  headache  and  gid- 
diness, but  these  often  pass  off  very  quickly,  and  leave  no  symp- 
toms of  constitutional  derangement  whatever. 

Treatment. — Treatment  will  depend  greatly  on  the 
cause.  If  it  be  worms,  give  vermifuges  and  anthelmintics;  if 
teething,  scarification  of  the  gums;  if  improper  food  and  indi- 
gestion, a gentle  emetic  and  afterward  an  aperient ; if  acrid 
matter  in  the  bowels,  a laxative  clyster  and  aperient ; if  flatu- 
lency, carminatives;  if  eruptions  that  fail  to  appear,  the  warm 
bath;  if  effusion  on  the  brain,  cold  lotions  to  the  head,  and 
small  doses  of  calomel,  frequently  repeated,  with  purgatives,  if 
the  bowels  are  sluggish;  hot  applications  to  the  extremities. 
In  all  cases  of  infantile'convulsions,  and  in  some  of  adults,  the 
warm  bath  is  advisable  ; the  temperature  should  be  about  ninety- 
eight  degrees,  and  in  most  cases  opening  medicines,  with  at  least 
one  dose  of  calomel  put  on  the  tongue. 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


127 


In  adults,  convulsions  may  be  apoplectic,  epileptic,  hyster- 
ical, or  puerperal,  as  the  case  may  be.  Some  narcotic  poisons  pro- 
duce them,  such  as  opium,  prussic  acid,  some  kinds  of  fungi, 
ardent  spirits,  and  indigestible  substances.  In  all  these  cases, 
emetics  should  be  the  first  remedies,  or  the  stomach  pump  ; then 
volatiles  and  stimulants,  as  ammonia,  valerian,  and  a stream  of 
cold  water  poured  upon  the  head  from  a considerable  height. 
Convulsions  may  be  caused  by • excessive  mental  emotion,  and 
sometimes  by  long  continued  diseases,  such  as  dropsy,  jaundice, 
and  fever. 

When  a person  is  taken. with  a fit,  loosen  any  part  of  the 
clothing  which  may  appear  tight,  especially  about  the  neck  and 
chest;  sprinkle  cold  water  on  the  face  and  apply  volatile  stimu- 
lants to  the  nostrils  ; rub  the  temples  with  eau  de  cologne,  ether, 
or  strong  spirits  of  some  kind,  and  blow  upon  them  ; and  as 
soon  as  the  patient  can  swallow,  give  thirty  drops  of  sal  volatile 
in  water,  or  the  same  of  ether,  or,  if  neither  are  at  hand,  a little 
cold  brandy  and  water. 

When  the  fit  is  over,  a gentle  aperient  should  be  taken,  to 
be  followed  by  cold  bathing,  exercise,  and,  if  possible,  by  a 
change  of  air. 


CONSUMPTION. 

Phthisis,  or  consumption,  is  a disease  which,  unfortunately, 
is  but  too  prevalent  and  fatal,  in  this  country,  as  in  most  others.  It 
spares  neither  age  nor  sex,  and  its  attacks,  at  first  so  insidious 
as  almost  to  escape  notice,  too  frequently  lead  to  a fatal  issue. 
It  is  the  result  of  the  formation  and  development  of  tubercles  in 
the  lungs.  These  first  appear  in  the  form  of  small,  gray,  semi- 
transparent granulations,  which  gradually  enlarge  and  become 
opaque,  and  after  a time  empty  themselves  into  the  bronchial 
tubes,  and  thus  the  substance  of  the  lung  is  gradually  destroyed. 

Causes . — Recent  discoveries  prove  that  very  little  was 
known  of  the  real  cause  of  consumption,  even  a decade  ago.. 
Great  progress  has  been  made  recently  in  the  study  of  this 
disease  by  means  of  the  microscope.  Consumption  was  formerly 
regarded  by  all  medical  writers  as  more  distinctly  hereditary  in 
origin  than  any  other  disease  except  syphilis. 

It  is  now  believed  that  consumption  is  not  hereditary,  that 
what  is  inherited  is  simply  a constitution  feeble  in  its  ability  to 
resist  disease,  and  a vitality  more  or  less  impaired. 

It  may  b§  regarded  as  well  proved  that  the  real  cause  of 


128 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


consumption  is  a specific  disease  germ  known  as  the  tubercle 
bacillus,  the  micro-organism  discovered  by  Koch  of  Berlin. 

In  all  cases  of  tubercular  lungs,  this  bacillus  is  found  in 
the  expectoration,  and  a suspected  case  in  which  it  is  not  found 
is  not  true  consumption. 

Symptoms. — The  earliest  symptom  of  consumption  that 
usually  manifests  itself  is  a short,  dry  cough,  exciting  no  partic- 
ular attention,  being  attributed  to  a slight  cold.  It,  however, 
continues,  and  after  a time  increases  in  frequency.  The  breath- 
ing is  more  easily  hurried  by  bodily  motion,  and  the  pulse  be- 
comes more  frequent,  particularly  after  meals  and  towards  even- 
ing. Towards  evening  there  is  also  frequently  experienced  a 
slight  degree  of  chilliness,  followed  by  heat  and  nocturnal  per- 
spirations. This  is  commonly  called  night  sweats.  The  patient 
becomes  languid  and  indolent,  and  gradually  loses  strength. 
After  a time  the  cough  becomes  more  frequent,  and  is  particu- 
larly troublesome  during  the  night,  accompanied  by  an  expec- 
toration of  a clear,  frothy  substance,  which  afterwards  becomes 
more  copious,  viscid,  and  opaque,  and  is  most  abundant  in  the 
morning  ; the  sputum  is  often  tinged  with  blood ; or  hemoptysis 
occurs  in  a more  marked  form,  and  to  a greater  extent.  As  the 
disease  advances,  the  breathing  and  pulse  become  more  hurried ; 
the  fever  is  greater,  and  the  perspirations  more  regular  and  profuse. 
The  emaciation  and  weakness  go  on  increasing ; pain  is  felt  in 
some  part  of  the  thorax,  which  is  increased  by  coughing,  and 
sometimes  becomes  so  acute  as  to  prevent  the  patient  from 
lying  on  the  affected  side.  All  the  symptoms  increase  toward 
evening : the  face  is  flushed ; the  palms  of  the  hands  and  soles 
of  the  feet  are  affected  with  a burning  heat ; the  feet  and  ankles 
begin  to  swell,  and,  in  the  last  stage  of  consumption,  there  is 
nearly  always  profuse  diarrhoea.  The  emaciation  is  extreme  ; 
the  countenance  assumes  a cadaverous  appearance,  the  cheeks 
are  prominent,  the  eyes  hollow  and  languid.  Usually  the  appe- 
tite remains  good  to  the  end,  and  the  patient  flatters  himself 
with  the  hope  of  a speedy  recovery,  often  vainly  forming  distant 
projects  of  interest  or  amusement,  when  death  puts  a period  to 
his  existence.  Tubercular  deposits  are  also  usually  found  in 
other  organs  of  the  body : the  liver  is  enlarged  and  changes 
in  appearance,  and  ulcerations  occur  in  the  intestines,  the  larynx, 
and  trachea.  These  are  so  frequent  and  uniform  as  to  lead  to 
the  belief  that  the}r  form  part  of  the  disease. 

Treatment. — It  is  of  the  utmost  importance  to  be  able  to 
meet  and  counteract  the  earliest  approach  of  this  disease.  The 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


129 


constitutions  that  are  most  liable  to  its  attack  are  generally 
characterized  either  by  a fair,  delicate,  rosy  complexion,  fair 
hair,  clear  skin,  and  great  sensibility,  or  by  dark  complexion, 
large  features,  thick  and  sallow  skin,  and  heavy  general  expres- 
sion. The  development  of  the  disease  is  preceded  by  a peculiar 
form  of  indigestion,  known  as  “strumous  dyspepsia.”  It  is 
specially  characterized  by  a dislike  of  fatty  food,  sometimes  also 
of  sugar  and  alcohol,  and  is  accompanied  with  heartburn  and  acid 
eructations  after  taking  food.  Unlike  inflammation,  tubercles 
almost  invariably  commence  at  the  apex  of  the  lungs,  and  it  is 
here  that  they  are  usually  most  advanced.  It  is  here,  then,  that 
the  skillful  physician,  by  means  of  auscultation  and  percussion, 
is  able  to  detect  the  first  direct  symptoms  of  the  incipient  disease. 

The  treatment  of  this  disease  is  of  two  kinds,  the  one 
directed  to  strengthening  the  system  for  its  prevention  in  those 
predisposed  to  it,  or  overcoming  it  in  its  incipient  stages ; the 
other  to  arresting  its  progress  after  the  tubercles  have  mani- 
fested themselves.  The  treatment  comprises  a proper  attention 
to  the  digestive  organs,  with  wholesome  diet,  exercise  in  the 
open  air,  regular  habits,  attention  to  the  skin,  and,  if  necessary, 
change  of  air.  The  diet  should  be  nutritious,  but  not  stimulant, 
and  the  exercise  not  violent  nor  too  prolonged. 

Sea  voyages,  and  residence  at  the  seaside,  are  generally  found 
to  be  very  beneficial ; and,  as  a general  rule,  those  places  that 
are  least  subject  to  variations  of  temperature  are  recommended. 
The  practice,  however,  of  sending  patients  in  the  last  stage  of 
consumption  away  from  home — to  Minnesota,  Florida,  or  else- 
where— cannot  be  too  strongly  reprobated. 

Of  the  more  directly  curative  remedies  unqpestionably  the 
most  valuable  is  cod-liver  oil  with  creosote.  It  should  be  taken 
in  small  quantities  at  first,  probably  a teaspoonful  of  the  oil  with 
one  drop  of  creosote  thoroughly  mixed  three  times  a day,  during 
or  immediately  after  meals,  and  the  effect  is  greatly  to  improve 
the  appearance  of  the  patient,  and  to  counteract  the  progress  of 
the  disease.  If  taken  early  the  tuberculous  deposit  may  be 
arrested,  and  the  patient  restored  to  a state  of  health  ; and,  even 
where  this  is  not  the  case,  the  progress  of  the  disease  will  at 
least  be  retarded.  Tonic  medicines,  such  as  bark,  sarsaparilla, 
iron,  and  iodine,  are  also  very  beneficial  in  the  treatment  of 
phthisis : at  least  in  those  cases  where  inflammation  or  much 
febrile  excitement  does  not  exist.  Where  inflammation  already 
exists,  it  may  be  subdued  by  counter-irritants  to  the  upper  parts 
of  the  chest. 


130 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


These  are  the  general  remedies  to  be  employed ; the  more 
prominent  special  features  of  the  disease  require  particular  medi- 
cines. One  of  the  most  distressing  and  harassing  of  these  is  the 
cough,  which  may  be  alleviated  by  the  application  of  sinapisms 
or  stimulating  plasters  to  the  chest,  or  by  the  internal  use  of 
mucilaginous  mixtures,  squills,  conium,  opium,  ether,  etc.  The 
night  perspirations,  when  very  copious,  are  best  checked  by  the 
use  of  mineral  acids,  as  sulphuric  acid  given  with  quinine,  or 
nitric  acid  in  a decoction  of  sarsaparilla. 

Diarrhoea  commonly  subsides  by  a strict  regulation  of  the 
diet,  and  the  avoidance  of  all  stimulating  food  and  medicine  ; 
otherwise,  small  doses  of  chalk  and  opium,  or  rhubarb  and  opium, 
may  be  administered.  When  the  pulse  is  very  frequent  and  the 
palpitation  distressing,  digitalis  may  be  used.  The  duration  of 
this  disease  depends  upon  a great  variety  of  circumstances,  and 
varies  from  a few  months  up  to  four,  five,  or  more  years ; the 
average,  however,  may  be  taken  at  about  two  years ; but  many 
of  the  cases  terminate  fatally  between  the  fourth  and  ninth 
month.  The  question  as  to  whether  consumption  be  contagious 
has  often  been  discussed,  and  medical  men  are  by  no  means 
unanimous  on  the  subject.  The  majority  are  probably  in  favor 
of  its  being  non-contagious ; though  there  are  not  wanting 
weight  and  numbers  on  the  other  side.  At  all  events,  no  one 
should  be  allowed  to  sleep  with  a consumptive  patient  after  the 
disease  has  fully  manifested  itself.  The  contagious  principle  is 
found  not  in  the  breath,  but  in  the  sputum  which  is  raised  from 
the  lungs ; this  should  be  destroyed. 

Eclectic  Treatment  for  Consumption . 

Abundance  of  fresh  air,  light,  nutritious  food,  and  correct 
personal  habits  are  the  best  remedies  to  rely  on.  All  others 
will  be  useless  if  these  matters  are  neglected.  There  can  be  no 
substitute  for  air  and  exercise.  Let  the  exercise  be  gentle,  so  as 
not  to  cause  fatigue,  and  take  special  care  after  exercising  not 
to  get  cool  too  quickly  by  standing  still  or  sitting  in  a draught 
of  cold  air,  by  an  open  window,  or  in  a cold  room. 

The  cold  or  tepid  bath  should  be  used  frequently.  Inhaling 
the  fumes  of  tar  made  warm  in  a teapot  is  very  useful.  It  will 
ease  the  violence  of  the  cough,  and  produce  a free  discharge  of 
the  mucous  matter.  For  night  sweats,  take  sulphuric  acid  and 
nitric  acid,  of  each  one  dram  ; mix  in  a cup  of  water ; dose,  a 
teaspoonful  in  a pint  of  sage  tea.  During  the  day,  a strong 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


131 


camomile  tea  is  very  useful ; as  is  a decoction  of  common  mullein 
leaves  and  liverwort,  drunk  freely  during  the  day. 

A tablespoonful  each  of  tar  and  honey  beat  up  with  the 
yolk  of  an  egg  and  mixed  with  milk,  and  taken  once  or  twice  a 
day,  is  very  good. 

For  females,  especially  when  the  menses  are  stopped,  a 
wineglassful  of  decoction  of  elecampane,  once  a day,  has  been 
found  very  useful.  The  diarrhoea  may  be  checked  by  infusion 
of  blackberry  root. 

CONSTIPATION. 

When  there  is  an  undue  retention  of  the  contents  of  the 
bowels,  their  contents  become  hard  and  are  expelled  with  diffi- 
culty and  sometimes  with  pain. 

Causes. — Neglect  of  the  usual  time  of  going  to  stool, 
extraordinary  heat  of  the  body,  copious  sweats,  taking  food 
that  is  dry,  heating,  and  difficult  of  digestion  ; sedentary  life,  or 
a diseased  state  of  the  liver  or  spleen,  sometimes  from  stricture 
in  the  rectum. 

Treatment. — The  first  thing  to  be  done  is  to  establish  the 
habit  of  trying  to  evacuate  the  bowels  every  day  at  a certain 
hour ; the  best  time  for  most  people  is  just  after  breakfast.  It 
matters  not  if  the  bowels  do  not  act ; the  practice  of  attempting 
should  be  persisted  in,  and  in  time  it  will  break  up  the  confined 
state  of  the  bowels.  Adopt  a diet  free  from  all  astringents, 
taking  care  especially  that  there  is  no  alum  in  the  bread,  and 
using  a coarser  kind.  Let  the  food  consist  of  a due  admixture 
of  meat  and  vegetables  for  dinner;  the  beverage,  water.  For 
breakfast  stale  bread  or  dry  toast,  with  a moderate  quantity  of 
butter,  honey,  fish,  or  bacon  ; cocoa  is,  perhaps,  preferable  to  tea  or 
coffee  ; and  porridge  made  of  Scotch  oatmeal,  probably  better 
still.  Regular  exercise,  either  by  walking  or  on  horseback, 
should  be  taken.  Roasted  or  boiled  apples,  pears,  stewed 
prunes,  raisins,  gruel  with  currants,  broths  with  spinach,  leeks, 
and  other  soft  pot-herbs  are  excellent  laxatives.  If  the  above 
mode  of  living  fail  to  relax  the  bowels,  inject  warm  water  by 
means  of  an  enema.  If  there  be  an  objection  to  the  use  of  the 
foregoing,  take  of  castor  oil  four  parts,  and  of  tincture  of  jalap, 
aloes,  or  rhubarb,  one  part ; mix,  and  diligently  rub  over  the 
region  of  the  stomach  every  morning  before  rising ; it  should  be 
done  under  the  bedclothes,  lest  the  unpleasant  odor  should 
sicken  the  stomach.  Or  take  either  of  the  following:  Take 
from  half  a dram  to  a dram  of  dilute  nitric  acid  in  a cupful  of 


132 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


weak  ginger  or  dandelion  tea,  twice  or  thrice  a day.  Epsom 
salts,  half  an  ounce;  powdered  niter,  one  scruple;  infusion  of 
senna,  four  ounces  ; peppermint  water,  four  ounces.  Dose,  two 
tablespoonfuls  every  morning. 

Where  the  bowels  are  weak,  uneasy,  torpid,  and  where 
there  is  a general  sense  of  coldness,  and  some  aperient  is  ab- 
solutely required,  have  recourse  to  the  following  : Tincture  of 
rhubarb,  two  drams ; tincture  of  senna,  two  drams ; potash 
water,  or  sal  volatile,  one-half  dram.  Mix  in  a wineglassful  of 
camomile  tea,  and  take  it  every  day  at  noon,  or  an  hour  before 
dinner,  gradually  reducing  the  dose,  or  leaving  it  off  by  degrees. 
The  habitual  use  of  purgative  medicines  is  very  injurious,  and 
increases  the  evil  it  is  intended  to  cure. 

CORNS. 

In  the  treatment  of  corns,  the  first  object  should  be  to  re- 
move the  exciting  cause  ; comfortable,  well-fitting  boots  or  shoes 
should  be  substituted  for  those  of  an  opposite  character,  and  the 
corn,  after  the  foot  has  been  soaked  in  warm  water  to  soften  it, 
should  be  pared  carefully  away,  particular  care  being  taken  not 
to  wound  the  more  sensitive  part.  When  the  outer  surface  is  re- 
moved, there  will  be  perceived  in  the  center  a small  white  spot, 
which  should  be  carefully  dug  out  with  a pointed  knife  or  other 
sharp  instrument.  When  this  too  is  removed,  cover  the  seat  of 
the  corn  with  a small  circular  piece  of  thick,  soft  leather  spread 
with  soap  or  diachylon  plaster,  and  leaving  a small  hole  in  the 
center,  corresponding  with  that  from  whence  the  root  of  the 
corn  has  been  taken.  Should  any  of  this  latter  remain,  so  as  to 
cause  irritation,  apply  to  it,  every  second  or  third  day,  a piece 
of  lunar  caustic,  scraped  to  a point,  and  slightly  moistened. 
Some  persons  apply  strong  acetic  or  other  acid  ; but  this  is  not 
so  effectual,  and  more  likely  to  cause  inflammation,  which  will 
be  best  allayed  by  a warm  poultice  of  bread  crumbs,  moistened 
with  Goulard’s  extract,  the  foot  being  held  up  as  much  as  possi- 
ble, and  the  system  kept  in  a cool  state  with  saline  aper- 
ients, etc. 

Soft  corns,  which  form  chiefly  between  the  toes,  are  often 
very  painful  and  troublesome ; let  them  be  cut  away  as  close  as 
possible  with  a pair  of  scissors,  and  then  dressed  with  rags  wet 
with  Goulard’s  extract,  or  a solution  of  sugar  of  lead  ; ivy  leaves 
form,  for  such,  a cool,  pleasant  protection  from  friction ; they 
should  be  put  on  fresh  every  day. 

Beneath  the  corner  of  the  nail  of  the  great  toe  a peculiar 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


133 


kind  of  corn  sometimes  occurs ; it  should  be  cut  or  scraped  out 
with  the  finger-nail,  and  caustic  applied  as  above  directed. 
Mere  callosities  of  the  skin  on  the  hands  and  fingers  are  not 
corns,  although  often  called  so  ; they  have  no  roots  and  are  not 
painful,  therefore  it  is  best  not  to  interfere  with  them  ; for  if 
removed,  others  would  come  in  their  places,  while  the  friction  is 
kept  up  in  which  they  originate. 

ULCERATION  OF  THE  CORNEA. 

To  relieve  pain,  bathe  with  a solution  of  the  pith  of  sassa- 
fras. Dissolve  two  grains  of  sulphate  of  zinc  in  an  ounce  of  rose 
water  and  use  for  an  eyewash  two  or  three  times  a day.  Give 
attention  to  the  bowels  until  aid  can  be  obtained. 

CORPULENCE. 

This,  when  it  reaches  a certain  degree,  becomes  a real  dis- 
ease. The  accumulation  of  fat  about  the  kidneys  and  mesentery 
swells  the  abdomen,  and  prevents  the  free  motion  of  the  dia- 
phragm, which  causes  a difficulty  of  breathing. 

Causes . — A free  indulgence  in  good  living,  with  an  easy 
mind,  indolent  or  sedentary  life,  are  the  causes  of  corpulence  in 
anyone  whose  constitution  predisposes  them  to  over  feed. 

Symptoms. — The  muscles  of  the  body  gradually  enlarge, 
and  the  person  is  not  so  active  as  heretofore ; is  exhausted  or 
out  of  breath  on  less  exertion  than  previously  ; and  the  circula- 
tion is  impeded  through  the  accumulations  of  fatty  matter. 

Treatment. — Gradually  reduce  the  quantity  of  aliment ; 
take  less  nutritious  substances  for  food  ; drink  sparingly,  espe- 
cially of  malt  liquors ; use  regular  and  daily  active  exercise, — 
bicycle  riding  is  an  excellent  exercise  for  reducing  weight, — 
abstain  from  suppers,  take  short  rest,  sleep  but  few  hours,  and 
rise  early  every  morning.  By  a rigid  pursuance  of  these  means, 
for  a due  length  of  time,  the  most  corpulent  and  unwieldy  man 
or  woman  will  be  reduced  within  moderate  bounds,  with  an  ac- 
quisition of  health,  strength,  and  vigor.  In  addition  to  active 
exercise,  the  body  should  be  rubbed  with  a pomatum  made  of 
lard,  three  and  a quarter  ounces,  and  camphor,  one  ounce.  This 
is  to  be  heated  and  mixed  over  the  fire,  and  afterwards  suffered 
to  cool.  Afterwards  take  five  grains  of  aloes  every  four  days, 
and  employ  the  following  clyster  every  morning  : Linseed,  one 
ounce ; rose  leaves,  one  and  one-half  drams  : bay  salt,  three 
drams.  Boil  the  ingredients  for  twenty  minutes  in  a quart  of 


134 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


water.  Just  before  taking  the  decoction  off  the  fire,  add  to  it 
camphorated  oil,  one  and  one-half  drams. 

COUGHS. 

A cough  may  be  the  result  of  various  conditions,  but  one  of 
the  most  common  causes  is  a severe  cold  upon  the  lungs.  The 
air  passages  are  lined  by  a thin,  delicate  mucous  membrane 
which  contains  secreting  glands,  that  in  health  secrete  a small 
amount  of  fluid  mucus  to  assist  the  air  in  passing  in  and  out  of 
the  alveoli  of  the  lungs  without  annoyance  or  friction.  If  for 
any  reason,  as  taking  a sudden  cold,  this  secretion  is  checked, 
the  air  passages  become  dry  and  inflamed,  and  produce  a disa- 
greeable sensation  which  patients  sometimes  call  a smarting  of 
the  lungs.  This  state  of  dryness  lasts  usually  but  a short  time, 
and  is  followed  by  a secretion  many  times  more  abundant  than 
natural.  This  increased  secretion,  owing  to  inflammation  of  the 
mucous  glands,  is  catarrhal  in  character,  and  acts  as  a constant 
irritation.  It  is  often  thick,  yellowish  in  color,  and  raised  with 
difficulty.  A persistent  cough  is  nature’s  desperate  remedy  to 
expel  the  hardened,  thick,  offending  mucus,  just  as  if  a bread 
crumb  or  some  other  foreign  substance  was  in  the  windpipe.  By 
fits  of  coughing  nature  endeavors  to  obtain  relief.  This  offend- 
ing substance  must  be  removed,  and  nature  has  only  two  meth- 
ods, one  to  throw  it  up  by  coughing,  the  other  to  absorb  it  into 
the  circulation ; the  former  method  is  much  more  desirable  than 
the  latter.  When  a catarrhal  cold  is  yielding  to  treatment,  the 
mucus  becomes  loose,  is  easily  detached  and  readily  expelled,  all 
the  symptoms  become  more  favoring,  and  the  cough  less  racking 
and  severe.  As  the  secretion  is  gradually  reduced  to  the  nor- 
mal, the  inflammation  and  irritation  subside,  the  cough  more 
and  more  disappears.  When  the  mucous  secretions  are  tough 
and  raised  with  great  difficulty,  the  cough  is  distressing,  and 
loosening  remedies  or  expectorants  should  be  administered. 
The  following  are  serviceable : Syrup  of  ipecac,  one  teaspoonful 
as  needed,  for  adults,  or  syrup  of  senega,  one  teaspoonful,  or  the 
compound  syrup  of  squill,  dose  one-fourth  to  one  teaspoonful. 
Of  the  latter,  eight  drops  are  sufficient  to  give  an  infant ; should 
these  remedies  produce  vomiting,  diminish  the  dose.  Great 
harm  may  be  done  by  suppressing  a cough  when  nature  is  striv- 
ing to  free  the  air  passages  from  an  overload  of  mucous  secretions. 
Giving  opium  or  morphine,  cough  drops,  troches,  or  any  anodyne 
remedies  to  a young  child  whose  air  passages  are  loaded  with 
catarrhal  debris  is  bad  practice,  and  has  cost  many  a little  suf- 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


135 


ferer  his  life.  In  no  instance  must  the  cough  be  quieted  in  an 
infant  suffering  from  catarrhal  diseases,  no  matter  how  much  the 
mother  and  others  are  annoyed  by  the  persistent  coughing.  In 
capillary  bronchitis  the  cough  is  the  child’s  safety,  and  must  not 
be  suppressed,  else  the  lungs  will  fill  up  and  the  child  will  die. 

Coughs  due  to  irritation  and  a dry  inflammation  of  the 
bronchi  may  be  safely  quieted,  and  this  can  be  done  with  positive 
benefit  to  the  patient.  An  excellent  remedy  for  a dry,  hard  cough 
without  expectoration  is  muriate  of  ammonia,  one  dram  ; spirits 
of  chloroform,  two  drams  ; syrup  of  ipecac,  one  ounce  ; syrup  of 
senega,  one  ounce  ; syrup  of  tolu,  one  ounce  ; water  sufficient  to 
make  four  ounces.  Mix  and  give  one  teaspoonful  every  four 
hours  for  an  adult,  less  for  children.  When  a remedy  is  indi- 
cated to  relieve  a dry,  irritating  cough  of  a child,  with  no  load  of 
mucus  upon  the  chest,  chloral  is  the  best  remedy  in  small  doses. 
It  favors  secretion  and  expectoration,  and  quiets  a cough  when 
it  is  spasmodic  or  debilitating.  It  may  be  given  in  the  follow- 
ing prescription  to  a child  two  or  three  years  old : Chloral  hy- 
drate, thirty  grains;  syrup  of  ipecac,  half  an  ounce;  syrup  of 
squill  compound,  two  drams;  syrup  of  tolu,  two  ounces  ; anise 
water  sufficient  to  make  four  ounces.  Dose,  one  teaspoonful 
every  four  hours.  For  some  cases  of  debility  and  protracted 
cough  in  children,  cod  liver  oil  is  a reliable  and  efficient  remedy. 
Any  druggist  can  provide  the  pure  oil,  or  make  a palatable 
emulsion.  It  softens  the  cough,  aids  nutrition,  and  counteracts 
debility. 

Coughs  should  not  be  neglected,  they  are  frequently  symp- 
tomatic of  organic  disease.  If  they  do  not  yield  to  simple 
remedies,  seek  medical  advice  without  delay,  whether  the  patient 
be  old  or  young. 


CRAMP. 

Cramp  is  an  affection  usually  caused  by  exposure  to  cold  or 
damp. 

Treatment. — Foment  the  part  affected  with  warm  water, 
with  a little  mustard  mixed  in  it.  Drink  nothing  cold,  and  take 
a little  brandy  and  water ; put  the  feet  in  warm  water,  and  en- 
deavor to  produce  a perspiration ; take,  two  or  three  times  a day, 
a dose  of  Peruvian  bark  in  a little  wine,  or  a little  ginger  and 
water;  or  the  following:  Water  of  ammonia,  or  spirits  of 
hartshorn,  one  ounce ; olive  oil,  two  ounces.  Shake  them  to- 
gether till  they  unite,  and  rub  it  on  the  affected  part  with  the 
hand.  In  severe  cases  use  the  following : Strong  liniment  of 


136 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


ammonia,  one  and  one-half  ounces  ; oil  of  turpentine,  one  ounce  ; 
spirits  of  camphor,  one  ounce  ; hard  soap,  four  drams.  Mix  the 
whole  well  together,  and  apply  it  to  the  part  on  flannels  heated 
and  moistened.  When  the  cause  of  cramp  is  constitutional,  the 
best  preventives  are  warm  tonics,  such  as  the  essence  of  ginger 
and  camomile,  Jamaica  ginger  in  powder,  etc.,  avoiding  fermented 
liquor  and  green  vegetables,  particularly  for  supper,  and  wearing 
flannel  next  the  skin. 

CRAMP  OR  SPASM  IN  THE  STOMACH. 

A violent  pain,  but  generally  of  short  duration. 

Treatment. — Give  a strong  purgative  injection.  The 
sweet  tincture  of  rhubarb  and  soda,  four  ounces  of  the  first  to 
two  drams  of  the  last,  with  a few  drops  of  cayenne  tincture  mixed 
with  it,  will  often  give  relief.  Dose,  from  a teaspoonful  to  a 
tablespoonful.  A mustard  poultice  on  the  stomach  is  very  good. 
Drink  copious  draughts  of  hot  water,  brandy  and  water,  ether, 
or  laudanum  ; apply  hot  flannels  moistened  with  compound  cam- 
phor liniment  and  turpentine  ; bathe  the  feet  in  warm  water,  or 
apply  mustard  poultices  to  them. 

DEAFNESS. 

QSurditas.') 

Deafness  may  proceed  from  any  injury  inflicted  on  the 
delicate  organs  of  the  ear,  as  loud  noises,  violent  colds,  inflam- 
mation or  ulceration  of  the  membrane  or  drum,  or  of  the  audi- 
tory passages ; hard  wax,  or  other  substances  interrupting  the 
transmission  of  sounds  ; either  over  dryness,  or  excessive  mois- 
ture in  the  parts,  want  of  tone  in  the  general  system  from  debility. 
Among  one  of  its  frequent  causes  is  some  defect  in  the  structure 
of  the  organ  itself,  which  no  medical  treatment  can  obviate ; in 
this  case  the  patient  is  generally  dumb. 

Treatment. — In  all  cases  of  deafness  consult  a competent 
physician.  The  treatment  depends  to  a considerable  extent  on 
the  cause.  If  there  is  an  accumulation  of  hardened  wax,  or 
any  defective  or  diseased  action  in  the  secreting  glands  of  that 
substance,  a few  drops  of  a saturated  solution  of  common  salt, 
or  of  ox-gall  and  balsam  of  tolu,  one  part  of  the  former  to  three 
of  the  latter,  may  be  dropped  into  the  ear,  while  the  head  is 
held  on  one  side,  night  and  morning  ; or  applied  on  a piece  of 
wadding  inserted  by  means  of  a probe.  Before  each  application, 
the  ear  should  be  syringed  out  with  warm  milk  and  water,  or 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


137 


soap  and  water.  If  there  is  a thin  acrid  discharge  accompany- 
ing the  deafness,  syringe  the  ear  with  warm  decoction  of  poppies. 
When  deafness  proceeds  from  cold  in  the  head,  diaphoretics,  the 
warm  footbath,  and  flannel  wrappers  must  be  the  remedies  ; if 
from  debility  and  consequent  loss  of  tone,  drop  stimulants  into 
the  ear,  electrify  or  galvanize,  and  give  tonics  ; this  will  be  the 
treatment,  also,  if  it  proceeds  from  defective  energy  of  the  optic 
nerve. 

DEBILITY. 

General  debility  is  manifested  by  a failure  of  the  individual 
to  perform  those  exertions  in  which  he  has  been  habitually 
engaged. 

Treatment . — Nourishing  food,  change  of  air,  careful  regu- 
lation of  diet,  cold  shower  bath,  and  the  following  forms  of  medi- 
cine : Sulphate  of  magnesia,  four  ounces  ; sulphate  of  iron,  eight 
grains ; sulphate  of  quinine,  ten  grains ; diluted  sulphuric  acid, 
one  dram  ; infusion  of  gentian  root,  eight  ounces.  Dose,  two 
tablespoonfuls  twice  or  thrice  a day ; or  the  following : Com- 
pound tincture  of  bark,  one  ounce  ; carbonate  of  ammonia,  two 
scruples  ; water,  eight  ounces.  Dose,  two  tablespoonfuls  three 
times  a day. 

DEFECTIVE  APPETITE. 

The  loss  of  appetite  may  arise  from  a variety  of  causes,  as 
the  excessive  use  of  wines  and  spirits,  the  partaking  immoder- 
ately of  warm  fluids,  sedentary  occupation,  overanxiety,  excess 
of  mental  labor,  impure  air,  etc. 

Treatment. — Regulation  of  diet  and  change  of  air  will  be 
frequently  found  more  beneficial  than  medicine.  But  to  restore 
the  tone  of  the  stomach,  which  is  the  chief  aim,  the  following 
decoction  may  be  taken : Peruvian  bark,  six  drams  ; cascarilla 
bark,  two  drams.  Bruise  them  in  a mortar,  and  boil  them  in  a 
pint  and  a half  of  water  for  a few  minutes  ; strain  off  the  liquor 
while  hot,  then  add  tincture  of  bark,  two  ounces;  diluted  nitric 
acid,  one  and  a half  drams.  Dose,  four  tablespoonfuls  to  be 
taken  thrice  daily.  Bitter  tonics  are  also  advantageous.  Rhu- 
barb chewed  an  hour  before  dinner  time  is  also  advantageous. 
One  or  two  four  grain  compound  aloe  pills  may  be  taken  at  noon 
with  beneficial  effect. 

DELIRIUM  TREMENS. 

Delirium  tremens,  or  mania  a potu,  is  a disease  of  the  brain, 
usually  caused  by  an  abuse  of  spirituous  liquors,  but  sometimes 


138 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


also  by  great  mental  anxiety  and  loss  of  sleep.  Delirium  some- 
times makes  its  appearance  in  consequence  of  a single  debauch  ; 
but  more  frequently  it  is  the  result  of  protracted  or  long-con- 
tinued intemperance.  It  usually  supervenes  on  a fit  of  intoxica- 
tion ; but  it  not  unfrequently  occurs,  also,  when  the  habitual 
drunkard  omits  his  accustomed  draught. 

Symptoms . — The  approach  of  an  attack  is  almost  invari- 
ably preceded  by  the  patient  being  remarkably  irritable,  with 
fretfulness  of  mind  and  mobility  of  body.  He  becomes  very 
nervous  and  uneasy  ; is  startled  by  any  sudden  noise,  the  open- 
ing of  a door  or  the  entrance  of  a visitor  ; is  restless  ; the  hands 
and  tongue  are  tremulous  ; he  complains  of  inability  to  sleep, 
and,  if  he  dozes  for  a moment,  he  is  awakened  by  frightful 
dreams.  Soon  delirium  manifests  itself;  if  questioned,  the  pa- 
tient often  answers  rightly  enough ; but  if  left  to  himself  he 
begins  to  talk  or  mutter ; he  is  surrounded  by  frightful  or  loath- 
some animals  ; is  pursued  by  some  one  who  has  a design  upon 
his  life ; has  terrible  and  ghastly  visions.  Though  most  com- 
monly of  a frightful  or  terrifying  character,  the  delirium  is  not 
always  so  ; occasionally  the  appearances  are  droll  and  ludicrous, 
and  the  patient  seems  amused  by  them;  at  other  times  it  turns 
on  some  matter  of  business,  as  settling  of  accounts  or  telling  of 
money,  and  the  patient  is  in  a perpetual  bustle,  and  his  hands 
are  constantly  full  of  business.  The  predominant  emotion  with 
a delirious  patient  is  fear,  and  in  his  efforts  to  escape  from  an 
imaginary  enemy  he  may  be  guilty  of  a murderous  assault,  or,  as 
is  more  frequently  the  case,  may  take  his  own  life  ; and  hence  he 
requires  to  be  very  carefully  watched.  The  delirium  continues 
until  the  patient  sinks  into  a sleep,  from  which  he  awakes  com- 
paratively rational,  or  dies  from  exhaustion.  In  such  cases 
death  is  often  sudden.  The  patient  rises  for  some  trivial  purpose, 
and  falls  in  a faint,  from  which  he  never  recovers  ; or  at  length, 
after  passing  many  nights  without  sleep,  he  sinks  into  a state  of 
coma,  which  terminates  in  death.  This  disease,  however,  is 
rarely  fatal,  unless  where  the  strength  of  the  patient  has  been 
seriously  impaired  by  long-continued  excesses. 

Treatment.— The  great  remedy  is  sleep,  and  the  best 
means  of  inducing  this  is  by  chloral,  which  is  to  be  given  in  large 
doses,  and  frequently  repeated,  until  the  desired  effect  follows. 
Sometimes  it  is  necessary,  in  order  to  procure  sleep,  if  the 
patient  is  in  a very  exhausted  state,  or  if  the  disease  has 
been  brought  on  by  the  cessation  of  an  accustomed  stimulus,  to 
allow  the  patient  a certain  quantity  of  his  ordinary  beverage ; 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


139 


but  this  should  not  be  continued  longer  than  he  can  do  without 
it.  Chloroform  has  also  been  recommended  as  a means  of  pro- 
curing sleep  when  opium  fails ; or  better  probably  than  either 
will  be  found  to  be  the  hydrate  of  chloral,  in  doses  of  from  five 
to  fifteen  grains.  Some  medical  men  recommend  large  doses  of 
digitalis,  but  the  nature  of  this  remedy  renders  it  unadvisable 
in  the  hands  of  any  but  a medical  man. 

If  these  efforts  are  successful  and  the  nervous  excitement  is 
subdued,  there  will  be  great  prostration  of  strength.  The  great 
object  will  then  be  to  restore  the  tone  of  the  stomach,  and  to 
enable  the  patient  to  overcome  that  craving  for  alcoholic  stimu- 
lants which  is  sure  to  send  him  back  into  the  paths  of  intem- 
perance if  it  is  indulged.  Strychnia  in  doses  of  one-sixtieth  of  a 
grain  three  times  a day  combined  with  elixir  of  calisaya  makes 
an  excellent  tonic  for  these  cases.  A cold  shower  bath  affords 
great  relief. 

This  disease  is  to  be  carefully  distinguished  from  inflam- 
mation of  the  brain,  with  which  it  has  many  symptoms  in  com- 
mon ; for  bleeding,  which  is  resorted  to  in  the  latter  disease, 
would  be  of  the  utmost  danger  in  this. 

DIABETES. 

An  immoderate  flow  of  urine,  distinguished  as  first  insipidus 
(tasteless),  when  the  urine  retains  its  usual  taste ; and,  second, 
melitus  (honeyed),  when  it  is  characterized  by  a saccharine  taste. 
Generally  speaking,  these  may  be  considered  as  two  stages  of 
the  disease,  the  urine  being  at  first  clear  and  in  large  amount, 
and  afterward  becoming  less  abundant  but  containing  a large 
amount  of  sugar. 

Causes . — The  chief  causes  of  diabetes  are  intemperate  liv- 
ing, excess  of  venery,  copious  evacuations  of  the  bowels,  frequent 
use  of  diuretics  and  acrid  drinks,  or  it  may  be  hard  labor  and 
poor  living,  or  whatever  tends  to  impoverish  the  blood.  The 
best  physicians  consider  it  “an  impaired  action,  or  morbid 
change,  in  the  natural  powers  of  assimilation  and  digestion, 
which  forms  the  proximate  cause  of  the  disease.” 

Symptoms. — Frequent  and  copious  discharge  of  urine, 
containing  eventually,  if  not  at  first,  a large  proportion  of  sac- 
charine and  other  matter.  There  is  gradual  emaciation,  vora- 
cious appetite,  great  thirst,  weakness,  and  disinclination  to 
motion ; the  alimentary  process  is  improperly  performed,  an<? 
thus  the  food  taken  does  not  yield  its  proper  amount  of  nour- 
ishment, and  constitutional  derangement  is  the  consequence. 


140 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


Treatment. — The  diet  should  be  carefully  regulated — all 
vegetable  substances  are  to  be  avoided  — the  bowels  to  be  kept 
quietly  open  with  pills  of  aloes  and  soap,  emetics  and  diapho- 
retics occasionally  administered,  perhaps  the  compound  ipecacu- 
anha powder,  ten  grains  at  bedtime,  is  the  best;  alkaline  drinks, 
such  as  soda  water,  may  be  given  with  advantage,  covering  the 
skin  with  flannel,  anointing  it  with  camphorated  oil ; using  the 
warm  bath  and  the  flesh  brush  are  also  good,  as  are  chalybeate 
and  sulphurated  waters.  Tonics,  astringents,  and  stimulants 
will  be  of  service,  especially  preparations  of  iron  with  tincture 
of  cantharides ; if  in  the  summer,  sea-bathing,  and  anything 
which  may  serve  to  invigorate  the  system.  Such  is  an  outline 
of  general  treatment ; of  course,  constitutional  peculiarities  re- 
quire special  and  appropriate  remedial  measures,  and  of  these 
only  the  professional  adviser  can  judge. 

DIARRHOEA. 

Causes. — The  causes  which  produce  diarrhoea  are  indi- 
gestible iood,  or  food  taken  in  too  great  quantities ; acid  fruits, 
irritating  substances  taken  into  the  stomach  ; the  abuse  of  active 
purgative  medicines,  the  application  of  cold  to  the  body,  the 
suppression  of  perspiration,  and  long-continued  heat  of  the 
atmosphere. 

Symptoms. — This  disease  consists  in  a copious  and  fre- 
quent discharge  of  feculent  matter  from  the  bowels,  accompa- 
nied by  griping.  There  is  a sense  of  weight  and  fullness  in  the 
lower  part  of  the  stomach,  attended  with  a murmuring  noise, 
arising  from  the  presence  of  a great  collection  of  wind.  This 
feeling  is  relieved  after  every  evacuation  which  takes  place,  and 
is  again  renewed  before  a second  ensues.  In  addition  to  these 
symptoms,  the  patient  is  troubled  with  nausea,  sickness,  vomit- 
ing, and,  if  the  purging  be  not  quickly  arrested,  by  great  ex- 
haustion and  depression  of  the  vital  powers,  accompanied  by 
spasm  and  cramp.  It  is  distinguished  from  dysentery  by  the 
absence  of  fever,  inflammation,  contagion,  and  straining  at  stool, 
and  also  by  the  absence  of  blood  in  the  motions.  The  appear- 
ance of  the  stools  in  the  commencement  of  the  disease  is  some- 
times thinner  than  natural,  in  consequence  of  a large  quantity 
of  fluid  being  poured  out  by  the  intestines.  They  are  sometimes 
slimy  and  of  a green  color ; sometimes  they  are  yellow,  and 
sometimes  of  a dark  brown,  accompanied  by  a very  fetid  smell. 
As  the  disease  advances  they  become  very  watery,  and  similar 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


141 


to  coffee  grounds ; the  strength  rapidly  fails,  the  countenance 
turns  pale,  the  skin  is  dry  and  stiff,  great  emaciation  takes  place, 
and  dropsy  frequently  ensues. 

Treatment . — In  the  treatment  of  this  disease,  attention 
must  be  paid  to  the  cause  which  produces  it,  and  the  remedies 
administered  accordingly.  If  it  is  caused  by  indigestible  food, 
a gentle  emetic  of  ipecac  may  be  given. 

Should  the  stools  be  scanty  and  frequent,  and  accompanied 
by  some  degree  of  bearing  down,  four  or  six  drams  of  castor  oil, 
with  five  drops  of  tincture  of  opium,  will  afford  great  relief.  If 
it  is  caused  by  the  abuse  of  purgative  medicines,  they  must  be 
discontinued,  and  the  following  mixture  administered  : Tincture 
of  rhubarb,  one  ounce ; tincture  of  opium,  thirty  drops ; spirit 
of  lavender,  four  drams ; cinnamon  water,  five  ounces.  Make  a 
mixture,  and  take  two  tablespoonfuls  every  four  or  six  hours. 

If  it  has  proceeded  from  the  application  of  cold  to  the  sur- 
face of  the  body,  or  the  suppression  of  perspiration,  every  effort 
must  be  made  to  restore  the  secretion  by  the  administration  of 
ten  grains  of  Dover’s  powder,  which  will  be  sufficient  for  a dose, 
taken  in  a little  gruel  or  water.  The  patient  should  immerse 
his  feet  in  warm  water  at  night ; and  should  the  looseness  con- 
tinue, he  may  take  the  following  powder  three  times  a day : 
Dover’s  powder,  three  grains  ; mercury  with  chalk,  or  gray 
powder,  two  grains.  When  it  arises  from  acidity  in  the  stomach, 
which  is  known  by  frequent  eructations  of  air,  disagreeable  sen- 
sation in  the  mouth,  and  griping  pains,  accompanied  by  stools  of 
a clay  color,  opium  may  be  employed.  The  following  is  a good 
mixture  : Prepared  chalk,  three  drams;  spirit  of  lavender,  two 
drams  ; compound  tincture  of  cardamoms,  two  drams  ; tincture 
of  opium,  one-half  dram  ; cinnamon  water,  six  ounces.  Make  a 
mixture,  and  take  two  tablespoonfuls  every  three  or  four  hours 
until  the  diarrhoea  ceases. 

Should  it  be  caused  from  gout  or  rheumatism,  fomentations 
of  hot  water  and  mustard  plasters  should  be  applied  over  the 
bowels  ; the  patient’s  feet  should  be  immersed  in  hot  water,  and 
ten  grains  of  Dover’s  powder  administered  to  produce  perspira- 
tion. At  the  same  time  he  should  drink  plentifully  of  weak 
brandy  and  water,  or  wine  whey. 

Should  it  arise  from  the  presence  of  worms,  the  remedies 
recommended  among  the  prescriptions  for  their  expulsion  should 
be  given.  See  treatment  for  Worms. 

When  it  arises  from  ulceration  of  the  intestines,  as  often 
happens  in  consumption  and  other  protracted  diseases,  the  most 


142 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


effectual  astringents,  in  addition  to  what  has  been  already  rec- 
ommended, should  be  employed,  such  as  catechu,  kino,  alum, 
logwood,  and  tannin.  The  following  is  a good  mixture  in  these 
cases : Chalk  mixture,  five  ounces ; tincture  of  catechu,  four 
drams ; tincture  of  kino,  three  drams ; syrup  of  poppies,  two 
drams  ; tincture  of  opium,  thirty  drops.  Make  a mixture,  and 
take  two  tablespoonfuls  three  or  four  times  a day. 

The  diet  in  these  cases  should  consist  of  sago,  arrowroot, 
and  rice  puddings,  made  with  or  without  milk.  It  will  be  nec- 
essary for  those  persons  who  are  subject  to  frequent  attacks  of 
this  complaint,  either  from  a peculiar  weakness  or  irritability  of 
the  bowels,  to  live  temperately  and  abstain  from  unwholesome 
food. 

Eclectic  Treatment  for  Diarrhoea . 

If  caused  by  cold  or  obstructed  perspiration,  keep  the 
patient  warm  ; drink  freely  of  astringent  herb  teas  ; use  the 
tepid  bath,  and  wear  flannel  next  the  skin.  A little  snakeroot 
tea  will  also  be  found  useful.  If  there  is  much  griping,  a hot 
fomentation  of  garden  mint  should  be  applied  to  the  stomach. 
Speedy  relief  lias  been  effected  by  taking  twelve  drops  of  lau- 
danum in  half  a gill  of  the  best  brandy.  Kepeat,  if  necessary,  in 
about  an  hour. 

In  obstinate  cases,  the  jelly  of  slippery  elm  and  blackberry, 
in  equal  parts,  mixed  with  a little  powdered  ginger  or  cinnamon 
may  be  used.  For  chronic  looseness,  the  following  decoction  is 
very  good:  Bistort  root,  bruised,  three  ounces;  water,  one 
quart.  Boil  twenty  minutes ; then  add  cloves,  bruised,  one 
ounce  ; cranesbill  and  wild  mint,  of  each,  half  an  ounce  ; catechu, 
two  drams.  Boil  ten  minutes  longer,  strain,  add  loaf  sugar,  one 
pound.  Dose,  three  tablespoonfuls  three  or  four  times  a day. 

The  following  has  also  been  used  with  excellent  results : 
Take  equal  parts  of  tincture  of  rhubarb,  spirits  of  camphor, 
essence  of  peppermint,  and  laudanum.  Dose,  for  an  adult,  one 
teaspoonful  every  hour  if  necessary ; less  according  to  age  of 
the  patient  and  severity  of  the  disease. 

DILATION  OF  THE  HEART. 

Dilation  of  the  heart  is  sometimes  caused  by  excessive  exer- 
tion and  strong  excitement.  The  whole  substance  of  the  organ, 
or  one  or  more  of  the  cavities,  or  smaller  orifices,  may  be  dilated,  the 
walls  being  merely  extended,  without  any  increase  of  substance. 
In  this  case  the  muscular  parietes  being  thinned  and  feeble,  there 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


143 


will  be  want  of  vigor  in  the  circulation,  the  muscular  compression 
and  extension  will  be  weak  and  irregular,  and  the  valvular 
action  incomplete,  so  that  the  blood  will  frequently  escape  out 
of  its  proper  channels,  and  these  hemorrhages,  although  trifl'ng 
in  themselves,  will  so  reduce  the  patient  that  he  will  probably 
be  carried  off  by  one  of  them.  Abstinence  from  the  exciting 
causes  of  the  disease,  rest,  and  nourishing  diet,  with  strict  at- 
tention to  the  general  state  of  the  health,  are  the  means  to  be 
taken  in  this  case. 

DIPHTHERIA. 

•Diphtheria  is  a very  malignant  and  often  fatal  disease  of 
the  throat,  which  was  first  specially  observed  and  described  by 
M.  Bretonneau,  of  Tours,  in  France,  where  it  prevailed  as  an  epi- 
demic in  1818,  though  it  doubtless  has  existed  in  the  world  from 
the  earliest  times. 

Symptoms, — It  is  characterized  by  a peculiar  inflamma- 
tion of  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  throat,  or  pharynx,  accom- 
panied by  the  production  of  a false  membrane.  At  first  this 
membrane  appears  in  the  form  of  a white  spot  on  the  pharynx 
or  tonsils,  from  which  it  gradually  extends  forward  to  the  soft 
palate  and  into  the  nostrils,  and  backward  into  the  oesophagus, 
sometimes  into  the  larynx,  but  seldom  into  the  trachea,  produc- 
ing at  length  suffocation.  It  is  usually  accompanied  by  a fetid 
discharge  from  the  nose  and  mouth,  and  hemorrhage  frequently 
occurs.  There  is  usually,  also,  a low  and  dangerous  form  of 
fever  with  great  depression  of  spirits,  and  rapid  decrease  of  the 
patient’s  strength,  which  is  still  further  accelerated  by  his  inabil- 
ity to  take  food.  There  is  no  form  of  the  disease,  however  mild 
to  appearance,  that  is  not  attended  with  danger,  and  it  is  some- 
times fatal  in  thirty-six  hours,  but  more  frequently  in  from  three 
to  twelve  days.  The  disease  is  very  dangerous,  and  should  be 
taken  in  hand  promptly  before  it  gets  thorough^  seated.  It 
works  rapidly  and  thousands  of  lives  have  been  lost  by  not  tak- 
ing the  disease  in  hand  soon  enough. 

Treatment, — Diphtheria  is  a very  depressing  disease,  and 
severei  cases  should  not  be  treated  by  inexperienced  persons. 
Mild  cases  may  be  successfully  treated  as  here  recommended,  but 
it  is  always  safest  to  have  a good  physician,  as  the  disease  works 
very  rapidly  and  sometimes  before  we  are  aware  of  it  the  patient 
is  beyond  medical  aid.  Warm  fomentations  may  be  applied  ex- 
ternally to  the  swollen  glands  in  the  neck.  Camphor  liniment 
is  also  a good  external  application.  The  fumes  of  burning  srn 


144 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


phur  not  too  strong  to  distress  the  patient  are  serviceable.  The 
powder  of  sulphur  blown  upon  the  throat  is  an  old  and  well- 
known  remedy.  Others  speak  well  of  a powder  of  equal  parts 
of  sulphur  and  quinine.  The  juice  from  a pineapple  has  been 
very  helpful  in  many  cases.  The  following  has  been  a success- 
ful prescription:  Muriate  tincture  of  iron,  one  dram  ; chlorate 

of  potash,  one-half  dram  ; simple  syrup,  one  ounce  ; pure  water, 
one  ounce.  Another  modern  method  of  treatment  is  the  follow- 
ing : Biniodide  of  mercury,  one-sixteenth  grain ; pepsin,  six 
grains ; or  sugar  of  milk,  six  grains.  Make  one  powder  and 
give  dry  on  the  tongue  every  two  hours  for  an  adult,  less  for 
children.  Do  not  give  water  for  a few  minutes  after  taking 
the  powder.  Nourishing  food,  tonics,  and  opiates  are  essential. 
Pieces  of  ice  dissolved  in  the  mouth  are  comforting. 

DISCOLORED  SKIN. 

Moles,  freckles,  and  sunburn  are  some  of  these  affections. 

Freckles  are  brown  spots  on  the  face  and  hands  caused  by 
exposure  to  the  sun.  Persons  affected  with  these  unsightly  dis- 
colorations may  remove  them,  without  using  cosmetics,  by 
merely  stimulating  the  absorbent  vessels  of  the  skin  to  take 
them  up  and  carry  them  away.  Any  smart  stimulant  will  act 
in  this  way  ; but  it  has  been  found  that  the  safest  are  taken 
from  the  vegetable  kingdom.  One  of  the  best  and  easiest  is 
Withering’s  cosmetic  lotion,  which  is  made  of  a teacupful  of 
soured  milk,  and  a small  quantity  of  scraped  horse-radish ; let 
this  stand  from  six  to  twelve  hours,  then  use  it  to  wash  the 
parts  affected  twice  or  thrice  a day. 

Moles  in  the  skin,  or,  as  they  are  commonly  called,  mother- 
marks,  are  beyond  the  reach  of  medical  treatment ; if  they  are 
ever  removed,  it  is  at  the  risk  of  causing  a greater  disfigure- 
ment ; therefore  they  had  better  be  left  alone,  the  more  especially 
as  they  not  unfrequently  answer  a useful  end — that  of  positive 
indentification.  Large  moles  which  tend  to  enlarge  should  be 
removed  by  the  surgeon  as  they  sometimes  develop  into  cancer- 
ous growths. 

DIZZINESS. 

Many  persons  are  subject  to  a fullness  and  rush  of  blood  to 
the  head,  either  with  or  without  any  excitement.  It  is  a 
symptom  of  a deranged  system,  and  it  may  be  a symptom  of  a 
tendency  to  apoplexy. 

Causes . — This  condition  may  be  caused  by  heart  disease, 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


145 


by  debility  arising  from  hemorrhages,  indigestion,  constipation, 
or  excessive  mental  labor. 

Treatment. — What  has  been  said  on  congestion  of  the 
brain  applies  to  this  affection ; a dose  of  some  gentle  purgative, 
as  castor  oil,  salts,  or  salts  and  senna,  should  be  taken  at  night, 
and  the  following  in  the  morning Rochelle  salts,  two  drams  ; 
bicarbonate  of  soda,  two  scruples ; water,  one-half  pint.  Mix. 
To  this  mixture  add  thirty-five  grains  of  tartaric  acid.  Take 
the  whole  while  foaming. 

DISORDERS  OF  THE  SWEAT  GLANDS. 

The  proper  action  of  the  skin  is  of  the  greatest  importance 
co  the  health.  Too  much  or  too  little  perspiration  may  produce 
serious  consequences ; but  can  generally  be  corrected  by  cold  or 
Warm  baths,  tonics,  friction,  and  proper  clothing. 

DISORDERS  OF  THE  OIL  GLANDS. 

When  the  skin  is  not  well  taken  care  of,  or  when  a person 
has  very  sedentary  habits,  tli3  action  of  the  oil  glands  becomes 
sluggish ; the  matter  in  the  tubes  becomes  hard  and  dry  and 
distends  them,  sometimes  raising  them  above  the  surface,  and 
the  ends  become  black.  Again,  the  oily  matter  is  poured  out 
too  profusely,  so  that  the  skin  shines  with  it ; or,  at  times,  there 
may  be  so  little  that  the  skin  is  harsh  and  dry. 

Treatment. — For  roughness  and  harshness  of  the  skin, 
wash  with  soap  and  water  every  night,  and  rub  well  into  the 
skin  an  ointment  made  of  olive  oil,  four  ounces ; carbolic  acid, 
one  dram.  Take  a dose  of  sulphur  and  cream  tartar  twice  a week. 

Where  the  oil  tubes  have  hardened,  and  formed  a horny 
growth,  the  body  should  be  washed  with  a quart  of  water,  in 
which  a teaspoonful  of  saleratus  is  dissolved ; and  twice  a day 
use  the  following  ointment : Elder-flower  ointment,  one  ounce  ; 
blue  vitriol,  one  scruple.  For  grubs  in  the  skin,  wash  in  strong 
soapsuds  twice  a day,  and  rub  briskly  with  a coarse  towel,  and 
use  the  following  lotion : Corrosive  sublimate,  five  grains ; 
cologne,  two  ounces;  soft  water,  six  ounces.  Mix  and  apply 
each  night  and  morning.  A spare  diet  will  do  much  in  some 
cases  toward  improving  the  skin. 

DROPSY  OF  THE  HEART. 

( Hydrothorax .) 

This  is  a collection  of  fluid  in  the  cavity  of  the  chest,  or 


146 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


the  pericardium.  It  is  never  an  idiopathic  disease,  but  is  con- 
sequent on  some  previous  disorder  of  the  viscera  of  the  chest, 
it  may  be  of  the  heart  or  lungs,  or  their  investing  membrane, 
the  pericardium  or  pleura. 

Symptoms. — Great  difficulty  of  breathing,  especially  after 
exertion,  and  when  the  bpdy  is  in  a horizontal  position,  with 
great  weight  and  oppression  at  the  chest ; pallid,  purplish  counte- 
nance, with  an  anxious  expression,  and  the  usual  symptoms  of 
dropsy.  It  requires  the  same  treatment  as  dropsy. 

DISEASE  OF  THE  VALVES  OF  THE  HEART. 

Disease  of  the  valves  so  commonly  follows  endocarditis,  if 
of  long  continuance,  that  it  may  almost  be  considered  as  a 
chronic  form  of  that  disease.  It  is  a thickening  of  the  internal 
lining  of  the  heart,  especially  at  the  valves.  It  becomes  not 
merely  thickened  uniformly,  but  is  the  seat  of  warty  excres- 
cences, and  even  cartilaginous  and  osseous  formations  of  consider- 
able size,  extending  into  the  cavities  of  the  heart.  In  old  persons, 
and  especially  those  addicted  to  a generous  mode  of  living,  we 
most  frequently  meet  with  ossification,  the  effects  of  which  are 
congestion,  difficulty  of  breathing,  apoplectic  seizures,  and  other 
symptoms  of  embarrassed  circulation. 

DROPSY. 

Dropsy  consists  of  an  unnatural  accumulation  of  serous  or 
watery  fluid,  in  various  parts  of  the  body.  Persons  of  all  ages 
are  liable  to  it.  It  is  divided  into  five  kinds,  according  to  the 
part  affected  : first,  dropsy  of  the  skin,  generally  called  anasarca; 
second,  dropsy  of  the  abdomen,  called  ascites;  third,  dropsy  of 
the  chest,  called  hydrothorax ; fourth,  dropsy  of  the  head,  or 
water  on  the  brain,  called  hydrocephalus ; fifth,  water  in  the 
scrotum,  called  hydrocele. 

Causes. — Excessive  and  long-continued  exhaustion  of  the 
system,  the  use  of  fermented  or  spirituous  liquors ; confirmed 
and  incurable  indigestion ; diseases  of  the  liver,  spleen,  pancreas, 
mesentery,  or  other  viscera ; or  after  asthma,  scarlet  fever,  etc. ; 
anything  debilitating  the  digestive  organs,  and  sometimes  from 
family  predisposition. 

Symptoms. — This  disease  generally  commences  with 
swelling  of  the  feet  and  ankles  toward  night,  which  for  a time 
disappears  in  the  morning.  The  swelling,  when  pressed,  will 
pit ; it  gradually  ascends  till  the  whole  body  is  involved ; the 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


147 


urine  is  scanty,  thick,  and  high  colored ; thirst  is  great,  breathing 
difficult,  and  cough  troublesome.  The  flesh  wastes,  and  the 
patient  weakens. 

Treatment . — Avoid  drinks  as  much  as  possible  ; quench 
the  thirst  with  acid  liquors,  mustard  whey,  and  the  like  ; and 
take  the  following : Cream  of  tartar,  one  dram  ; dissolve  in  hot 

water,  add  the  juice  of  a lemon,  and  sweeten  with  sugar. 

In  dropsy  of  the  chest  or  head,  blisters  are  sometimes  applied 
to  great  advantage.  After  the  water  is  removed,  live  well  and 
temperately.  Take  tonics  and  strengthening  food. 

Eclectic  Treatment  for  Dropsy. 

Many  cures  have  been  effected  by  using  a decoction  of 
burdock.  Boil  two  ounces  of  the  fresh  root  in  three  pints  of 
water  till  reduced  to  two.  Drink  the  whole  in  the  course 
of  two  days. 

Five  grains  of  saltpetre  taken  every  morning  is  said  to 
have  cured  many. 

From  one  to  four  teaspoonfuls  of  the  expressed  juice  of  the 
inner  bark  of  the  elder,  taken  every  four  hours,  till  it  operates 
freely,  is  of  great  service. 

To  promote  perspiration  an  adult  may  take  every  night  at 
bedtime  four  or  five  grains  of  camphor,  one  grain  of  opium,  and 
as  much  syrup  of  orange  peel  as  is  sufficient  to  make  into  a bolus. 

DYSENTERY. 

A disease  accompanied  by  frequent  and  scanty  discharges 
from  the  bowels,  and  tenesmus  or  great  bearing  down  of  the 
rectum.  The  stools  are  mucous,  bloody,  or  slimy,  and  contain 
little  or  no  fecal  matter. 

Causes. — The  causes  which  produce  this  disease  are  a 
cold  and  moist  state  of  the  atmosphere,  quickly  succeeded  by 
heat ; the  suppression  of  the  perspiration,  whereby  the  blood  is 
thrown  from  the  external  upon  the  internal  vessels  ; immoderate 
use  of  spirituous  liquors,  unwholesome  food,  exposure  to  noxious 
exhalations,  or  to  the  effluvia  arising  from  the  bodies  of  persons 
laboring  under  the  disease. 

It  is  supposed  that  dysentery,  when  it  proves  infectious,  is 
owing  to  the  impure  and  vitiated  condition  of  the  atmosphere ; 
hence  it  frequently  appears  in  hospitals  which  are  n.ot  properly 
ventilated,  and  other  places  where  a number  of  sick  persons  are 
crowded  together ; while  in  situations  where  great  attention  is 


148 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


paid  to  ventilation  and  cleanliness,  it  seldom  extends  beyond 
the  individual  in  whom  it  originates.  It  prevails  epidemically, 
affecting  numbers  in  a community,  without  being  contagious. 

Symptoms. — This  disease  is  ushered  in  by  all  the  con- 
comitants of  inflammatory  fever — such  as  cold  shivering  suc- 
ceeded by  heat  of  skin,  frequency  of  pulse,  loss  of  appetite,  sick- 
ness, and  costiveness.  This  sfage  is  quickly  followed  by  severe 
griping  pains,  and  pain  on  pressing  the  abdomen,  frequent  desire 
to  go  to  stool,  accompanied  by  great  straining  and  painful  bear- 
ing down  of  the  rectum — the  evacuations  consist  of  a peculiarly 
fetid  matter,  without  containing  healthy  fecal  matter.  The  stools 
frequently  vary  in  appearance,  being  sometimes  pure  mucus,  or 
mucus  streaked  with  blood ; sometimes  pure  blood  is  passed,  at 
other  times  pure  matter,  and  it  not  unfrequently  happens  that 
pieces  of  membrane,  arising  from  ulceration  of  the  lining  of  the 
intestines,  are  seen  floating  in  the  dejections.  It  is  seldom  that 
any  natural  fseces  appear  in  the  course  of  this  disease,  but,  when 
they  do,  they  are  passed  in  hard  balls,  accompanied  by  great 
relief  of  the  griping  and  bearing  down. 

Favorable  Symptoms. — A gentle  perspiration  over 
the  surface  of  the  body,  the  stools  improving  in  color,  and  becom- 
ing less  frequent,  and  the  strength  improving. 

Unfavorable  Symptoms. — The  tenesmus,  or  bearing 
down  pain,  becomes  very  intense,  the  inclination  to  go  to  stool 
becomes  more  frequent,  the  discharge  from  the  bowels  being  very 
scanty  and  of  an  unnatural  color  ; much  depression  of  the  powers 
of  life  exist,  tension  of  the  abdomen,  cold,  clammy  perspirations, 
ulceration  of  the  mouth  and  throat,  a feeble  pulse,  and  coldness 
of  the  surface  of  the  body. 

Treatment. — If  the  fever  be  of  an  inflammatory  charac- 
ter, accompanied  with  rigors  and  succeeded  by  heats  and  flushes, 
give  a dose  of  castor  oil,  or  some  saline  aperient,  which  should 
be  repeated  every  second  or  third  morning,  so  that  evacuations 
of  a natural  character  may  be  procured.  The  following  is  a good 
mixture  for  this  purpose  : Epsom  salts,  one  ounce;  best  manna, 
one-half  ounce  ; peppermint  water,  five  ounces  ; tincture  of  rhu- 
barb, two  drams.  Mix.  Four  tablespoonfuls  to  be  taken  every 
second  or  third  morning. 

Should  there  be  much  pain  on  pressing  the  abdomen,  use 
hot  fomentations  of  poppy  heads  and  camomile  flowers.  Small 
doses  of  Dover’s  powder  and  calomel  should  be  given  every  four 
or  six  hours.  With  the  object  of  relieving  pain  and  producing 
perspiration,  five  grains  of  Dover’s  powder  and  one  of  calomel 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


149 


will  form  a sufficient  dose,  which  should  be  continued  until  the 
pain  and  irritation  be  tranquilized,  or  the  mouth  becomes  ten- 
der. These  remedies  should  be  followed  by  mustard  plasters,  to 
the  stomach  and  abdomen,  which  have  the  power  of  relieving 
pain  and  stopping  the  violent  sickness  which  frequently  takes 
place  in  this  disease.  Relief  will  also  be  found  from  the  appli- 
cation of  soothing  liniments  over  the  abdomen,  as  the  following: 
Camphorated  oil,  one  ounce ; tincture  of  opium,  one-half  ounce. 
Camphorated  oil  is  made  by  dissolving  half  an  ounce  of  camphor 
in  two  ounces  of  sweet  oil. 

In  order  to  relieve  the  tenesmus  or  bearing  down  pain,  in- 
jections consisting  of  starch,  and  tincture  of  opium,  half  a dram, 
should  be  thrown  into  the  rectum  ; or,  should  these  not  be  re- 
tained, or  fail  to  afford  relief,  two  grains  of  opium,  made  soft 
with  a little  oil  or  conserve  of  roses,  introduced  into  the  rectum 
will  be  found  very  serviceable.  In  employing  the  injection,  a 
small  quantity  of  fluid  should  be  used,  say  not  more  than  two 
ounces,  as  more  in  quantity  will  not  be  retained ; and,  in  intro- 
ducing the  opium,  care  should  be  taken  to  put  it  beyond  the 
sphincter  muscle,  at  least  two  inches  from  the  verge  of  the  anus. 
The  bowels  should  be  kept  open  with  castor  oil  combined  with 
small  doses  of  laudanum,  say  half  an  ounce  of  the  former,  and 
ten  drops  of  the  latter.  In  the  advanced  stage  of  this  disease 
great  benefit  will  be  derived  from  the  following  mixture  : Di- 

luted nitric  acid,  two  drams ; laudanum,  one  and  one-half 
drams;  distilled  water,  fourteen  drams.  Mix.  A teaspoonful 
to  be  taken  four  times  a day  in  a cup  of  barley  water. 

When  there  is  acidity  of  the  stomach,  chalk  mixture  maybe 
combined  with  opium.  The  patient  should  at  the  same  time 
drink  port  wine  and  water  with  his  meals;  as  a common  drink, 
equal  parts  of  limewater  and  milk  have  been  highly  recommended. 

In  cases  where  the  stools  are  passed  frequently,  from  a 
weakened  state  of  the  bowels,  the  greatest  benefit  will  be  de- 
rived from  the  sulphate  of  zinc,  alum,  and  camphor,  in  combina- 
tion with  opium.  In  a more  advanced  state  of  the  disease, 
vegetable  tonics  should  be  administered  for  the  purpose  of  giving 
tone  to  the  muscular  coat  of  the  intestines,  and  of  improving  the 
health  generally.  The  following  is  an  excellent  mixture  for 
this  purpose : Infusion  of  cascarilla,  five  ounces ; tincture  of 
Colombo,  one  ounce ; tincture  of  catechu,  two  drams ; diluted 
nitric  acid,  one  dram.  Mix.  Three  tablespoonfuls  three  times 
a day. 

In  those  cases  where  there  is  a tenderness  over  the  region 


150 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


of  the  liver,  and  a dusky,  sallow  appearance  of  the  countenance, 
and  the  stools  are  of  a clay  color,  a grain  of  calomel,  with  one 
quarter  of  a grain  of  opium,  may  be  given  twice  or  three  times 
a day,  with  great  advantage,  which  should  be  continued  until  all 
bad  symptoms  give  way. 

The  patient  should  use  a diet  of  starchy  foods,  as  rice,  sago, 
flour,  tapioca,  and  arrowroot  boiled  in  milk.  The  juice  of  meat 
is  preferable  to  broths  or  soups,  which  often  sour  on  the  stomach  ; 
this  may  be  obtained  by  chewing  the  meat  and  swallowing  only 
the  juice.  Avoid  all  spirituous  and  fermented  liquors,  and  food 
of  all  descriptions  which  has  a tendency  to  putrefaction.  Dur- 
ing convalescence  or  recovery,  meat  of  the  lighter  kinds,  such  as 
mutton,  chicken,  or  beef,  may  be  used,  and  the  patient  should 
drink  port  wine  and  water,  or  brandy  and  water  may  be 
necessary. 

As  dysentery  is  considered  by  most  physicians  to  be  con- 
tagious, the  greatest  care  should  be  taken  to  secure  good  ven- 
tilation, particularly  where  persons  are  crowded  together,  as  on 
shipboard  or  in  hospitals.  The  sick  should  be  removed  from 
the  healthy  and  placed  in  separate  rooms,  if  possible ; the  body 
linen  and  sheets  frequently  changed,  and  the  rooms  fumigated 
with  the  solution  of  chloride  of  lime.  The  following  is  a cheap 
and  easy  method  of  fumigating,  for  the  purpose  of  destroying 
contagion  arising  from  dysentery,  small-pox,  typhus  fever,  or 
any  other  infectious  disease : Peroxide  of  manganese,  two  parts ; 
common  salt,  four  parts  ; oil  of  vitriol,  three  parts ; water,  one 
part.  This  mixture  should  be  placed  in  an  earthenware  vessel, 
and  allowed  to  remain  in  the  room  until  all  vapors  cease  to  rise. 
A greater  quantity  of  this  vapor,  which  is  a chlorine  gas,  may 
be  obtained  by  putting  the  same  mixture  in  an  oil-flask  and  ap- 
plying heat.  Of  course  this  method  of  fumigating  cannot  be 
resorted  to  until  the  patients  are  removed  from  the  rooms  or 
places  about  to  be  fumigated,  as  the  vapor  cannot  be  breathed 
without  producing  great  irritation  of  the  lungs  ; and  when  ex- 
isting in  any  great  quantity  in  the  atmosphere  is  fatal  to  life. 

Eclectic  Treatment  for  Dysentery . 

An  emetic  composed  of  half  a dram  of  ipecac  in  powder 
may  be  given ; work  off  with  weak  camomile  tea ; after  which 
take  one  ounce  of  Epsom  salts,  half  an  ounce  of  manna,  and 
two  and  a half  ounces  of  warm  water,  and  the  same  of  pep 
permint  water.  Dose,  four  tablespoonfuls  three  or  four  times  a 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


151 


day.  The  following  has  been  found  very  beneficial : Take  one 
tablespoonful  of  common  salt  and  mix  it  with  two  tablespoon- 
fuls of  vinegar,  and  pour  upon  it  a half  pint  of  water,  either  hot 
or  cold , only  let  it  be  taken  cold.  A wineglassful  of  this  mix- 
ture in  the  above  proportions,  taken  every  half  hour,  will  be 
found  quite  efficacious  in  curing  dysentery.  If  the  stomach  be 
nauseated,  a wineglassful  taken  every  hour  will  suffice.  For 
a child,  the  quantity  should  be  a teaspoonful  of  salt  and  one  of 
vinegar  in  a teacupful  of  water. 

Tea  made  of  the  roots  and  leaves  of  blackberries  is  very 
beneficial ; and  a syrup  made  of  the  berries  is  still  better.  The 
following  is  also  very  useful : Bistort  root,  tormentil  root,  ginger 
root,  each  (sliced  and  bruised)  one  ounce  ; green  peppermint  and 
wood  sage,  of  each  one  ounce ; Turkey  rhubarb  and  gum  myrrh, 
of  each  half  an  ounce  ; cinnamon,  two  drams ; water,  two  quarts. 
Boil  down  to  three  pints ; strain.  Pour  the  boiling  liquor  on  to 
loaf  sugar,  half  a pound ; bicarbonate  of  potash,  half  an  ounce. 
Then  add  tincture  of  myrrh,  one  ounce ; spirit  of  camphor,  two 
drams ; oil  of  peppermint,  twenty  drops  (put  those  together  be- 
fore adding  to  the  liquor).  Dose,  a wineglassful  every  fifteen 
minutes  until  relieved. 


DYSPEPSIA. 

( Indigestion .) 

This  is  one  of  the  most  common  ailments  to  which  man- 
kind is  subject. 

Causes. — Accidental  fits  of  indigestion  are  of  frequent 
occurrence,  and  are  caused  by  overloading  the  stomach  with 
food,  and  indulging  freely  in  wines,  spirits,  or  other  intoxicating 
liquors.  Confirmed  or  chronic  indigestion  may  depend  on  de- 
bility or  want  of  tone  of  the  stomach,  or  it  may  be  caused  by  the 
lining  or  mucous  membrane  of  this  organ  being  in  a state  of 
irritation,  or  chronic  inflammation.  One  of  the  most  frequent 
causes  of  indigestion  is  improper  mastication  of  the  food ; such 
food  is  bolted,  instead  of  being  reduced  to  a natural  pulp, 
thereby  presenting  to  the  digestive  organs  a hardened  mass, 
which  it  has  the  greatest  difficulty  to  operate  upon.  Another 
cause  is  habitual  inattention  to  diet,  both  as  regards  the  quality 
and  quantity  of  food,  irregularity  in  the  times  of  eating,  drink- 
ing large  quantities  of  warm,  relaxing  fluids,  and  using  malt 
liquors  too  freely.  A third  cause  is  insufficient  exercise ; a 
fourth  cause,  impure  air ; and,  beside  these,  there  are  number- 


152 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


less  other  causes,  which  in  a greater  or  less  degree  exercise  their 
baneful  influence  upon  the  stomach. 

Symptoms . — One  of  the  most  frequent  signs  of  indiges- 
tion is  a loss  of  appetite,  no  desire  for  food,  perhaps  even  an 
absolute  repugnance  and  disgust  at  the  very  thought  of  eating. 
Sometimes  the  appetite  is  capricious  and  uncertain,  or  it  may 
be  ravenous.  Sometimes  nausea  comes  on  immediately  after 
the  food  is  swallowed ; and  sometimes  without  any  nausea,  the 
food  is  ejected  by  vomiting.  There  is  usually  an  obscure  feel- 
ing of  uneasiness,  fullness,  distention,  and  weight  in  the  region 
of  the  stomach,  occasionally  amounting  to  pain,  or  even  severe 
pain,  with  flatulence  and  eructation.  Some  persons  suffer  pain 
when  the  stomach  is  empty,  others  immediately  after  taking 
food,  or  the  pain  may  not  begin  for  two  or  three  hours  after 
a meal,  and  then  continue  for  some  hours.  Sometimes  the  pain 
comes  on  at  uncertain  intervals  accompanied  by  a sensation  of 
distention,  much  anxiety,  and  extreme  restlessness.  Costiveness 
is  a very  frequent  concomitant  of  dyspepsia,  but  sometimes  it  is 
attended  by  diarrhoea. 

Among  the  innumerable  disorders  that  are  produced  by 
dyspepsia  are  palpitation  of  the  heart,  irregularities  of  the 
pulse,  asthma,  pain  in  the  head,  with  the  loss  of  mental  energy, 
and  some  confusion  of  thought.  One  of  the  worst  of  the  occa- 
sional concomitants  of  dyspepsia  is  that  state  of  mind  which  is 
known  as  hypochondriasis.  There  is  languor,  listlessness  or 
want  of  resolution,  with  an  apprehension  of  some  great  evil 
in  the  future.  Such  persons  are  particularly  attentive  to  the 
state  of  their  own  health,  and,  from  any  unusual  feeling,  per- 
haps of  the  slightest  kind,  they  apprehend  great  danger,  or  even 
death  itself. 

Treatment. — Before  we  proceed  to  give  the  remedies 
applicable  to  this  disorder,  we  lay  before  our  readers  what  is 
of  equal  consequence,  both  as  regards  prevention  and  cure — 
viz.,  diet  and  regimen.  Rise  early;  sponge  the  body  freely 
with  cold  water;  eat  a slice  or  two  of  stale  bread,  together 
with  a piece  of  broiled  beefsteak  cooked  rare,  for  breakfast. 
After  a short  rest,  exercise  should  be  taken  for  two  hours  or 
upwards.  The  dinner  hour  should  not  be  later  than  four  or 
five  hours  after  breakfast,  and  the  best  time  in  the  day  for 
this  meal  is  one  or  two  o’clock.  The  food  should  be  taken  plain 
without  sauces.  Roast  beef  or  mutton  are  the  best  of  all  meats, 
both  as  regards  nourishing  properties,  and  the  ease  with  which 
they  are  digested.  Avoid  coffee ; buttermilk  or  koumiss  may  be 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


153 


used  instead.  Bitter  tonics  may  be  used,  and  a pepsin  powder 
after  each  meal.  After  dinner,  rest  and  quiet  for  an  hour  are 
desirable.  About  four  or  five  hours  after  dinner  a cup  of  tea 
with  stale  bread  and  good  butter,  with  fresh  or  preserved  fruit, 
may  be  eaten  sparingly.  Retire  early.  This  mode  of  living 
will  generally  render  a person  exempt  from  habitual  indiges- 
tion ; nevertheless,  in  spite  of  these  precautions,  occasional  at- 
tacks of  this  derangement  will  make  themselves  felt. 

EARACHE. 

( Otalgia.') 

Earache  may  proceed  from  abscess  in  one  of  the  passages, 
or  it  may  be  altogether  neuralgic.  In  children  it  is  not  uncom- 
mon during  the  period  of  dentition,  and  is  especially  severe 
while  cutting  the  permanent  teeth.  Grown  persons  sometimes 
suffer  from  it  when  cutting  their  wisdom  teeth.  It  is  often 
brought  on  by  exposure  to  cold  or  draughts.  There  is  not  often 
much  constitutional  derangement,  although  the  pain  is  some- 
times excruciating  and  long-continued. 

Treatment . — In  children,  during  dentition,  lancing  the 
swollen  gums  will  often  afford  relief,  especially  if  an  aperient  be 
given,  such  as  rhubarb  and  magnesia  combined  with  a little 
ginger.  Older  children  may  have  three  or  four  drops  of  olive 
or  almond  oil,  with  one  or  two  drops  of  laudanum  dropped  into 
the  ear,  and  take  compound  senna  mixture,  repeated  until  the 
bowels  are  freely  opened.  Should  these  remedies  not  prove 
effectual,  a fomentation  of  camomiles  and  poppies  should  be  ap- 
plied. The  heart  of  a roasted  onion  applied  warm  to  the  exter- 
nal orifice  will  sometimes  afford  relief.  If  the  case  is  very  obsti- 
nate, two  or  three  leeches  behind  the  ear  may  be  tried,  with 
the  following  anodyne  saline  aperient : Acetate  of  morphine, 

one-half  grain  ; solution  of  acetate  of  ammonia,  three  ounces  ; 
sulphate  of  magnesia,  one  ounce;  water  of  camphor  mixture, 
five  ounces.  Mix,  and  take  two  tablespoonfuls  every  four  hours. 

When  earache  is  caused  by  an  abscess,  and  is  attended  with 
much  swelling  and  severe  pain,  hot  fomentations  may  be  used, 
syringing  the  external  passage  with  warm  water ; and,  after  the 
abscess  has  discharged,  syringe  with  a solution  of  sulphate  of  zinc, 
in  the  proportion  of  eight  grains  to  the  ounce  of  plain  or  rose 
water,  attention  being  paid  to  the  bowels.  Sometimes  the 
drum  must  be  punctured  so  as  to  allow  the  escape  of  pus  before 
the  hearing  is  injured.  With  some  persons  any  derangement  of 


154 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


the  general  health  will  cause  the  formation  of  these  abscesses, 
and  in  such  cases  the  treatment  must  be  rather  general  than 
local.  Earache,  no  doubt,  often  proceeds  from  derangement  of 
the  digestive  organs,  and  may  be  relieved  by  active  purgatives 
and  emetics. 

Where  a tonic  is  required,  the  following  will  be  found  very 
good : Citrate  of  iron,  one  dram  ; strychnine,  one  grain  ; syrup 
of  orange  peel,  two  ounces ; soft  water,  one-half  pint.  Mix. 
Dose,  one  teaspoonful  three  times  a day. 

ENLARGEMENT  OR  SWELLING  OF  THE  UVULA. 

The  pendulous  body  which  hangs  down  from  the  middle  of 
the  soft  palate  is  subject  to  several  kinds  of  enlargement,  in 
which  it  becomes  both  longer  and  more  bulky  than  natural,  or 
is  simply  elongated.  Under  these  conditions,  it  becomes  trouble- 
some in  swallowing,  as  well  as  in  speaking.  It  causes  a dis- 
agreeable tickling  at  the  root  of  the  tongue,  with  an  inclination 
to  retch,  and  an  irritating  and  annoying  cough.  When  things 
have  reached  this  pass,  medicines  are  often  of  no  avail,  and  the 
only  resource  is  to  remove  a portion  of  the  uvula,  which  must  be 
done  by  a surgeon.  Before  excision  is  resorted  to,  and  indeed 
before  the  uvula  increases  so  much  as  to  render  this  necessary, 
astringent  gargles  and  applications  should  be  tried,  such  as  the 
following  : White  oak  bark,  one  ounce  ; water,  one  pint ; boil 

till  reduced  one  quarter,  then  add  alum,  one  scruple.  Apply  to 
the  parts  several  times  a day  with  a soft  sponge. 

ENLARGEMENT  OF  THE  VENTRICLES  OF  THE  HEART. 

(Hypertrophy.') 

This  is  the  result  of  overaction  causing  an  excess  of  nutri- 
tion, the  nutritive  process  appearing  to  go  on  more  rapidly  on 
account  of  the  extra  work  which  the  heart  is  called  upon  to 
perform.  In  this  way  the  heart  is  often  greatly  enlarged  in 
bulk,  and  its  operations  seriously  interfered  with.  It  is  usually 
distinguished  into  three  kinds : first,  simple,  when  the  walls  of 
the  heart  or  its  divisions  are  thickened,  without  any  diminution 
in  the  capacity  of  the  cavities  ; second,  eccentric,  or  aneurism al, 
when  the  walls  are  thickened,  and  the  cavities  likewise  enlarged  ; 
and  third,  concentric,  when  the  cavities  are  diminished  in  pro- 
portion to  the  thickening  of  the  walls.  The  second  of  these  is 
the  most  frequent ; and  any  of  them  may  affect  a single  cavity 
or  the  whole  heart.  The  pulsations  are  frequently  regular,  but 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


155 


strong,  sometimes  even  visibly  raising  the  bedclothes,  and  the 
chest  is  bulged  out  over  the  part.  This  disease  may  tend  to 
apoplexy. 

Treatment . — Rest  and  freedom  from  exertions  and  emo- 
tions are  proper  means  to  be  employed  in  such  a case  ; and  usu- 
ally, with  care  and  perseverance,  the  symptoms  will  be  much 
alleviated.  Stimulants  must  be  avoided  ; coffee  and  tobacco  are 
usually  detrimental  in  such  cases. 

EPILEPSY. 

Epilepsy  is  a form  of  disease  which  receives  its  name  from 
the  suddenness  of  its  attack.  It  is  also  called  the  falling  sickness , 
because  the  patient,  if  standing,  suddenly  falls  when  an  attack 
comes  on.  By  the  ancients  it  was  called  the  sacred  disease,  from 
being  supposed  to  be  due  to  the  influence  of  the  gods  or  evil 
spirits. 

Causes. — Among  the  causes  which  give  rise  to  epilepsy 
are  external  injuries  done  to  the  brain  by  blows,  wounds,  frac- 
tures, and  the  like  ; or  pressure  from  water  on  the  brain,  and 
tumors.  Violent  affections  of  the  nervous  system,  sudden 
frights,  strong  mental  emotions,  acute  pains  in  any  part,  worms 
in  the  stomach  or  intestines,  teething,  suppression  of  the  menses, 
excesses  and  masturbation,  are  causes  which  also  produce  epi- 
lepsy. Sometimes  it  is  hereditary.  When  it  arises  from  hered- 
itary predisposition,  or  comes  on  after  the  age  of  puberty,  or 
when  the  attacks  are  frequent  and  of  long  duration,  it  is  usually 
difficult  to  effect  a cure ; but  when  it  occurs  in  early  life,  or  is 
occasioned  by  worms  or  any  other  accidental  cause,  it  may  be 
remedied. 

Symptoms. — The  attack  is  usually  without  warning. 
The  patient  may  be  in  his  ordinary  health,  engaged,  perhaps,  in 
his  usual  occupation,  when  all  at  once  he  utters  a piercing 
scream,  and  falls  to  the  ground.  Immediately  thereafter  the 
face  becomes  violently  distorted,  the  head  is  usually  drawn  to 
one  side,  the  eyes  are  set  and  staring,  or  roll  wildly  about,  the 
color  of  the  skin  becomes  dark  and  livid,  and  the  veins  swollen  and 
turgid ; there  is  frothing  at  the  mouth  ; the  muscles  of  the  lower 
jaw  act  violently,  producing  gnashing  of  teeth,  and  frequently  the 
tongue  is  injured;  the  arms  are  sometimes  thrown  violently 
about,  and  the  lower  limbs  may  be  agitated  in  a similar  manner, 
while  the  fingers  with  great  power  clutch  at  whatever  comes  in 
their  way.  The  breathing  is  at  first  heavy  and  difficult,  but 
afterwards  it  becomes  short,  quick,  and  stertorous,  and  is  often 


156 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


accompanied  with  sighing  and  moaning.  One  side  of  the  body 
is  commonly  more  agitated  than  the  other.  After  a longer  or 
shorter  period,  the  convulsive  movements  gradually  diminish, 
and  the  patient  seems  to  recover  a faint  glimmering  of  conscious- 
ness ; but  the  look  which  he  casts  around  is  stupid  and  heavy, 
and  he  goes  off  into  a lethargic  sleep,  from  which  he  does  not 
awake  for  some  hours.  There  is  no  consciousness  of  anything 
that  occurred  during  the  paroxysm.  On  coming  out  of  the 
fit,  there  is  generally  headache  and  always  languor,  and  it  may 
be  days  before  he  fully  recovers  from  the  effects  of  the  attack. 
The  duration  of  the  paroxysm  is  usually  from  five  to  ten  min- 
utes ; but  sometimes  several  attacks  follow  each  other  in  succes- 
sion, and  it  may  then  be  protracted  for  several  hours.  The  most 
frequent,  perhaps,  of  the  consequences  of  confirmed  epilepsy  is 
insanity,  either  in  the  form  of  acute  mania  or  monomania  fol- 
lowing the  attacks,  or  of  gradual  imbecility,  without  any  acute 
seizure.  Though  the  fit  usually  comes  on  suddenly,  yet  there  is 
sometimes  distinct  warning  of  its  approach.  It  varies  in  dif- 
ferent individuals,  and  may  be  lowness  of  spirits,  irritability, 
dizziness,  noises  in  the  ear,  floating  specks  before  the  eyes. 
There  is,  however,  a particular  sensation  which  is  said  to  be  felt 
by  some  immediately  before  the  attack,  and  which  is  known  as 
the  aura  epileptica.  It  is  variously  described  as  resembling  a 
current  of  air,  a stream  of  water,  or  a slight  convulsive  tremor, 
commencing  in  one  of  the  limbs,  and  proceeding  upwards  to  the 
head,  when  the  patient  is  deprived  of  all  consciousness.  Epi- 
lepsy is  commonly  divided  into  idiopathic,  when  it  is  a primary 
disease,  depending  on  some  affection  of  the  cerebro-spinal  sys- 
tem ; and  sympathetic,  when  produced  by  an  affection  in  some 
other  part  of  the  body — as  the  stomach,  bowels,  liver,  circulat- 
ing system,  etc. 

Treatment . — During  the  attack,  the  principal  thing  is  to 
see  that  the  patient  does  no  self  injury  — especially  a piece  of 
cork  ought  to  be  placed  between  the  teeth,  to  prevent  injury  to 
the  tongue  ; the  dress  should  be  loosened  about  the  neck  and 
chest ; the  head,  if  possible,  a little  raised ; and  a free  circula- 
tion of  air  maintained.  Where  the  disease  can  be  traced  to  any 
special  exciting  cause — as  injuries  of  the  head,  worms,  teething, 
etc., — the  treatment  should  be  first  directed  to  its  removal. 
When  a plethoric  state  appears  to  occasion  the  disease,  the 
patient’s  diet  is  to  be  restricted,  frequent  purgatives  are  to  be 
exhibited,  and  everything  avoided  that  may  determine  the  blood 
to  the  head.  If  there  are  marks  of  debility,  a generous  diet, 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


157 


with  tonic  medicines  and  other  means  of  strengthening  the  sys- 
tem, will  be  proper.  The  cold  shower  bath  is  recommended  if 
it  can  be  well  borne,  otherwise  the  tepid  bath.  The  oil  of  tur- 
pentine, in  frequent  doses  of  one-half  to  one  dram,  is  said  to  be  of 
service  in  many  cases.  Bromide  of  potassium  is  a very  valuable 
remedy,  given  in  doses  of  ten  to  twenty  grains  three  times  a day. 
Stimulants,  particularly  ether,  are  said  occasionally  to  keep  off 
an  attack.  In  this  disease  great  care  is  necessary  in  the  matter 
of  diet,  and  moderation  in  quantity  and  quality  are  material 
points.  When  the  appropriate  remedies  are  judiciously  em- 
ployed, and  the  proper  regimen  strictly  adhered  to,  epilepsy  is 
often  permanently  cured,  and  the  suffering  is  greatly  mit- 
igated even  in  those  forms  which  do  not  admit  of  cure. 

Eclectic  Treatment  for  Epilepsy. 

Observe  the  same  general  treatment  as  before  recommended. 
Give  an  emetic.  The  following  is  a good  one : Pulverized 
lobelia,  one  ounce  ; pulverized  bloodroot,  one-half  ounce  ; seneca, 
one  scruple  ; ipecac,  six  drams  ; cayenne,  four  scruples.  Mix. 
Dose,  half  a teaspoonful  in  warm  water;  repeat  three  or  four 
times,  at  intervals  of  fifteen  minutes. 

Bathe  the  feet  and  legs  in  warm  water ; apply  mustard 
poultices  to  the  nape  of  the  neck;  keep  the  bowels  open  ; and 
remove  all  tight  bandages,  and  give  plenty  of  fresh  air.  An 
excellent  preparation  is  the  following  : Peony,  one  ounce  ; Peru- 
vian bark,  one  ounce ; valerian,  one  ounce ; snakeroot,  one-half 
ounce.  Simmer  them  together  in  two  quarts  of  water  till  re- 
duced to  one  ; add  one  pound  of  sugar.  Give  the  patient  from 
one-half  to  a wineglassful  three  times  a day. 

On  the  approach  of  a fit,  give  a teaspoonful  of  fine  salt 
three  times  a day ; it  will  shorten  the  patient’s  sufferings.  A 
person  liable  to  this  affliction  should  exercise  the  greatest  cau- 
tion in  regulating  the  passions. 

ERUPTIVE  DISEASES  OF  THE  SCALP. 

These  are  commonly  very  obstinate  and  difficult  to  cure ; 
keeping  the  hair  cut  short,  great  cleanliness,  and  regular  appli- 
cation of  the  prescribed  remedies  are  essential  to  success  in  the 
treatment  of  such ; the  head  should  be  washed  at  least  once  a day 
with  a strong  lather  of  Castile  soap.  The  red  precipitate  oint- 
ment is  often  of  essential  service  in  these  scalp  eruptions,  but 
its  application  is  useless  over  scabs ; they  should  be  removed 


158 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


previously  by  means  of  poultices.  Alkaline  lotions  have  been 
used  with  good  effect — about  two  drams  of  subcarbonate  of  soda, 
dissolved  in  one  and  a half  pints  of  water,  is  perhaps  the  best 
form  ; a piece  of  lint  saturated  with  it  should  be  laid  over  the 
head,  and  covered  with  oiled  silk  or  thin  gutta-percha. 

The  patient  should  be  put  under  a course  of  alterative  medi- 
cines, and  these,  with  strict  attention  to  cleanliness,  will  effect  a 
cure  quickly  and  safely. 

When  there  is  a full  habit,  with  a tendency  to  eruptions  of 
the  scalp,  the  diet  should  be  somewhat  lowered.  Mild  and  fari- 
naceous food  should  be  in  a great  measure  substituted  for  flesh. 
But  if  the  habit  be  weakly,  the  diet  must  be  rendered  more 
nourishing  and  stimulating ; in  all  cases  of  the  kind  salt  meats 
should  be  avoided. 

ERYSIPELAS. 

This  disease  has  been  popularly  known  as  the  Rose,  from 
its  red  color ; and  as  St.  Anthony’s  Fire,  partly  from  its  burning 
heat,  and  partly  because  the  saint  whose  name  it  bore  was  sup- 
posed to  have  the  power  of  curing  it  with  a touch.  There 
are  several  species  of  this  disease ; but  without  going  into  the 
particular  characteristics  of  each,  it  will  be  sufficient  for  us  to 
state  what  are  the  general  symptoms  of  erysipelatous  inflamma- 
tion, and  the  best  remedial  measures. 

Causes. — Changes  of  cold  and  heat  or  peculiar  conditions 
of  the  atmosphere  may  be  named  among  the  predisposing 
causes  of  this  disease.  The  slightest  puncture  or  scratch  of  the 
skin  is  often  the  beginning  of  an  attack  cf  this  disease; 
it  is  very  contagious,  and  its  appearance  in  an  hospital  ward 
is  greatly  dreaded,  as  wounds  and  amputated  parts,  which  up 
to  the  time  of  this  visitation  have  been  going  on  extremely 
well,  frequently  assume  an  inflamed  or  gangrenous  character, 
which  leads  to  a fatal  termination  of  the  case.  In  a house 
where  a confinement  is  likely  to  take  place,  erysipelas  should  be 
carefully  guarded  against,  as  there  is  undoubtedly  a close  con- 
nection between  it  and  childbed  fever,  which  is  so  frequently 
fatal. 

Among  the  predisposing  causes  of  erysipelas  may  be  men- 
tioned want  of  cleanliness,  insufficiency  or  bad  quality  of  food, 
irregularity  of  living,  wounds  and  sores. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  of  an  attack  are  usualty  of  a 
febrile  character,  such  as  shivering,  headache,  furred  tongue,  ac- 
celerated pulse,  and  often  derangement  of  the  stomach  for  a day 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


159 


or  two  previously ; then  there  is  a tingling  and  burning  sensa- 
tion, with  stiffness  and  pain,  at  some  particular  part,  followed 
by  a discoloration  of  the  skin,  and  a slight  elevation  of  the  sur- 
face ; the  red  or  purplish  tint  is  confined  at  first  to  one  spot, 
but  soon  extends,  and  includes  the  limb  or  part  affected ; 
frequently  this  is  the  head,  which,  with  the  face,  becomes  so 
swollen  and  disfigured  that  the  patient  cannot  be  recognized ; 
the  eyelids  puff  out  and  entirely  close  the  eyes,  and  each  avenue 
to  the  senses  is  for  a time  closed.  In  very  bad  cases  delirium 
and  coma  come  on,  and  death  ensues  from  effusion  on  the  brain ; 
sometimes  the  patient  dies  from  suffocation,  the  glottis  being 
closed,  on  account  of  the  internal  swelling  of  the  throat ; and  all 
this  may  take  place  in  a few  hours,  so  rapid  is  the  progress  of 
the  disease.  In  the  milder  forms,  the  patient  may  be  tranquil ; 
until  the  swelling  subsides,  there  will  be  a little  wandering  of 
the  mind  probably,  more  particularly  at  night,  and  uneasy  rest- 
lessness from  the  pain  and  inconvenience  of  the  swelling.  As 
the  redness  extends  from  the  part  first  affected,  that  part  be- 
comes paler,  the  swelling  there  subsides,  and  sometimes  blisters, 
like  those  caused  by  a scald,  appear  on  the  surface ; if  the  in- 
flammation is  merely  superficial,  it  is  neither  very  troublesome 
nor  dangerous  ; but  when  it  becomes  phlegmonous — that  is,  dips 
down  and  affects  the  deeply-seated  tissues,  there  is  great  cause 
for  alarm  ; when  this  is  the  case  the  color  is  generally  very  florid, 
the  tingling  and  the  burning  sensation  severe,  and  the  surface 
hard  and  firm  to  the  touch.  The  young  and  sanguine  are  most 
likely  to  be  affected  in  this  way  ; those  of  a feebler  habit  more 
commonly  suffer  from  the  edematous  form  of  the  disease  ; in  this 
the  parts  affected  are  of  a paler  red,  softer,  and  inelastic,  so  that 
they  pit  on  pressure. 

There  is  a variety  of  erysipelas  called  infantile , which 
affects  infants  at  birth;  it  commences  generally  at  the  navel, 
and  extends  quickly  to  the  extremities,  which  are  hard,  firm, 
and  much  swollen,  and  prone  to  become  gangrenous. 

The  chief  characteristics  of  erysipelas  are  its  sudden  appear- 
ance, red  color,  tendency  to  spread,  febrile  symptoms,  heat  and 
tenderness  of  the  skin,  and  blistered  surface.  We  call  especial 
attention  to  these,  because  many  affections  of  the  skin  are 
thought  to  be  this,  although  they  bear  but  a slight  resemblance 
to  it. 

Treatment . — The  great  object  is  to  conduct  the  patient 
safely  through  the  disease.  First  administer  a cooling  aperient. 
The  patient  must  be  kept  on  a spare  diet,  taking  nothing  but 


160 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


mild  diluent  drinks ; but,  should  the  strength  rapidly  decline, 
tonics  must  be  administered.  Quinine  is  the  best,  in  two  or 
three  grain  doses  every  four  hours ; let  the  vehicle  be  wine  ; if 
the  stomach  will  not  bear  this,  try  an  enema  of  thin  starch, 
with  three  grains  of  the  above  tonic  in  it.  To  allay  the  burn- 
ing and  itching,  try  bathing  with  tepid  water,  poppy  fomenta- 
tions, or  a tea  made  of  buckwheat  meal ; a line  drawn  round  the 
diseased  part  with  caustic,  so  as  to  make  a band  about  one  inch 
in  breadth,  will  frequently  stop  the  spreading  of  the  inflamma- 
tion ; care  must  be  taken  that  no  skin  untouched  by  the  caustic 
is  left  in  the  breadth  of  the  band.  A lotion  of  lunar  caustic,  in 
the  proportion  of  one  scruple  to  one  ounce  of  water,  may  also  be 
applied  with  a camel’s-hair  brush  over  the  whole  inflamed  surface. 
In  phlegmonous  erysipelas,  hot  fomentations  and  poultices  must 
at  once  be  resorted  to,  and  this,  as  before  mentioned,  should 
be  under  the  direction  of  the  medical  adviser.  Carbolized  vase- 
line is  a very  excellent  application. 

The  proper  treatment  of  infantile  erysipelas  is  to  foment 
the  inflamed  parts  with  a strong  and  hot  poppy  decoction, 
and  give  every  hour  or  two  a tablespoonful  of  decoction  of 
bark,  or  of  this  mixture:  Sulphate  of  quinine,  six  grains;  di- 
luted sulphuric  acid,  twelve  grains ; tincture  of  gentian,  two 
drams.  A teaspoonful  to  be  given  every  two  hours.  An  enema 
of  beef  tea  or  mutton  broth  should  be  given  if  the  patient  seems 
to  require  it. 

If  it  assumes  a severe  form,  all  the  hair  should  be  cut  or 
shaved  off  the  parts  near  where  it  commences.  If  not  severe, 
it  is  best  not  to  discolor  the  skin  by  applying  caustic,  but  to 
use  a lotion  comp*  sed  thus  : Sugar  of  lead,  one  dram  ; rain  or 

distilled  water,  one  pint.  Mix.  Add  tincture  of  opium,  one 
dram.  Wet  rags  to  be  kept  applied. 

Eclectic  Treatment  for  Erysipelas, 

A poultice  of  cranberries  has  been  found  of  great  service. 
Boil  till  soft,  mix  with  flour,  and  apply  to  the  part  affected. 
Poultices  of  elm  bark  and  hop  yeast  have  produced  marked 
relief  in  allaying  pain  and  healing  the  ulcerated  surface.  In 
chronic  erysipelas,  where  it  breaks  out  every  few  months,  the 
following  is  very  beneficial : Take  one  ounce  each  of  blue  flag 
root,  yellow  dock  root,  burdock  root,  bark  of  bittersweet  root, 
sassafras  bark,  and  two  ounces  of  elder  flower.  Add  six  pints 
of  boiling  water ; cover  the  vessel,  and  let  it  steep  for  twenty- 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


161 


four  hours;  press  the  herbs;  strain  and  sweeten.  Dose,  a 
wineglassful  three  times  a day.  Washing  the  parts  affected  two 
or  three  times  a week  in  weak  lye  water  is  very  beneficial. 

EXHAUSTION. 

The  diminished  power  either  of  the  body  generally,  or  of 
one  or  more  of  its  organs,  to  continue  its  natural  active  oper- 
ations, until  it  has  been  recruited  by  a period  of  repose. 

Treatment . — Exhaustion  is  commonly  induced  by  excess 
of  labor  or  long  continued  exertion  ; in  these  cases  work  of  the 
stomach  must  be  made  as  light  as  possible,  consistent  with 
conveying  proper  nourishment  into  the  system.  Small  quanti- 
ties of  food  should  be  taken  at  a time  and  frequently  repeated. 
In  the  majority  of  instances,  the  most  efficient  nourishment  will 
be  strong  concentrated  animal  soup,  either  alone  or  with  bread  ; 
and  next  in  utility  will  be  coffee  or  cocoa,  along  with  bread  or 
biscuit,  or  with  the  yolk  of  an  egg  beaten  into  it.  The  use 
of  wines  and  spirits  should  be  avoided  if  possible ; but  if 
extreme  exhaustion  exists,  they  will  be  found  excellent  agents 
for  restoring  the  vital  powers.  A warm  bath  is  also  very  help- 
ful and  efficacious  in  cases  of  exhaustion.  In  cases  of  extreme 
exhaustion,  the  following  may  be  used  as  a substitute  for  stimu- 
lants : Chop  some  lean  beef  into  small  pieces,  inclose  it  in  a jar, 
and  set  it  in  an  oven,  or  on  the  stove  for  an  hour  and  a half. 
Separate  the  fat  by  means  of  a piece  of  blotting  paper,  when  a 
clear  amber-colored  liquid  is  obtained,  of  an  aromatic  flavor, 
very  stimulating  to  the  brain. 

EYES. 

Very  simple  remedies  are  often  the  most  useful  that  can 
be  employed  in  eye  complaints.  For  inflammatory  affections, 
give  the  eyes  perfect  rest.  Bathe  them  with  a little  warm  water. 
Poultices  of  hops  or  poppy  leaves  are  very  good.  If  the  pain  is 
very  severe,  use  stramonium  leaves.  The  following  is  an  excel- 
lent eyewash : Yellow  root,  one-half  ounce  ; green  tea,  one- 

half  ounce ; boiling  water,  one  pint.  Steep  together,  and  add 
sulphate  of  zinc,  one  dram.  When  cold,  strain  through  a white 
flannel.  When  the  inflammation  has  decreased,  use  a wash 
compound  of  one  dram  each  of  powdered  white  hazel  and  golden 
seal  leaves,  with  one  gill  of  boiling  water.  Let  the  powders 
remain  about  ten  or  fifteen  minutes,  then  strain ; bathe  the  eye 
frequently  during  the  day. 


162 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


For  chronic  inflammation  of  the  eyes,  an  excellent  remedy 
is  the  following : Dissolve  one  ounce  of  gum  camphor  and  two 

ounces  of  turkey  oil ; pour  a few  drops  of  alcohol  on  the  cam- 
phor to  cause  it  to  pulverize ; then  add  the  oil,  and  rub  them  in 
a mortar  till  dissolved.  Anoint  the  eyes  two  or  three  times  a 
day. 

Care  of  the  Eyes. 

The  eyes  are  in  such  sympathy  with  the  body  that  a dis- 
ordered stomach,  enervating  pursuits,  or  unwholesome  diet  or 
air  will  at  once  affect  them.  These  matters  should  be  studiously 
attended  to.  In  reading  or  sewing  always  let  the  light  strike 
from  behind,  and  not  in  front  of  the  eyes.  Many  eyes  have 
been  ruined  by  not  attending  to  this  matter.  Glasses  should  be 
worn  when  difficulty  is  experienced  in  reading  a book  held  less 
than  eight  inches  from  the  eye.  Glasses,  if  properly  adjusted, 
will  not  injure  the  sight,  but  preserve  it.  It  is  better,  there- 
fore, to  use  glasses  as  soon  as  they  are  needed.  Avoid  quack 
eye  ointments  and  washes.  If  the  eye  is  diseased  or  gives  you 
trouble,  consult  a reputable  oculist.  Practice  temperance  in  all 
things. 

FAINTING. 

(, Syncope .) 

This  is  a state  of  total  or  partial  unconsciousness,  occa- 
sioned by  diminished  action  of  the  heart,  causing  less  rapid  cir- 
culation of  blood  through  the  brain. 

Causes . — The  causes  of  it  are  various,  and  sometimes  very 
peculiar,  such  as  a particular  smell ; that  of  a rose,  for  instance, 
has  been  known  to  occasion  it ; certain  objects  presented  to  the 
sight ; surprise,  joy,  fear,  or  any  sudden  emotions  ; loss  of  blood, 
or  anything  which  tends  to  debilitate  the  system  by  diminishing 
the  vital  energy. 

Symptoms. — The  first  sensation  of  fainting  to  the  patient 
himself  is  generally  a singing  in  the  ears ; then  the  sight  be- 
comes confused,  and  all  the  senses  deadened ; a clammy  sweat 
breaks  out  over  the  person,  the  countenance  becomes  deadly 
pale,  and  the  limbs  refuse  to  support  the  weight  of  the  body, 
which  sinks  to  the  earth  as  helpless  and  motionless  as  a corpse ; 
indeed,  the  condition  so  closely  resembles  that  of  death,  that  it  is 
difficult  to  distinguish  it  therefrom.  This  is  a complete  faint; 
frequently  the  fits  are  only  partial,  and  very  limited  in  duration. 

Treatment. — Place  the  patient  in  a horizontal  position  ; 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


163 


free  the  face,  neck,  and  upper  part  of  the  chest  from  all  incum- 
brances ; let  the  fresh  air  play  freely  upon  them,  and  sprinkle 
the  former  with  cold  water  ; holding  to  the  nostrils  from  time 
to  time  some  volatile  stimulant,  such  as  hartshorn  or  ammonia ; 
as  soon  as  swallowing  can  be  accomplished,  administer  about 
thirty  drops  of  spirit  of  wine,  or  sal  volatile,  in  water.  The 
after-treatment  will  of  course  depend  on  the  cause. 

As  the  first  stage  of  some  forms  of  apoplexy  and  paralysis  is 
one  of  faintness,  a little  discrimination  should  be  used  in  the 
administration  of  stimulants.  Where  the  seizure,  too,  is  in  con- 
sequence of  loss  of  blood,  no  violent  efforts  at  restoration  should 
for  a time  be  made,  as  this  state  is  necessary  for  the  patient’s 
safety. 

Persons  subject  to  fainting  should  be  careful  in  frequent- 
ing crowded  rooms,  or  going  anywhere  where  the  air  is  bad. 
Tight  dresses  should  be  avoided;  and  no  excitement  be  allowed. 
A well  regulated  diet,  cold  bathing,  and  vegetable  tonics  will 
usually  cure  this  distressing  infirmity. 

FALLING  OF  THE  BOWEL. 

Prolapse  of  the  rectum  most  frequently  occurs  with  chil- 
dren and  aged  persons,  though  it  takes  place  at  all  ages,  and  com- 
monly in  connection  wfith  piles,  irritation  from  worms,  or  stone 
in  the  bladder;  much  straining  of  the  bowels  at  stools  will  also 
occasion  it. 

Treatment . — The  bowel  may  be  returned  without  diffi- 
culty, by  means  of  gentle  pressure  with  the  fingers,  covered  with 
oil.  If  allowed  to  remain  down  long,  it  will  become  swollen, 
congested,  and  require  the  aid  of  a physician.  Children  so 
affected  should  have  their  bowels  kept  in  a lax  state  Fia  94 
with  gentle  aperients,  and  they  should  not  be  suffered 
to  remain  long  on  the  stool;  the  loins  should  also  be 
bathed  with  cold  water  ; and  an  enema,  consisting  of  a 
grain  of  sulphate  of  iron,  dissolved  in  an  ounce  of  rain- 
water, should  be  thrown  into  the  bowels  after  each 
motion. 

For  this  kind  of  prolapsus  a pessary  is  seldom  neces- 
sary, but  a bandage  like  Fig.  94  may  be  used  with  ad- 
vantage. Here  we  have  a centerpiece,  tolerably  broad, 
to  which  is  attached  an  oval  pad  of  some  smooth,  bard 
material ; a back  strap  passes  up,  and  fastens  to  a belt 
around  the  body;  and  another  strap,  in  two  divisions, 
goes  up  the  front,  and  also  fastens  to  the  belt.  This,  if  properly 


164 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


managed,  will  exert  all  the  pressure  necessary  to  keep  the 
bowel  from  protruding. 

FELONS. 

As  soon  as  the  disease  is  felt,  put  directly  over  the  spot  a 
fly  blister,  about  the  size  of  your  thumb-nail,  and  let  it  remain 
for  six  hours,  at  the  expiration  of  which  time,  directly  under 
the  surface  of  the  blister  may  be  seen  the  felon,  which  can  be 
instantly  taken  out  with  the  point  of  a needle. 

Another  speedy  cure  is,  take  half  a teaspoonful  of  soft  soap, 
and  stir  in  air-slaked  lime  until  it  is  thick  as  putty.  Make  a 
leather  thimble,  fill  it  with  the  mixture,  and  wear. 

FEVERS  IN  GENERAL. 

A fever  is  the  most  general  disease  of  the  human  race.  It 
attacks  all  ages,  sexes,  and  constitutions.  Fevers  may  be  divided 
into  three  classes,  viz.,  continual , remitting , and  intermitting.  A 
continual  fever  is  that  which  never  leaves  the  patient  during  the 
whole  course  of  the  disease.  This  kind  of  fever  is  divided  into 
acute , slow , and  malignant.  The  fever  is  called  acute  when  its 
progress  is  quick  and  symptoms  violent ; but,  when  these  are 
more  gentle,  it  is  called  slow.  When  livid  spots  appear,  it  is 
called  malignant , putrid,  or  black  fever.  A remitting  fever  dif- 
fers only  from  a continual  in  a degree  ; it  has  frequent  increases 
and  decreases,  but  never  wholly  leaves  the  patient  during  the 
course  of  the  disease.  Intermitting  fevers  (agues)  are  those 
which,  during  the  time  the  patient  may  be  said  to  be  ill,  have 
evident  intervals  and  abatements  of  the  various  symptoms. 

A fever  is  an  effort  of  nature  to  free  the  body  from  some 
offending  cause,  and  it  only  requires  attention  to  observe  the 
way  nature  points,  and  endeavor  to  assist  her  operations.  Our 
bodies  naturally  throw  off,  or  expel,  whatever  is  injurious  to  the 
health.  This  is  generally  accomplished  by  sweating,  and  expec- 
toration, or  evacuation  of  the  bowels  and  kidneys,  and  there  are 
reasons  to  believe  that  if  the  efforts  of  nature  were  attended  to 
and  assisted  at  the  beginning  of  fevers,  they  would  seldom  last 
very  long ; but  if  the  efforts  are  neglected  or  counteracted,  the 
disease  is  prolonged  and  proves  fatal.  We  here  give  a few  gen- 
eral causes,  symptoms,  and  remedies  which  are  applicable  to 
most  fevers  at  the  commencement. 

Causes . — The  causes  are  obstructed  perspiration,  neg- 
lected colds,  intemperance,  and  sometimes  infections. 

Symptoms . — Sickness,  a sense  of  weakness  or  languor, 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


165 


pains  in  the  head,  back,  and  limbs ; chills  or  shivering  alternat- 
ing with  fever,  thirst,  a furred  tongue,  unpleasant  taste,  a dry, 
hot  skin,  and  a quick  pulse. 

Treatment . — If  the  stomach  is  oppressed  or  overloaded, 
take  an  emetic  : Flour  of  mustard,  one  ounce  ; warm  water,  half 
a pint.  Mix.  Take  half  of  it,  and  if  it  does  not  act  in  fifteen 
minutes,  take  the  other  half ; drink  warm  camomile  tea  to  help 
its  operation;  when  it  has  acted  freely,  take  a mild  purgative. 
When  the  bowels  have  acted  freely,  take  the  following:  Tinc- 
ture of  aconite  root,  one  drop  in  water  every  four  hours,  alter- 
nating with  one  drop  tincture  of  belladonna,  also  in  water. 

FEVER  AND  AGUE. 

( Intermittent  Fever.') 

A fever  is  said  to  be  intermittent  when  it  consists  of  a suc- 
ce*ssion  of  paroxysms,  between  each  of  which  there  is  a distinct 
and  perfect  intermission  from  fever  symptoms.  Ague  is  of  three 
kinds,  called  quotidian  (the  fit  comes  on  about  every  twenty-four 
hours)  ; tertian  (or  the  fit  comes  on  every  forty-eight  hours) ; 
quartan  (or  the  attack  comes  on  about  every  seventy-two  hours). 

Causes . — Living  near  or  being  exposed  to  stagnant  water, 
especially  in  the  hot  weather  ; poor  diet,  great  fatigue,  sleeping 
in  damp  rooms  or  beds,  wearing  damp  or  wet  linen,  or  being 
exposed  long  and  often  to  a moist  atmosphere,  seem  to  dispose 
one  to  ague. 

Symptoms. — The  cold  stage  commences  with  a sense  of 
languor  and  debility ; frequent  stretching  and  yawning,  pain  in 
the  head  and  loins,  sometimes  sickness  and  vomiting,  small,  fre- 
quent, and  irregular  pulse,  high  colored  urine.  This  is  suc- 
ceeded by  a violent  shivering  and  shaking,  the  patient  feels  very 
cold,  and  the  breathing  is  frequent  and  anxious,  sensibility  is 
much  impaired.  After  a time  these  symptoms  abate,  and  the 
second  stage  commences  with  an  increase  of  heat  and  fever  all 
over  the  body,  redness  of  the  face,  dryness  of  the  skin,  thirst,  pain 
in  the  head,  throbbing  temples,  the  tongue  furred,  the  pulse 
becomes  hard,  full,  and  regular;  when  these  symptoms  have 
continued  some  time,  a moisture  breaks  out  on  the  forehead, 
which  by  degrees  becomes  general  all  over  the  body,  and  the 
fever  abates;  the  urine  deposits  a sediment;  the  breathing  and 
pulse  are  more  natural,  and  the  attack  is  over,  but  leaves  the 
patient  in  a weak  condition. 

Treatment. — In  the  cold  stage,  give  warm  drinks,  such 


166 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


as  barley  water,  weak  tea,  or  weak  wine  and  water.  Apply 
external  warmth  by  means  of  extra  clothing,  hot  bottles  to  the 
feet,  mustard  footbaths,  bags  of  heated  bran,  baked  salt,  etc. 
In  this  stage,  an  opiate  is  often  beneficial ; give  twenty-five  to 
thirty  drops  of  laudanum,  with  an  equal  quantity  of  ether,  in  a 
glass  of  water.  During  the  hot  stage,  an  opposite  mode  of 
treatment  must  be  adopted.  Sponge  the  surface  with  tepid  or 
cold  water,  give  cold  diluent  or  iced  drinks,  and  administer  a 
full  dose  of  laudanum.  When  the  hot  stage  has  subsided  into 
the  sweating  stage  the  action  of  the  skin  should  be  encouraged 
by  tepid  drinks  ; and  if  the  system  is  much  exhausted  weak 
spirit  and  water  in  small  quantities  may  be  taken  occasionally. 
During  the  intermissions,  administer  active  aperients,  as  five 
grains  of  calomel,  with  three  grains  of  compound  extract  of 
colocynth,  followed  by  a mild  physic,  as  castor  oil.  Give 
Peruvian  bark  or  elixir  of  calisaya,  and  combine  with  it  wine 
and  aromatics.  A light  diet  and  moderate  exercise  should  be 
enjoined.  Quinine  is  a very  powerful  agent  in  ague ; two  or 
three  grains  of  this  medicine,  administered  twice  or  thrice  daily, 
with  such  nourishing  diet  as  the  patient  can  take,  will,  in  ordi- 
nary cases,  put  a speedy  end  to  the  disease.  In  cases  of  long 
standing,  which  resist  the  usual  modes  of  treatment,  the  follow- 
ing remedy  may  be  used  : Iodide  of  potassium,  one  and  a half 

drams ; peppermint  water,  twelve  ounces ; take  two  tablespoon- 
fuls every  four  hours.  One  or  two  grains  of  sulphate  of  quinine 
may  be  added  to  each  dose.  Agues  are  liable  to  return,  the 
persons  subject  to  the  complaint  are  always  made  aware  of  its 
approach.  In  such  cases,  the  attack  may  be  rendered  milder  by 
taking  one  scruple  of  ipecac  in  an  ounce  of  water,  as  an  emetic, 
an  hour  before  the  attack.  Sick  persons  should  also  take  doses 
of  sulphate  of  quinine  twice  a day  for  three  or  four  weeks,  in 
spring  and  autumn,  and  also  avoid  the  early  morning  air,  until 
some  warm  fluid  or  food  has  been  introduced  into  the  stomach. 

BILIOUS  OR  REMITTENT  FEVER. 

When  a fever  is  accompanied  with  the  frequent  or  copious 
vomiting  of  bile,  the  fever  is  denominated  bilious.  This  is  most 
frequent  in  the  country  at  the  latter  end  of  summer  or  begin- 
ning of  autumn. 

Causes * — These  are  exposure,  intemperance,  disorder  from 
cold  or  exposure,  similar  to  ague,  improper  living,  or  any  course 
of  life  that  deranges  the  liver. 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


167 


Symptoms. — Frequent  shiverings,  and  vomiting  of  bile, 
and  sometimes  purging,  as  in  bilious  diarrhoea,  also  fever  of 
remittent  type. 

Treatment. — Cleanse  the  stomach  with  the  following: 
Powdered  ipecac,  fifteen  grains ; water,  three  tablespoonfuls  ; 
mix  and  take  ; drink  warm  camomile  tea  till  it  operates  ; or 
Epsom  salts,  six  drams ; Glauber’s  salts,  three  drams ; infusion  of 
senna,  seven  ounces ; tincture  of  jalap,  half  an  ounce  ; com- 
pound tincture  of  cardamoms,  one  ounce ; mix,  and  take  two 
tablespoonfuls  every  four  hours  till  it  operates  freely.  To  allay 
the  fever,  aconite  may  be  given  as  for  fevers  in  general,  or  sweet 
spirits  of  niter,  one-half  to  one  teaspoonful  every  four  hours. 

When  the  fever  has  subsided,  take  for  a week  or  two  the 
following  pills : Sulphate  of  quinine,  two  drams ; extract  of 

gentian,  three  drams ; mix  well ; divide  into  sixty  pills,  and  take 
one  every  four  hours. 

ACUTE  OR  INFLAMMATORY  FEVER. 

This  usually  attacks  the  young,  or  those  in  the  prime  or 
vigor  of  life,  especially  such  as  live  well,  and  are  full  of  blood. 
It  attacks  at  all  periods  of  the  year,  but  is  most  frequent  in 
spring  and  early  summer. 

Causes. — Anything  that  deranges  the  body,  as  violent 
exercise,  sleeping  in  the  sun,  drinking  strong  liquors,  etc.  It 
may  also  be  caused  by  lying  on  the  damp  ground,  drinking  cold 
water  when  heated,  being  exposed  to  storms,  and  the  like. 

Symptoms. — It  usually  commences  with  a chill,  which  is 
soon  succeeded  by  a burning  heat,  quick,  full  pulse,  pain  in  the 
head,  redness  of  the  eyes,  flushed  countenance,  dry  skin, 
pain  in  the  back,  loins,  etc.  To  these  succeed  difficulty  of 
breathing,  sickness,  inclination  to  vomit,  want  of  appetite,  furred 
tongue,  and  high  colored  urine.  Delirium,  great  oppression  of 
the  breast,  laborious  breathing,  frequent  startings,  hiccoughs,  and 
cold,  clammy  sweats,  and  great  restlessness  are  very  dangerous 
symptoms. 

Treatment. — If  vomiting  be  indicated,  give  an  emetic. 
The  sweet  spirits  of  niter  may  be  given  in  teaspoonful  doses  every 
four  hours  until  sweating  occurs,  the  patient  may  be  bathed  with 
alcohol  and  water.  Give  warm  drinks,  as  hot  lemonade,  to  favor 
sweating,  or  quinine  in  three  grain  doses  every  four  hours,  or 
aconite  in  drop  doses.  Dover’s  powder  in  a dose  of  ten  grains 
may  be  given  to  promote  rest  at  night. 


168 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


SLOW  OR  NERVOUS  FEVER. 

This  is  a common  form  of  fever  among  the  sedentary,  or 
those  of  weak,  relaxed  habits. 

Causes . — Whatever  depresses  the  spirits,  or  impoverishes 
the  blood,  as  grief,  fear,  anxiety,  want  of  sleep,  intense  thought, 
living  on  insufficient  diet,  unripe  fruits  or  unwholesome  vege- 
tables, as  cucumbers,  melons,  mushrooms,  or  the  like  ; also  damp, 
unwholesome  air.  Hence  it  is  common  in  rainy  seasons,  or 
among  those  who  live  in  damp  places. 

Symptoms. — Low  spirits,  want  of  appetite,  weariness, 
watchfulness,  deep  sighing,  and  dejection  of  mind  are  mostly  the 
forerunners  of  this  disease.  These  are  succeeded  by  a quick 
pulse,  a dry  tongue,  without  great  thirst,  chills  and  fever.  After 
some  time,  the  patient  feels  a giddiness  and  pain  in  the  head,  a 
sickly  feeling,  with  retching  and  vomiting ; the  pulse  is  quick 
and  intermittent,  the  breathing  is  difficult,  with  oppression  of 
the  breast,  and  sometimes  slight  delirium, — when,  towards  the 
ninth,  tenth,  or  twelfth  day,  the  tongue  becomes  moist,  with  a 
plentiful  flow  of  saliva,  or  there  is  moisture  on  the  skin,  or  some 
eruption  takes  place  about  the  nose  or  lips.  The  patient  may  be 
regarded  as  better  and  the  danger  passed ; but  if  there  be  exces- 
sive looseness  of  the  bowels,  wasting  sweats,  with  frequent 
fainting  fits,  and  the  tongue  when  put  out  trembles  much,  the 
extremities  feel  cold,  with  a fluttering  pulse,  then  the  condition 
resembles  typhoid  fever. 

Treatment. — Take  the  remedies  recommended  for  acute 
fever.  When  the  fever  subsides,  give  the  following  cordial : 
Carbonate  of  ammonia,  one-half  dram  ; compound  tincture  of 
cinnamon,  three  drams ; syrup  of  ginger,  six  drams ; com- 
pound spirits  of  lavender,  one-half  ounce  ; pure  water,  three 
ounces ; camphor  mixture,  eight  ounces.  Mix.  Take  three 
tablespoonfuls  three  times  a day.  The  diet  must  be  light  but 
nourishing. 

TYPHUS  FEVER. 

Typhus  fever  is  a kind  of  contagious  fever,  characterized  by 
the  ordinary  symptoms  of  other  fevers,  accompanied  with  debil- 
ity in  the  nervous  and  vascular  systems,  and  a tendency  to 
putrefaction. 

Causes. — The  cause  of  typhus  is  contagion,  the  activity  of 
which  is  much  increased  by  the  crowding  of  human  beings  into 
close,  ill-ventilated  and  filthy  places  with  insufficient  nutriment, 
and  other  causes  which  tend  to  depress  the  vital  power.  It  is 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


169 


eminently  contagious  and  infectious,  and  often  prevails  epidem- 
ically in  jails,  on  shipboard,  and  in  famine  stricken  regions. 

Symptoms, — The  symptoms  are  great  prostration  of 
strength,  high  fever,  weak  and  irregular  pulse,  nausea,  vomiting, 
Hushed  countenance,  parched  and  furred  tongue,  and  excessive 
thirst.  In  the  worst  cases  black  or  purple  spots  appear  on  the  skin ; 
there  is  a peculiar  fetid  smell,  and  sometimes  there  are  discharges 
of  blood.  The  duration  of  this  fever  is  uncertain:  sometimes  it 
terminates  between  the  seventh  and  fourteenth  day,  and  some- 
times it  is  prolonged  five  or  six  weeks.  Its  duration  depends 
greatly  upon  the  constitution  of  the  patient,  and  the  manner  of 
treating  the  disease.  The  most  favorable  symptoms  are  a warm 
sweat  after  the  fourth  or  fifth  day.  This  will  continue  some  time 
and  carry  off  the  fever.  Eruptions  about  the  mouth  and  nose 
may  be  regarded  as  favorable. 

The  unfavorable  symptoms  are  excessive  looseness  of  the 
bowels,  with  a hard,  swelled  abdomen,  black  or  livid  blotches 
breaking  out  on  the  skin,  sore  mouth,  cold,  clammy  sweat,  change 
of  voice,  inability  to  put  out  the  tongue,  a constant  inclination 
to  uncover  the  breast,  difficulty  of  swallowing,  sweat,  and  sputum 
tinged  with  blood,  and  the  urine  black,  or  depositing  a black  sed- 
iment ; such  symptoms  indicate  death. 

Treatment. — In  the  early  stages  of  this  disease  it  is  best 
not  to  interfere  much  with  nature.  The  principal  aim  ought  to 
be  to  keep  up  the  patient’s  strength  until  the  fever  poison  has 
expended  itself.  When  seen  early,  however,  it  is  often  of  ad- 
vantage to  administer  an  emetic ; and  the  patient’s  uneasy  sen- 
sations will  be  much  soothed  by  sponging  the  surface  of  the  body 
with  cold  or  tepid  water.  When  the  powers  of  life  begin  to  fail 
a stimulating  course  of  treatment  should  be  commenced, — such 
as  strong  beef  or  chicken  tea,  with  wine  or  brandy  frequently 
administered,  taking  care  that  it  does  not  aggravate  the  febrile 
symptoms.  When  there  is  much  general  irritability  and  sleep- 
lessness, a dose  of  opium  may  be  given.  The  patient  should  be 
in  a large,  well-aired  apartment,  and  the  windows  kept  open  as 
much  as  possible.  As  the  patient  begins  to  recover,  a course  of 
tonics  will  be  necessary  to  expedite  his  restoration  to  health. 
The  attendants  usually  contract  this  fever. 

TYPHOID  FEVER. 

Typhoid  fever  resembles  in  its  main  features  that  of  typhus  ; 
and  formerly  the  two  were  regarded  as  but  two  stages  of  the 
same  affection. 


170 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


Symptoms . — Typhoid  fever  usually  commences  more  in- 
sidiously and  more  gradually  than  typhus.  The  sufferer  is  less 
dull  and  stupid,  but  more  anxious,  and  during  the  delirium  de- 
cidedly more  active,  and  even  vivacious.  Diarrhoea  is  almost 
always  present  in  typhoid  fever.  The  eruption  consists  of 
rose-colored  spots,  thinly  scattered.  Typhoid  fever  is  most  com- 
mon in  youth,  and  rarely  attacks  persons  after  forty,  while  typhus 
may  occur  at  any  age.  Typhoid  fever  is  a disease  of  the  bowels 
and  hemorrhage  is  frequent  in  the  latter  stages  of  the  disease. 

Treatment . — In  general  the  treatment  required  in  both 
cases  is  alike,  except  in  one  or  two  particulars.  At  the  com- 
mencement of  typhoid,  aperients  should  rarely  be  given,  in  con- 
sequence of  the  tendency  to  diarrhoea.  The  intestinal  irritation 
and  diarrhoea  require  for  their  treatment  astringents,  combined 
with  opium,  which  may  be  administered  either  by  the  mouth  or 
rectum.  If  there  be  hemorrhage  from  the  bowels,  cold  ought  to 
be  applied  carefully  over  the  abdomen.  During  convalescence, 
the  patient  requires  to  be  carefully  attended  as  relapses  are  apt 
to  occur  ; and  the  return  to  a generous  diet  must  be  very  cautious 
and  gradual.' 

YELLOW  FEVER. 

This  is  a disease  of  hot  climates,  which  takes  its  name  from 
one  of  its  symptoms. 

Causes. — Putrifying  vegetable  or  animal  substances  in  hot 
sultry  weather  favor  its  development.  It  is  an  epidemic  and 
very  contagious. 

Symptoms. — Costiveness,  dull  pain  in  the  right  side, 
want  of  appetite,  flatulence,  perverted  taste,  heat  in  the  stomach, 
giddiness,  or  pain  in  the  head  ; dull,  watery  yellow  eye ; dim  or 
imperfect  vision,  hoarseness,  slight  sore  throat,  and  other  symp- 
toms resembling  typhus. 

Treatment. — In  this  disease,  good  nursing  is  indispensa- 
ble. Let  the  patient  have  perfect  rest  and  quietness,  in  a well- 
ventilated  room.  In  the  early  stages  of  the  disease,  the  diet 
must  be  confined  to  preparations  of  sago,  arrowroot,  or  milk  ; but 
as  the  disease  advances,  give  animal  broths  made  of  lean  meat, 
thickened  with  bread  crumbs,  oatmeal  or  barley.  The  strictest 
attention  must  be  given  to  cleanliness,  and  the  linen  changed 
frequently.  If  the  stomach  be  very  irritable  and  the  vomiting 
violent,  give  the  following  preparation : Powdered  rhubarb, 
twenty  grains ; powdered  saleratus,  twenty  grains ; powdered 
peppermint,  one  teaspoonful ; laudanum,  fifteen  drops ; brandy, 
one  tablespoonful ; boiling  water,  one  gill.  Mix.  Sweeten  with 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


171 


loaf  sugar,  and  give  a tablespoonful  every  hour  till  the  symptoms 
change.  The  bowels  must  be  kept  open  as  in  all  fevers. 

Captain  Jonas  P.  Levy,  who  has  had  an  extensive  experi- 
ence with  yellow  fever,  states  that  he  never  knew  a case  to  termi- 
nate fatally,  under  the  following  treatment : — 

Dissolve  a tablespoonful  of  common  salt  in  a wineglassful  of 
water ; pour  it  into  a tumbler,  and  add  the  juice  of  a whole 
lemon  and  two  wineglassfuls  of  castor  oil.  An  adult  to  take  the 
whole  at  one  dose.  Then  give  a hot  mustard  footbath,  with  a 
handful  of  salt  in  the  water.  Wrap  the  patient  in  blankets  un- 
til he  perspires  freely.  Remove  to  the  bed,  and  well  wrap  the 
patient’s  feet  in  a blanket.  Afterward  apply  mustard  plasters 
to  the  abdomen,  legs,  and  soles  of  the  feet.  If  the  headache 
is  very  severe,  they  may  be  applied  to  the  head  and  temples. 
After  the  fever  has  been  broken,  take  forty  grains  of  quinine 
and  forty  drops  of  elixir  of  vitriol  to  a quart  of  water.  Give  a 
wineglassful  three  times  a day.  Barley  water,  lemonade,  and 
ice  water  may  be  used  in  moderation. 

FISTULA. 

This  is  a troublesome  ulcer  near  the  anus,  which  communi- 
cates with  the  rectum. 

Causes. — Persons  who  follow  sedentary  occupations  are 
more  liable  to  them. 

Treatment. — Sometimes  a cure  will  be  effected  by  at- 
tending to  the  general  health,  and  the  injection  of  some  astrin- 
gent lotion,  as  solution  of  sulphate  of  zinc  (forty  grains  to  one 
pint  of  water).  If  this  fails,  it  will  be  necessary  to  make  a com- 
plete division  with  the  knife  of  the  whole  of  the  parts  between 
tween  the  fistula  and  the  bowel,  and  the  edges  of  the  wound 
kept  apart  by  lint,  in  order  to  allow  the  cavity  to  fill  up  by  gran- 
ulation. 

FETID  BREATH. 

The  odor  of  the  breath  is  a pretty  correct  index  of  the  state 
of  the  body.  When  tainted  it  is  generally  from  decayed  teeth, 
or  from  a disordered  stomach. 

Treatment. — Rinse  the  mouth  out  two  or  three  times  a 
day  with  a weak  solution  of  cooking  soda,  or  wash  the  mouth 
with  salt  water  in  the  morning  and  keep  the  teeth  clean.  With 
a soft  wood  toothpick  remove  all  substance  which  has  lodged 
between  the  teeth  or  in  the  cavities,  then  brush  carefully  morn- 
ing and  night  using  some  good  tooth  powder.  See  pages  352  and 


172 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


353.  The  following  is  very  efficient : Take  of  common  salt,  one 
and  a half  ounces  ; tartrate  of  potassa  and  oil  of  bergamot,  of  each 
two  drams ; white  sugar  and  gum  tragacanth  in  powder,  of  each 
eight  ounces.  Dry  the  salt,  sugar,  and  gum  by  the  fire,  and  re- 
duce them  to  a very  fine  powder  in  a very  hot  mortar  ; make  the 
powder  into  a paste  with  a little  water  and  the  oil ; roll  the  paste 
out  to  about  the  eighth  of  an  inch,  and  divide  it  into  lozenges.  Dry 
them  in  a dish  or  basin  in  the  oven  ; when  perfectly  dry,  cover  them 
with  a coating  of  gum  tragacanth,  and  dry  them  again  afterwards 
quickly  by  the  fire.  Keep  them  in  a well-closed  box.  These 
lozenges  are  simply  chewed,  and  not  taken  internally,  nor  ought 
the  saliva  to  be  swallowed  that  is  secreted  while  chewing  them. 
When  you  have  finished  chewing,  rinse  the  mouth  with  water. 
These  lozenges  will  not  only  cure  foul  breath  but  will  take  away 
the  smell  of  tobacco  or  onions. 

GALL  STONES. 

Gall  stones  are  concretions,  sometimes  formed  in  the  gall 
bladder ; they  vary  greatly  in  size,  some  being  smaller  than  a 
pea,  and  some  as  large  as  a walnut ; they  often  remain  in  the 
gall  bladder  without  causing  any  uneasiness  ; but,  when  one  of 
any  considerable  size  passes  into  the  duct,  it  gives  rise  to  violent 
spasmodic  pains  which  cease  only  when  the  stone  has  effected  its 
passage  into  the  bowels.  The  gall  duct  is,  in  caliber,  no  larger 
than  an  ordinary  goose  quill,  and  therefore  this  operation  is  often 
a difficult  and  protracted  one  ; its  symptoms  are  agonizing  pain 
in  the  region  of  the  bladder,  often  accompanied  by  shivering  and 
vomiting ; when  the  obstruction  has  passed  into  the  common 
duct,  and  so  stopped  the  flow  of  bile  from  the  liver,  there  will  be 
jaundice,  with  white  and  chalky  stools.  When  there  are  these 
symptoms,  with  absence  of  pain  on  pressure,  and  no  fever,  we 
may  safely  conclude  that  inflammation  is  not  the  exciting  cause, 
but  gall  stones ; their  presence  in  the  faeces  may  be  easily  de- 
tected, as  they  float  upon  water. 

Treatment. — The  proper  treatment  in  an  attack  of  this 
kind  is  hot  applications  over  the  seat  of  pain.  The  pain  should 
be  relieved  by  anodynes  or  the  hypodermic  injection  of  mor- 
phia. Such  treatment,  however,  is  safe  only  in  the  hands  of  a 
competent  physician.  There  is  commonly  great  acidity  of  the 
stomach  while  gall  stones  are  passing  ; hence  an  alkaline  draught 
is  of  service,  say  half  a teaspoonful  of  bi-carbonate  of  soda  in  a 
good  quantity  of  warm  water.  Should  the  stomach  reject  these 
remedies,  am  anodyne  may  be  administered  in  a clyster,  of  about 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


1T3 


forty  drops  of  laudanum,  in  a pint  of  thin  gruel.  Hot  bran  poul- 
tices, sprinkled  with  laudanum,  may  be  applied  to  the  seat  of 
pain. 

GANGRENE. 

(. Mortification .) 

Gangrene  is  the  first  stage  of  mortification,  so  called  from 
its  eating  away  the  flesh.  Gangrene  may  be  considered  as  the 
death  of  one  part  of  the  body  while  the  other  parts  are  alive. 

Causes . — The  causes  are  excessive  inflammation,  some- 
times from  hurts  or  injuries  that  are  sufficient  to  cut  off  the  cir- 
culation. 

Symptoms. — All  pain  and  sensation  ceases  in  the  part ; 
and,  if  extensive,  it  turns  from  red  to  purple,  livid  or  black,  with 
a quick  pulse  and  clammy  sweat.  If  internal,  there  is  a cessa- 
tion of  pain,  but  the  body  sinks  and  changes  to  a livid  color,  and 
often  hiccoughs  and  other  distressing  symptoms  attend.  The 
face  is  pinched  with  cold,  and  the  tongue  brown. 

Treatment. — When  the  result  of  cold,  the  part  becomes 
first  white  and  a restoration  of  the  suspended  circulation  should 
be  attempted  by  rubbing  with  snow,  if  it  can  be  procured;  if 
not,  with  a coarse  cloth  or  flesh  brush.  No  heat  must  be  applied  ; 
even  that  of  the  bed-covering  will  sometimes  set  up  inflammation. 
Camphorated  spirit  of  wine  is,  perhaps,  the  best  liniment  that 
can  be  used.  After  the  rubbing,  if  it  appears  to  be  at  ail  effect- 
ual, apply  cold  poultices.  If,  in  spite  of  these  efforts,  a discolor- 
ation of  the  skin  shows  that  gangrene  has  really  commenced, 
apply  to  the  part  a poultice  of  flaxseed  with  a little  powdered 
charcoal  in  it,  and  also  spirit  lotions  to  keep  the  disease  from 
spreading.  The  constitution  of  the  patient  must  be  soothed  and 
supported  by  some  anodyne  and  stimulant.  Cooper  recommends 
from  seven  to  ten  grains  of  carbonate  of  ammonia  with  ten  to  fifteen 
drops  of  tincture  of  opium,  two  or  three  times  a day,  or  more 
frequently  if  required.  A bolus  composed  of  five  grains  of  car- 
bonate of  ammonia,  with  ten  grains  of  musk,  may  be  given  every 
four  hours,  with  excellent  effect.  When  the  gangrene  has  pro- 
ceeded to  slough,  port  wine  poultice  is  a good  application,  or 
spirits  of  turpentine,  to  stimulate  the  parts. 

If,  however,  the  gangrene  is  not  stopped  in  its  first  stages, 
it  can  seldom  be  after ; and  the  only  chance  of  saving  the  per- 
son’s life  is  to  amputate  the  limb  ; and  this  must  be  done  before 
the  morbific  influence  has  spread  far  towards  a vital  part. 

Hospital  gangrene  is  a combination  of  humid  gangrene  with 


1T4 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


phagedenic  ulceration,  sometimes  occurring  in  crowded  hospitals 
and  causing  a fearful  mortality  among  the  patients. 

GLANDERS. 

(j Farcy.') 

This  is  a malignant  disease  occurring  in  the  horse  and  mule 
and  which  man  is  liable  to  contract  by  inoculation  or  simple 
contact  with  the  skin.  It  is  a horrible  and  loathsome  disease, 
and  often  proves  fatal.  An  animal  affected  by  it  should  at  once 
be  killed  and  the  body  buried. 

Symptoms. — The  chief  symptom  of  its  presence  in  the 
animal  is  inflammation  of  the  lining  membrane  of  the  nostrils, 
which  becomes  ulcerated,  and  emits  a bloody,  fetid,  sticky,  yel- 
lowish discharge.  Shortly  after  a person  contracts  the  disease 
there  are  febrile  symptoms,  probably  vomiting  and  diarrhoea ; 
small  ulcerating  tumors  form  under  the  skin  in  various  parts  of 
the  body,  and  the  peculiar  viscid  discharge  from  the  nostrils 
commences  which  is  characteristic  of  the  disease.  Domestic 
treatment  should  not  be  attempted,  but  a competent  physician 
employed  without  delay. 

GLANDULAR  SWELLINGS. 

Weak  and  scrofulous  persons  are  frequently  troubled  with 
these  swellings.  They  often  occur  in  the  neck,  and  under  the 
arm,  as  well  as  elsewhere. 

Treatment. — Stimulant  applications  and  a general  tonic 
course  of  treatment  should  be  resorted  to  in  such  cases.  Salt 
water  bathing,  and  drinking  mineral  waters  are  among  the  most 
efficacious  remedies.  If  these  cannot  be  obtained,  let  the  pa- 
tient take  a mixture  like  this:  Sulphate  of  iron,  twelve  grains; 

sulphuric  acid  (diluted),  one  dram  ; sulphate  of  quinine,  twenty- 
four  grains  ; tincture  of  ginger,  two  drams ; distilled  water,  suffi- 
cient for  twelve  ounces.  Take  a tablespoonful  three  times  a 
day,  with  good  nourishing  food.  If  the  bowels  are  at  all  con- 
fined, add  to  the  mixture  six  drams  of  sulphate  of  magnesia. 
Paint  the  swollen  part  with  tincture  of  iodine  every  night. 

GONORRHOEA. 

Gonorrhoea  or  clap  consists  of  a purulent  discharge  from  the 
urethra,  being  the  effect  of  inflammation  of  a specific  character 
attacking  the  extremity  of  that  passage,  and  in  certain  cases 
extending  through  its  whole  course; 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


175 


Symptoms. — This  disease  begins  to  make  its  appearance 
in  some  persons  about  the  third  or  fourth  day,  and  in  others  in  a 
week  or  two  after  exposure,  but  the  average  time  is  five  days. 
About  the  third  day,  generally  speaking,  the  orifice  of  the 
urethra  begins  to  swell,  the  patient  feels  a certain  degree  of 
uneasiness  in  the  parts,  there  is  a sensation  of  itching  in  the 
male  organ,  and  a soreness  and  tingling  in  the  course  of  the 
urethra  ; the  lips  of  the  orifice  are,  at  first,  drier  and  hotter  than 
natural ; but  in  a short  time  a white  purulent  discharge  makes 
its  appearance,  which  as  time  advances  increases  in  quantity. 
There  is  now  great  pain  and  scalding  in  passing  the  urine, 
which  is  acid  and  loaded  with  saline  matter,  passing  over  an 
inflamed  surface.  The  urine  is  voided  in  a smaller  stream  than 
natural,  and  sometimes  with  difficulty.  The  discharge  in  the 
course  of  a few  days  increases  considerably,  and  changes  its 
appearance,  being  sometimes  greenish  and  sometimes  yellowish ; 
the  patient  is  troubled  with  frequent  and  painful  erections,  par- 
ticularly when  he  gets  warm  in  bed — this  affection  is  called 
chordee.  The  mild  form  of  this  disease  is  accompanied  by  mild 
constitutional  symptoms. 

In  the  severe  form  of  the  disease,  arising  from  intemperance, 
or  the  use  of  strong  astringent  injections,  the  inflammation,  in- 
stead of  being  confined  to  the  first  inch  and  a half  of  the  urethra, 
may  extend  the  whole  length  backward,  implicating  the  prostate 
gland,  neck  of  the  bladder,  and  its  lining  membrane.  In  these 
cases,  the  patient  is  tormented  with  a frequent  desire  to  pass 
water,  which  is  voided  with  great  difficulty,  and  only  a few 
drops  at  a time.  There  is  great  constitutional  disturbance,  and 
fever  of  an  inflammatory  character.  It  is  frequently  accom- 
panied by  enlargement  of  the  glands  of  the  groin,  arising  from 
inflammation  of  a set  of  vessels  called  absorbents;  these  are 
called  sympathetic  buboes,  in  consequence  of  their  increasing  or 
diminishing  in  size  according  to  the  amount  of  inflammation; 
they  do  not  proceed  to  suppuration.  From  the  same  cause  there 
may  be  inflammation  and  enlargement  of  one  or  both  testicles. 
In  such  cases  the  discharge  will  disappear  for  a time,  and  there 
may  be  a good  deal  of  constitutional  disturbance  and  fever. 

Chordee  is  a most  troublesome  affection  in  this  disease ; 
this  arises  from  inflammation  of  the  tissue  surrounding  the 
urethra,  which  prevents  its  extension. 

In  persons  troubled  with  tight  foreskins,  the  matter  collects 
under  the  foreskin,  producing  excoriation,  inflammation,  and 
swelling ; so  that  the  patient  is  unable  to  draw  it  back  ; this 


176 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


state  is  called  phimosis.  On  the  other  hand,  when  the  foreskin 
becomes  inflamed  and  swollen,  while  drawn  back,  it  is  called 
paraphimosis.  Persons  in  whom  the  foreskin  is  naturally  tight, 
so  that  it  cannot  be  drawn  back,  are  subject  sometimes  to  a dis- 
charge resembling  gonorrhoea ; this  discharge  arises  from  irrita- 
tion. This  disease  is  called  spurious  gonorrhoea,  and  must  be 
distinguished  from  true  gonorrhoea,  as  the  treatment  of  the  two 
essentially  differ. 

Treatment . — In  the  mild  form  of  this  disease,  and  in  the 
first  stage  when  the  discharge  is  fully  developed,  and  the  inflam- 
mation confined  to  the  first  inch  and  a half  of  the  urethra,  the 
first  thing  to  be  done  is  to  open  the  bowels  briskly.  This  may 
be  effectually  accomplished  by  administering  the  following 
powder : Powdered  jalap,  four  grains ; calomel,  four  grains. 

Mix.  To  be  given  at  bedtime.  Animal  food,  and  stimulating 
drinks,  such  as  ale,  spirits,  and  wine,  should  be  carefully  ab- 
stained from.  Great  cleanliness  should  be  observed,  the  penis 
should  be  bathed  several  times  a day  in  hot  water,  allowing  it 
to  soak  for  a few  minutes  each  time,  and  taking  care  to  wash  off 
all  discharge.  The  patient  should  rest  as  much  as  possible,  and 
wear  a suspensory  bandage  to  keep  the  penis  out  of  the  way  of 
all  friction.  His  diet  should  consist  of  light,  farinaceous  food, 
such  as  arrowroot,  sago,  or  bread  puddings  ; and,  for  his  ordinary 
drink,  barley  water  or  toast  and  water.  Broths  of  an  unstimu- 
lating character,  such  as  mutton  and  chicken,  might  be  allowed 
occasionally.  He  should  then  take  the  following  powder  three 
times  a day : Cubebs,  one  dram ; powdered  gum  arabic,  one 

scruple;  bicarbonate  of  soda,  ten  grains.  Make  a mixture.  To 
be  taken  in  a little  milk  or  water.  This  treatment  should  be 
continued  for  a few  days,  after  which  the  doses  of  cubebs  might 
be  increased  to  two  drams  three  times  a day.  Should  the  dis- 
charge still  continue  after  persevering  in  this  plan  for  eight  or 
ten  days,  and  when  the  active  stage  of  the  inflammation  has 
subsided,  the  following  mixture  may  be  administered  with  advan- 
tage : Balsam  copaiba,  three  drams ; powdered  gum  arabic,  two 
drams  ; camphor  mixture,  or  water,  six  ounces ; spirit  of  laven- 
der, one-half  ounce  ; sweet  spirit  of  niter,  one-half  ounce.  Mix. 
Rub  up  the  copaiba  with  the  gum  arabic,  first,  in  a mortar ; then 
add  the  water  by  slow  degrees,  and,  when  the  copaiba  becomes 
incorporated  with  the  water,  add  the  other  materials : a table- 
spoonful to  be  taken  every  day.  Should  this  quantity  disagree 
with  the  stomach,  or  produce  pain  in  the  back,  the  dose  may  be 
diminished  according  to  the  age,  strength,  and  peculiar  circum- 
stances of  the  patient. 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


177 


The  following  is  also  a good  form  of  mixture : Copaiba, 

three  drams;  powdered  cubebs,  six  drams;  laudanum,  thirty 
drops  ; powdered  gum  arabic,  two  drams  ; water,  six  ounces.  A 
tablespoonful  three  or  four  times  a day.  Care  must  be  taken  to 
keep  the  bowels  open  during  the  treatment.  The  following  is  a 
good  aperient  pill  for  the  purpose  : Compound  colocynth  pill, 
one  dram ; calomel,  six  grains ; oil  of  caraway,  six  drops.  Mix 
and  divide  into  twelve  pills ; one  or  two  may  be  taken  every 
second  or  third  night.  It  sometimes  happens  that  the  copaiba 
disagrees  very  much  with  the  stomach,  producing  indigestion 
and  eructation  into  the  mouth.  In  these  cases  it  should  be  sus* 
pended  for  a time,  or  altogether  omitted.  . 

In  the  severe  form  of  this  disease,  when  the  inflammation 
extends  as  far  as  the  neck  of  the  bladder,  fomentations,  con- 
sisting of  flannels  wrung  out  of  hot  water,  should  be  applied,  or 
large  poultices  of  linseed  meal,  or  bread  and  water,  three  or  foul 
times  a day ; or  the  patient  ma}'  sit  in  a hip  bath  once  or  twice 
daily;  strict  rest  in  the  recumbent  position  should  be  enjoined; 
and  for  the  purpose  of  keeping  the  bowels  open,  the  following 
mixture  should  be  administered  : Epsom  salts,  six  drams  ; tar- 
tar emetic,  one  grain  ; mindererus  spirit,  one  ounce  ; syrup,  one- 
half  ounce  ; camphor  mixture,  five  ounces.  Two  tablespoonfuls 
to  be  taken  every  two  or  three  hours.  In  order  to  allay  irrita- 
tion, and  relieve  the  pain,  heat,  and  difficulty  in  making  water, 
the  patient  should  drink  freely  of  linseed  tea,  or  solution  of  gum 
in  milk.  Some  recommend  the  use  of  soothing  injections  in  this 
stage.  The  injection  should  consist  of  warm  water,  eight 
ounces  ; vinous  solution  of  opium,  sixty  drops.  This  should  be 
thrown  into  the  urethra  several  times  a day. 

If  the  patient  should  be  troubled  with  a frequent  desire  to 
make  water,  opium  administered  by  the  mouth  or  rectum  is  of 
the  greatest  service.  The  following  is  a good  draught  in  these 
cases : Tincture  of  opium,  twenty  drops ; syrup,  one-fourth 
ounce ; camphor  mixture,  one  and  one-half  ounces.  Make  a 
draught ; to  be  taken  once  or  twice  in  twenty-four  hours,  ac- 
cording to  the  intensity  of  the  pain.  Or  an  injection  consisting 
of  two  ounces  of  thin  gruel,  and  half  a dram  of  tincture  of 
opium,  may  be  thrown  into  the  rectum. 

Stricture  is  frequently  the  result  of  this  form  of  the  dis- 
ease. When  the  active  stage  has  been  reduced  by  the  means 
already  laid  down,  the  discharge  may  be  treated  by  astringents, 
both  internally  and  externally.  The  form  of  mixture  already 
prescribed  will  answer.  Astringent  injections  may  be  also  em- 


178 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


ployed  with  advantage.  Either  of  the  following  may  be  used: 
Sulphate  of  zinc  (white  vitriol),  twelve  grains ; wine  of  opium, 
one-half  dram;  water,  six  ounces  ; to  be  thrown  into  the 
urethra  three  or  four  times  a day.  Or  take  nitrate  of  silver,  one 
grain  ; distilled  water,  one  ounce. 

One  of  the  most  painful  and  sometimes  most  troublesome 
consequences  of  gonorrhoea  is  inflammation  of  the  testicle.  This 
affection,  usually  termed  “swelled  testicle,”  may  occur  at  any 
period  of  the  disease.  It  arises  from  extension  of  the  inflamma- 
tion from  the  urethra  down  the  spermatic  cord  to  one  or  both 
testicles,  but  usually  attacks  only  one  at  a time.  It  is  best 
avoided  by  careful  attention  to  regular  living  and  quiet,  during 
the  inflammatory  stage  of  the  gonorrhoea.  It  commences  some- 
times with  pain  in  the  testicle  itself,  and  sometimes  the  pain  is 
felt  first  in  the  groin,  in  the  situation  of  the  spermatic  cord.  If 
its  approach  is  thus  perceived,  the  application  of  numerous 
leeches  in  the  groin,  with  rest  in  the  recumbent  posture,  and 
suspension  of  the  scrotum  in  a proper  bandage,  will  frequently 
prevent  the  extension  of  the  inflammation  to  the  testicle  itself. 
Should  the  inflammation,  however,  reach  that  organ,  the  most  im- 
mediate relief  will  be  obtained  by  perfect  rest,  the  testicle  being 
supported.  Usually  the  inflammation  will  subside  spontaneously 
in  a few  days  if  the  patient  will  keep  quietly  lying  on  his  back 
with  the  testicle  supported  in  a proper  bandage,  and  fomented 
either  with  hot  water,  or  soothed  with  cold  water,  as  his  feelings 
may  dictate.  The  bowels  should  be  kept  open  by  saline  pur- 
gatives, such  as  Epsom  salts,  etc.,  and  the  diet  should  be  low. 
If  there  is  much  pain  in  the  groin,  a full  dose  of  Dover’s  powder 
should  be  taken  at  bedtime.  In  extremely  painful  cases,  great 
relief  will  be  experienced  by  the  application  of  a tobacco  poul- 
tice to  the  scrotum.  This  may  be  made  by  mixing  equal  parts 
of  tobacco  and  meal  together,  and  moistening  with  hot  water. 

Mercury  is  never  requisite  in  this  affection.  The  swelling 
of  the  testicle,  in  most  cases,  is  removed  in  process  of  time  ; but 
during  its  existence  care  should  be  taken  to  keep  the  testicles 
well  supported,  as  relapses  are  not  unfrequent. 

In  phimosis,  the  penis  frequently  becomes  excoriated  from 
the  irritation  of  the  matter  from  the  urethra,  and  warty  excres- 
cences may  develop.  In  order  to  prevent  such  effects,  great 
cleanliness  should  be  observed ; the  matter  should  be  carefully 
washed  off,  and  warm  water  thrown  under  the  foreskin  several 
times  a day  by  means  of  a syringe.  If  excoriation  or  warts  ex- 
ist, black  wash  will  be  of  the  greatest  service — it  should  be  used 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


179 


in  a similar  manner  to  the  warm  water.  Black  wash  is  made  by 
mixing  thirty  grains  of  calomel  with  two  ounces  of  limewater — 
to  be  well  shaken  when  used.  The  bowels  should  be  kept  open 
by  means  of  suitable  physic. 

Treatment  of  Cliordee. — We  have  observed  before  that 
chordee  consists  in  a painful  erection  of  the  penis.  A want  of 
harmony  between  the  parts  causes  the  penis  to  be  bent  downward, 
and  pain  is  experienced  by  the  patient  during  an  erection.  In 
order  to  obviate  this,  the  penis  should  be  rubbed  with  strong 
solutions  of  opium,  such  as  the  tincture  ; or  pledgets  of  linen, 
wet  with  the  tincture  of  opium,  should  be  constantly  applied, 
taking  care  to  change  them  as  often  as  they  become  warm  ; or  it 
may  be  rubbed  with  the  following  application,  which  is  found  of 
great  service  in  this  affection  : Extract  of  belladonna,  two  drams ; 
camphor,  ten  grains.  Rub  up  the  camphor  into  a fine  powder, 
having  previously  dropped  on  it  a few  drops  of  spirit  of  wine, 
then  add  the  belladonna ; about  the  size  of  a small  pea  of  this, 
rubbed  along  under  the  surface  of  the  penis,  and  upon  the  frse- 
num  and  bridle,  quickly  brings  down  an  erection  and  relieves  pain. 
All  lascivious  ideas  should  be  dismissed  from  the  mind.  The 
bowels  should  be  kept  open  by  a mild  aperient.  As  the  erections 
generally  come  on  more  frequently  when  the  patient  becomes 
hot  in  bed,  the  best  means  of  temporarily  relieving  it  will  be  to 
bend  the  penis  downward  with  the  hand,  and  to  apply  cold  ; but 
the  most  certain  means  of  preventing  it  will  be  to  administer  at 
bedtime  the  following  draught : Tincture  of  opium,  twenty  drops  ; 
camphor  mixture,  one  and  one-half  ounces.  Mix.  This  draught 
to  be  taken  at  bedtime,  and  to  be  repeated  in  three  or  four 
hours,  if  not  asleep  or  if  in  pain. 

In  the  treatment  of  sympathetic  buboes  accompanying  gon- 
orrhoea, little  will  be  required  to  be  done,  as  they  depend  on  the 
amount  of  inflammation  in  the  urethra,  and  will  increase  and 
diminish  in  size  according  as  the  original  disease  becomes 
better  or  worse  ; however,  as  they  sometimes  enlarge  very  much 
and  become  very  painful,  it  may  be  found  necessary  to  apply 
leeches  once  or  twice  a week.  The  patient  should  rest  as  much 
as  possible,  and  pledgets  of  linen  wet  in  spirits  of  camphor 
should  be  applied.  The  bowels  should  be  kept  open.  If  bu- 
boes do  not  yield  to  this  treatment,  but  should  proceed  to  sup- 
puration, poultices  may  be  applied  until  matter  is  formed,  when 
it  may  be  evacuated  by  the  lancet. 

In  cases  of  retention  of  urine  following  gonorrhoea,  the  patient 
should  be  placed  in  a warm  bath,  and  a dose  of  laudanum  ad- 


180 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


ministered.  If  this  treatment  does  not  succeed  in  relieving  the 
bladder,  the  catheter  should  be  introduced. 

GOUT. 

This  is  a disease  of  the  blood,  arising  from  a superabundance 
of  acid  therein  ; the  pain  generally  attacks  the  small  joints,  aris- 
ing without  any  apparent  cause.  It  is  preceded  generally  by 
some  affection  of  the  stomach.  The  articulations  of  the  feet  and 
hands,  particularly  the  great  toe,  are  most  liable  to  be  involved. 

Treatment, — The  patient  ought  to  be  in  bed.  The  diet 
should  be  nourishing,  not  stimulating — broths, .puddings,  jellies, 
light  meats,  etc.,  are  therefore  proper  ; but  spirits  or  wine  must 
be  carefully  avoided,  as  well  as  salt  meats,  and  all  highly  sea- 
soned food.  Take  on  the  first  day  half  an  ounce  of  castor  oil ; 
then  give  the  following : Iodide  of  potash,  ninety  grains  ; wine 
colchicum  seed,  one-half  ounce  ; syrup  of  orange  peel,  one  ounce ; 
wintergreen  water,  two  and  one-half  ounces.  Take  one  teaspoon- 
ful every  four  hours  with  a little  water.  As  a preventive,  the 
following  in  highly  recommended:  Infusion  of  gentian,  one  and 
one-half  ounces;  bicarbonate  of  potash,  fifteen  grains  ; tincture 
of  rhubarb,  one  dram.  Mix.  To  be  taken  at  bedtime. 

GRAVEL. 

A disease  depending  on  the  formation  of  small  calculi  in  the 
kidney. 

Treatment, — The  general  treatment  should  consist  in  a 
hot  bath  and  warm  fomentations  ; a dose  of  castor  oil  should  be 
administered,  and  when  the  bowels  have  acted,  if  there  be  much 
pain  the  following  may  be  given  : Solution  of  acetate  of  mor- 
phine, one  dram  ; spirit  of  hydrochloric  ether,  two  drams  : syrup 
of  roses,  half  an  ounce  ; camphor  mixture,  four  ounces.  One- 
fourth  part  to  be  taken  at  bedtime.  Linseed  tea  or  slippery  elm 
water  should  be  drunk  freely.  The  following  may  also  be  used 
with  good  results  : Infusion  of  buchu,  seven  ounces  ; sal  volatile, 
two  drams.  Mix.  Dose,  two  tablespoonfuls  once  or  twice  a day. 
The  following  is  also  recommended  : Oil  of  spruce,  one  scruple  ; 
spirit  of  nitrous  ether,  one  ounce.  Mix.  Dose,  a teaspoonful  two 
or  three  times  a day,  in  a teaspoonful  of  the  decoction  of  marsh- 
mallow root.  Or  the  following  may  be  used : Rectified  oil  of 
turpentine,  sweet  spirits  of  niter,  oil  of  juniper,  syrup  of  acacia, 
of  each,  half  an  ounce.  Mix.  Dose,  fifteen  or  sixteen  drops  in  a 
wineglassful  of  water  three  times  a day.  The  following  remedy 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


181 


has  been  highly  recommended  for  this  complaint : Parsley,  ten 
cents  worth,  stewed  down  in  a pint  of  water  to  half  a pint ; when 
cool,  add  a wineglassful  of  gin.  Take  a wineglassful  of  the 
mixture  every  morning,  until  relief  is  afforded. 

GRAY  HAIR. 

The  sedentary,  the  studious,  the  debilitated,  and  the  sickly 
are,  with  very  few  exceptions,  those  who  are  earliest  visited  with 
gray  hair.  Persons  whose  employment  renders  much  sitting 
necessary,  and  little  or  no  exercise  possible,  are  most  likely  to 
have  gray  hairs. 

Treatment. — Mix  thoroughly  a small  quantity  of  sub- 
nitrate of  bismuth  with  vaseline  and  brush  a small  quantity  of 
it  into  the  hair  daily. 

GUMBOIL. 

This  sometimes  arises  from  exposure  to  cold,  but  is  caused 
in  the  majority  of  cases  by  the  irritation  of  a decayed  tooth. 

Treatment. — Inflammation  of  the  gum  generally  goes  on 
to  suppuration,  to  promote  which,  warm  fomentations  and  poul- 
tices may  be  applied  externally.  As  soon  as  the  matter  is  formed 
the  abscess  may  be  cut  or  lanced.  Afterwards  the  mouth  should 
be  washed  occasionally  with  an  astringent  lotion  composed  of  tinc- 
ture of  myrrh  and  water,  or  of  twenty  or  twenty-five  grains  of 
sulphate  of  zinc,  dissolved  in  half  a pint  of  rosewater. 

WEAKNESS  OF  THE  HAIR. 

The  falling  off  of  the  hair  often  follows  fevers  or  other 
serious  illness,  or  it  may  be  a sign  of  debility. 

Treatment. — The  removal  of  the  bodily  weakness,  and  the 
general  bracing  up  of  the  system,  is  the  first  step  to  take.  Frequent 
cutting  of  the  hair,  and  frequent  brushing  and  washing,  are  the 
next  methods.  In  addition  to  this,  there  may  be  applied,  every 
morning  and  evening,  a portion  of  the  following  lotion  : Eau  de 
cologne,  two  ounces  ; tincture  of  cantharides,  two  drams  ; oil  of 
rosemary,  ten  drops;  oil  of  lavender,  ten  drops.  Mix.  We 
append  a number  of  the  most  approved  remedies  for  weakness 
of  the  hair.  Each  should  have  a fair  trial,  till  the  right  one  is 
found  : Clean  the  hair  every  night  with  a soft  brush  ; then  comb 
it  very  gently,  and  pour  cold  water  on  the  head  every  morning, 
after  which  thoroughly  dry  it.  A little  vaseline  should  also  be  used 
twice  a week.  Or  the  following : Beef  marrow,  six  ounces ; nervine 
balsam,  two  ounces ; Peruvian  balsam,  two  ounces ; oil  of  al- 


182 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


monds,  one  and  one-half  ounces  ; extract  of  cantharides,  sixteen 
grains.  Melt  the  marrow  and  nervine  balsam  with  the  oil; 
strain,  add  the  balsam  of  Peru,  and  lastly  the  extract  dissolved 
in  a dram  of  rectified  spirit.  Rub  on  the  scalp  once  or  twice  a 
day  for  some  weeks.  If  any  soreness  be  produced,  it  should  be 
less  frequently  applied.  Or  the  following : Fresh  lemon  juice, 
one  dram ; extract  of  bark,  two  drams;  marrow,  two  ounces; 
tincture  of  cantharides,  one  dram  ; oil  of  lemon,  twenty  drops  ; 
oil  of  bergamot,  ten  drops.  Mix.  First  wash  the  head  with 
soap  and  water,  with  a little  eau  de  cologne ; then  rub  it  dry. 
Next  morning  rub  it  with  a small  lump  of  pomade,  and  repeat  it 
daily.  In  four  or  five  weeks  a cure  will  be  effected.  Or  the 
following:  Burnt  alum,  one-half  dram;  biborate  of  soda,  one- 
half  dram  ; beef  marrow,  one  ounce ; essence  of  bergamot,  six 
drops.  Mix  ; to  be  rubbed  on  the  head  night  and  morning.  Or 
the  following:  Oil  of  mace,  one-half  ounce;  olive  oil,  two  drams  ; 
water  of  ammonia,  one-half  dram  ; spirit  of  rosemary,  one  ounce  ; 
rosewater,  two  and  one-half  ounces.  Mix.  Or  the  following : 
Bay  leaves,  two  ounces  ; cloves,  one-fourth  ounce ; spirit  of 
lavender,  four  ounces ; spirit  of  thyme,  four  ounces.  Digest  for 
six  days,  filter,  and  add  ether,  half  an  ounce.  To  be  applied 
every  morning. 

HAY  ASTHMA. 

( Hay  Fever , Summer  Bronchitis.') 

Hay-asthma,  hay-fever,  or  summer  bronchitis  is  a disease 
which  occurs  about  the  time  of  the  hay-harvest,  and  appears  to 
be  caused  by  the  pollen  of  plants  which  inflames  the  bronchial 
passages.  This  theory  is  supported  by  the  fact  that  those  who 
live  in  situations  where  there  is  little  or  no  vegetation  do  not 
suffer  from  it. 

Symptoms . — A difficulty  of  breathing,  and  a burning 
sensation  in  the  throat,  are  the  chief  characteristics  of  this  affec- 
tion. 

Treatment. — Removal  to  a proper  locality  is  most  effec- 
tual. The  following  is  a valuable  remedy : Citrate  of  iron,  one 
dram ; sulphate  of  quinine,  one  scruple  ; extract  of  nux  vomica, 
eight  grains.  Mix,  and  make  into  thirty-two  pills.  Dose,  one 
pill  three  times  a day. 

HEADACHE. 

There  is  no  more  common  complaint  than  this,  which  is 
symptomatic  of  so  many  diseases  that  it  is  impossible  to  lay 
down  any  general  system  of  treatment.  We  will,  therefore, 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


183 


proceed  to  enumerate  some  of  the  chief  kinds  of  headache,  with 
their  symptoms  and  remedies. 

BILIOUS  OR  SICK  HEADACHE. 

This  is  perhaps  the  most  common.  It  generally  comes  on 
the  first  thing  in  the  morning,  and  may  often  be  relieved  by  a cup 
of  strong  hot  tea  or  coffee ; probably  because  this  stimulates 
the  digestive  organs,  from  a defective  action  of  which  the 
pain  proceeds.  This  pain  commences  usually  at  one  side  of  the 
head,  most  likely  on  the  brow,  just  over  the  right  or  left  eye, 
but  when  it  continues  it  is  diffused  over  the  whole  head,  and  is 
accompanied  by  an  intolerable  feeling  of  sickness,  often  by 
vomiting,  and  extreme  languor  and  depression  of  spirits  ; there 
is  generally,  also,  singing  in  the  ears,  dimness  of  sight,  and  con- 
fusion of  mind,  with  great  restlessness.  Sometimes,  without  any 
medicine  being  taken,  the  bowels,  previously  constipated,  will  be 
freely  evacuated,  and  the  most  urgent  symptoms  are  quickly  re- 
lieved ; but  it  is  generally  desirable  to  take  some  active  aperient, 
preceding  or  accompanying  it  with  the  following  : Pulverized 
rhubarb,  twelve  grains  ; carbonate  of  magnesia,  ten  grains  ; ar- 
omatic spirits  of  ammonia,  one-half  dram ; syrup  of  ginger,  one 
dram  ; spearmint  water,  ten  drams. 

This  will  generally  prove  effectual,  especially  if  the  diet  is 
spare  and  simple.  Take  no  solid  food  for  twenty-four  hours, 
only  a cup  or  two  of  tea,  or  a little  thin  gruel,  and  the  chances 
are  that  there  will  be  no  headache  next  day ; although  it  will 
probably  return  as  severe  as  ever  in  a few  weeks,  its  recurrence 
in  some  cases  being  at  almost  regular  periods.  It  can  generally 
be  traced  to  some  error  in  diet,  such  as  taking  food  that  is  indi- 
gestible, or  in  too  large  quantities;  or  stimulating  drinks,  with 
insufficient  exercise.  Very  often  it  arises  from  some  derange- 
ment of  the  biliary  secretions,  either  as  to  quantity  or  quality, 
or  defective  assimilation ; sometimes  from  the  habitual  abuse  of 
purgatives,  which  enfeebles  the  tone  of  the  alimentary  canal. 
Very  commonly  a simple  dose  of  rhubarb  and  magnesia,  with 
about  thirty  drops  of  sal  volatile,  will  remove  a common  sick 
headache  ; when  there  is  nausea,  and  vomiting  or  purging  do  not 
remove  it,  the  former  should  be  excited  by  an  emetic ; after 
this  has  acted,  give  blue-pill,  one  scruple  ; compound  rhubarb 
pills,  two  scruples.  Mix ; divide  into  twelve  pills ; take  one  or 
two  at  a dose.  Persons  subject  to  this  kind  of  headache  should 
carefully  abstain  from  fat  meats,  pastry,  butter,  and  rich  food 
generally. 


184 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


Sometimes  an  excess  of  alkali,  at  others  of  acid  in  the  ali- 
mentary canal,  will  produce  sick  headache  ; in  the  former  case, 
a vegetable  acid,  such  as  vinegar,  will  afford  relief ; in  the  latter 
case,  in  which  there  is  likely  to  be  heartburn  and  acid  eructa- 
tions, a dose  of  sal  volatile,  or  of  bicarbonate  of  soda,  will  be  the 
best  remedy.  In  all  these  cases  it  seems  likely  that  the  blood  cir- 
culating in  the  brain  is  chemically  affected  by  the  defective  action 
of  the  digestive  organs.  We  sometimes  find  that  the  postpone- 
ment of  the  customary  evacuation  of  the  bowels,  for  ever  so  short 
a time,  will  cause  a sympathetic  headache,  and  that  this  will  be 
relieved  when  the  evacuation  has  taken  place, — a clear  proof  of 
the  intimate  relation  between  the  head  and  stomach. 

CONGESTIVE  HEADACHE 

Proceeds  from  a congested  state  of  the  vessels  of  the  brain,  an 
overfullness  of  blood  or  a weakness  of  the  nerve  forces,  or  from  an 
excessive  nervous  irritability,  which  frequently  affects  the  circu- 
lation. Whichever  of  these  may  be  the  cause,  there  is  nearly 
always  a dull  pain  over  the  whole  of  the  head.  When  it  arises 
from  an  overloaded  condition  of  the  vessels,  there  is  usually  a 
flushed  countenance  with  bloodshot  eyes  and  a flushed  expression ; 
we  find,  on  inquiry,  also  a sluggish  liver,  congested  brain,  and  a 
tendency  to  apoplexy  or  paralysis.  A very  effectual  remedy  for 
removing  pain  is : Five  grains  of  acetanilid  or  a tablet  containing 
acetanilid,  camphor,  and  caffein. 

A weak  brain  is  generally  a consequence  of  some  long- 
standing discharge  which  has  debilitated  the  whole  system  ; and 
in  this  condition  of  things,  if  from  any  cause  there  is  more  than 
common  flow  of  blood  to  the  brain,  there  will  be  headache,  with 
a pale,  sallow  countenance,  and  a languid  pulse;  frequently 
swelled  feet,  excessive  fatigue  on  the  slightest  exertion,  with 
palpitation  of  the  heart,  and  increase  of  pain  in  the  head.  Here 
measures  of  depletion  would  be  improper  ; we  must  soothe  and 
sustain  by  means  of  sedatives  and  tonics,  such  as  hemlock  and 
quinine,  either  in  the  form  of  pills  or  mixture,  as  follows : Ex- 
tract of  hemlock,  twelve  grains ; sulphate  of  quinine,  twelve 
grains.  Make  into  twelve  pills,  and  give  one  three  times  a day; 
or,  sulphate  of  quinine,  twelve  grains;  sulphuric  acid,  diluted, 
twelve  minims ; tincture  of  hemlock,  two  drams ; infusion  of 
gentian,  six  ounces. 

Take  a tablespoonful  three  times  a day.  Good  nourishing 
food  will  be  required  in  this  case ; and  stimulants,  such  as  ale 
and  wine,  in  moderation.  Where  the  headache  proceeds  from 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


185 


nervous  irritability,  the  mode  of  treatment  must  also  be  soothing 
and  strengthening  ; but  in  this  case  we  must  avoid  stimulants 
as  much  as  possible  ; tonics  are  best  with  plenty  of  fresh  air  and 
exercise,  and  all  that  tends  to  invigorate  the  system.  A course 
of  hydropathic  treatment  will  generally  be  found  effectual. 

RHEUMATIC  HEADACHE. 

This  is  commonly  caused  by  exposure  to  cold,  especially  a 
draught  of  air ; the  pain  is  chiefly  confined  to  the  back  and  front 
of  the  head,  and  is  felt  most  at  night,  when  the  patient  is  warm 
in  bed ; it  is  a remittent  shifting  pain,  shooting  from  point  to 
point,  following  the  downward  course  of  the  jaw,  whose  muscles 
are  commonly  implicated. 

Treatment. — Use  light  diet  and  abstain  from  animal  food ; 
give  attention  to  the  clothing;  keep  the  body  and  feet  warm  and 
dry.  When  the  pain  is  great,  use  hot  fomentations  or  mustard 
plaster  on  the  back  of  the  neck,  and  give  a gentle  purgative  at 
night.  The  following  liniment  is  found  very  beneficial : Soap 
liniment,  two  and  one-half  ounces  ; liquor  ammonia,  one-half 
dram  ; laudanum,  one-half  ounce.  Mix  and  apply  to  the  part. 

PERIODIC  HEADACHE, 

( Brow  Aclie,  Brow  Ague , or  Neuralgia  of  the  Head,') 

As  it  is  variously  called,  is  an  intermitting  pain,  which  comes  on 
at  periods  more  or  less  regular,  and  is  confined  to  the  brow.  It 
will  nearly  always  yield  to  full  doses  of  quinine,  especially  if 
combined  with  hemlock. 

ORGANIC  HEADACHE, 

Resulting  from  actual  disease  of  the  head  itself,  is  rare,  and  when 
it  does  occur,  only  a palliative  mode  of  treatment  can  be  adopted. 
Sedatives,  such  as  opium  and  hemlock,  may,  for  a time,  relieve 
the  most  intolerable  anguish,  but  they  will  not  touch  the  disease 
itself. 

Citric  acid,  or  lemon  juice,  is  often  of  great  service  in  easing 
pain.  Put  a teaspoonful  or  two  in  a glass  of  cold  water,  and 
drink  it.  Lemonade  has  cured  many  cases  of  sick  headache,  as 
has  also  a tablespoonful  of  finely  powdered  charcoal,  or  of  citrate 
of  magnesia.  Mix  in  a little  cold  water  or  milk. 


186 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  HEART. 

The  heart,  from  the  important  part  it  plays  in  the  animal 
economy,  is  subject  to  various  serious,  and  often  fatal,  diseases. 
The  ear  is  the  principal  means  of  obtaining  a knowledge  of  the 
state  of  the  heart,  and  by  auscultation  and  percussion  we  are 
enabled  to  detect  the  existence  of  various  diseases.  The  heart 
gives  out  two  sounds,  known  as  the  first  and  second,  which  are 
distinguished  from  each  other.  The  first  sound  is  longer  than 
the  second,  and  the  interval  between  the  first  and  second  sound 
is  shorter  than  that  between  the  second  and  first.  They  have 
been  compared  to  the  two  syllables,  lupp , dupp.  Any  manifest 
alteration  in  these  sounds  is  indicative  of  the  existence  of  dis- 
ease. They  may  be  high  or  low,  clear  or  dull,  muffled,  rough, 
intermittent,  etc.  Murmurs  or  regurgitant  sounds  may  arise 
from  disease  of  the  valves.  The  power  of  distinguishing  between 
the  normal  and  abnormal  sounds  of  the  heart,  and  of  the  causes 
producing  the  latter,  can  only  be  obtained  by  lengthened  experi- 
ence. Diseases  of  the  heart  are  usually  divided  into  two  classes : 
first,  functional,  or  nervous  ; and  second,  structural  or  organic. 
Chief  among  the  former  are  palpitations,  syncope  or  fainting, 
and  angina  pectoris.  They  are  chiefly  to  be  met  with  in  persons 
of  a naturally  nervous  temperament,  more  especially  women 
suffering  from  hysteria,  or  other  like  complaints,  and  may  be 
induced  by  great  mental  excitement.  In  such  cases  great  atten- 
tion should  be  paid  to  the  general  health,  using  tonics,  sea  bath- 
ing, and  gentle  open-air  exercise,  and  strengthen  the  system. 
Violent  exertion,  and  strong  mental  excitement,  are  particularly 
to  be  avoided.  Among  the  principal  organic  diseases  to  which 
the  heart  is  subject  are  pericarditis,  carditis,  endocarditis,  atrophy, 
hypertrophy,  dilation,  and  valvular  diseases. 

Treatment . — In  all  cases  of  heart  disease,  the  body  and 
mind  should  be  kept  as  easy  and  cheerful  as  possible.  The  diet 
should  be  well  regulated, — nourishing  but  not  stimulating. 
Coffee,  tea,  liquors,  and  tobacco  must  be  dispensed  with.  The 
feet  should  be  kept  dry  and  warm,  and  occasionally  rubbed  with 
mustard. 

For  inflammatory  diseases  of  the  heart,  the  bowels,  if  con- 
stipated may  be  moved  with  compound  tincture  of  jalap.  To  each 
dose  add  ten  grains  of  cream  of  tartar.  Keep  up  a perspiration 
till  the  pain  is  relieved  by  giving  a teaspoonful  of  compound 
tincture  of  Virginia  snakeroot ; also  a warm  infusion  of  pleurisy 
root.  Mustard  plasters  over  the  chest  and  spinal  column  are 
also  to  be  employed.  If  the  patient  is  troubled  with  sleepless- 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


187 


ness,  give  eight  to  ten  grains  of  compound  powder  of  ipecac  and 
opium  (Dover’s  powder)  at  bedtime. 

For  palpitation,  the  tincture  of  digitalis,  five  or  ten  drops 
three  or  four  times  a day,  has  been  found  useful.  When  the 
nervous  system  is  affected,  give  small  quantities  of  wine  or 
spirits,  or  a few  drops  of  laudanum  or  ether. 

For  neuralgia,  give  a teaspoonful  of  a mixture  of  equal 
parts  of  laudanum,  ether,  and  castor  oil.  The  extract  of  Indian 
hemp  may  also  be  taken  in  doses  of  one-fourth  grain,  two  or 
three  times  a day.  If  the  stomach  is  acid,  a teaspoonful  of  soda 
in  half  a tumbler  of  water  will  correct  it. 

HEARTBURN. 

What  is  commonly  called  heartburn  is  not  a disease  of  the 
heart,  but  an  uneasy  sensation  of  heat  or  acidity  of  the  stomach, 
accompanied  sometimes  by  the  belching  of  gas  or  fluids. 

Causes. — Debility  of  the  stomach;  the  food,  instead  of 
being  properly  digested,  is  fermented,  producing  acetic  acid ; 
sometimes  the  gastric  juice  itself  turns  acid ; at  other  times  it 
arises  from  biliousness. 

Treatment. — Take  one  teaspoonful  of  the  spirit  of  nitrous 
ether,  in  a glass  of  water  or  a cup  of  tea.  Or  a large  teaspoon- 
ful of  magnesia,  in  a cup  of  tea,  or  a glass  of  mint  water. 

HICCOUGH,  OR  HICCUP. 

This  is  a convulsive  act  of  the  respiratory  muscles,  caused 
by  a spasmodic  contraction  of  the  diaphragm,  with  a partial 
closure  of  the  larynx.  Generally  it  is  but  trivial  and  transient, 
causing  no  permanent  inconvenience  ; but  sometimes  when  it 
occurs  in  the  latter  stages  of  acute  disease,  it  is  very  alarming, 
and  indicates  a giving  way  of  the  nervous  system.  Young 
females  of  an  hysterical  tendency  sometimes  suffer  from  obsti- 
nate hiccup. 

Causes. — Long  fasting,  or  the  sudden  introduction  of 
some  strong  stimulant  into  the  stomach,  will  often  cause  a com- 
mon hiccup. 

Treatment. — Cold  water  often  proves  a good  remedy ; 
but  nothing  is  so  likely  to  remove  it  as  strong  excitement  of  the 
mind.  Most  antispasmodic  medicines  are  likely  to  be  of  service, 
and  we  have  used  the  following  with  good  effect : Bicarbonate 

of  soda,  one  dram  ; sulphuric  ether,  three  drams ; tincture  of 
ginger,  two  drams ; tincture  of  gentian,  four  drams  ; camphor 


188 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


mixture,  eight  ounces.  Take  two  tablespoonfuls  every  two  or 
three  hours.  Sometimes  hot  applications  to  the  upper  part  of 
the  chest  and  throat  will  relieve  the  symptoms. 

HIP-JOINT  DISEASE. 

This  generally  occurs  in  children  of  a scrofulous  habit.  It 
prevails  in  cold  moist  climates,  and  usually  attacks  children 
between  the  ages  of  seven  and  fourteen,  though  it  is  frequently 
met  with  before  and  after  that  time  of  life. 

Symptoms. — The  first  symptom  complained  of  is  gener- 
ally pain  in  the  knee.  Sooner  or  later  the  patient  is  observed 
to  walk  awkwardly  and  less  vigorously  than  usual.  Pain  is  felt 
in  the  hip-joint  itself,  and,  though  aggravated  by  motion,  often 
becomes  more  severe  from  time  to  time.  Collections  of  matter 
make  their  appearance,  most  frequently  in  the  outer  wall  of  the 
hip,  but  occasionally  in  the  groin  and  hip.  The  patient,  after  a 
tedious  illness,  recovers  with  a stiff'  joint,  and  wasted  or  short- 
ened limb. 

Treatment. — As  this  disease  is  generally  pretty  far  ad- 
vanced before  it  is  discovered,  but  little  can  be  done  for  it  in 
the  way  of  domestic  treatment.  A surgeon  should  be  consulted. 
As  a general  rule,  counter  extension  may  be  used  to  advantage. 

HOARSENESS. 

A disease  of  the  larynx. 

Causes.  — Colds,  or  breathing  a damp  or  dusty  atmos- 
phere, or  exhaustion  from  protracted  speaking,  singing,  etc. 

Treatment. — Put  into  a teapot  one  part  of  acetic  acid  or 
vinegar,  to  six  parts  of  boiling  water ; introduce  the  spout  of 
the  teapot  into  the  mouth,  and  inhale  the  vapor,  taking  care 
that  the  steam  is  not  hot  enough  to  do  harm.  Or  mix  one  tea- 
spoonful of  sweet  spirits  of  niter  in  a wineglassful  of  water. 
Take  this  two  or  three  times  a day. 

HYDROPHOBIA. 

( Rabies .) 

This  is  the  well  known  canine  madness,  whose  chief  symp- 
toms are  spasmodic  contractions  of  the  larynx,  preventing  the 
patient,  although  thirsty,  from  swallowing  any  kind  of  liquid  — 
one  of  the  most  dreadful  diseases  that  can  affect  humanity. 

It  has  been  said  that  hydrophobia  has  resulted  from  the 
mere  scratch  of  a cat ; if  so,  the  probability  is  that  the  claw  has 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


189 


become  imbued  with  the  poison  when  put  to  the  mouth.  The 
knowledge  that  the  saliva  of  a human  being  affected  with  this 
disease  is  infectious,  should  teach  us,  while  ministering  to  such 
an  unhappy  fellow  creature,  and  relieving  his  sufferings  by  all 
means  in  our  power,  to  do  so  with  due  caution  ; the  more  espe- 
cially as  such  patients  are  sometimes  extremely  violent,  and 
prone  to  bite  like  a mad  dog. 

Treatment . — As  no  positive  cure  has  been  discovered  for 
this  terrible  disease,  all  efforts  must  be  merely  palliative.  When 
the  bite  has  taken  place,  a free  excision  of  the  wound  should  be 
made,  taking  care  that  every  part  of  flesh  that  the  saliva  has 
touched  be  removed  ; then  thoroughly  wash  the  wound  with 
tepid,  strong  carbolic  acid  water,  keeping  up  this  application  for  a 
considerable  time.  Some  recommend  stimulating  dressings  to 
the  part,  but  the  advisability  of  this  is  very  questionable  ; better 
to  let  the  wound  heal  than  to  keep  the  system  in  a state  of  irri- 
tation. If  there  is  any  doubt  about  the  poison  being  all  removed, 
a strong  solution  of  lunar  caustic  should  be  applied,  or  the 
caustic  itself;  this  is  as  likely  to  be  effective,  as  the  actual 
cautery,  which  some  recommend.  Youatt  says  he  never  saw  the 
lunar  caustic  fail,  and  it  may  be  used  at  any  time  before  the  dis- 
ease manifests  itself,  although  the  longer  it  is  delayed  the  less 
chance  there  is  of  success. 

The  alleviating  measures  to  be  resorted  to  when  the  dis- 
ease has  manifested  itself  are  the  application  of  ice  to  the 
spine ; the  inhalation  of  chloroform,  and  injecting  into  the 
bowels  three  or  four  ounces  of  starch  water  with  morphine; 
other  remedies  successfully  used  are  chloral  hydrate,  lobelia, 
veratrum,  and  gelsemium.  Such  powerful  remedies  should  be 
administered  only  by  a physician. 

It  is  a well-known  fact  that  the  methods  employed  by 
Pasteur  have  been  successful  in  a large  number  of  cases. 

When,  as  is  often  the  case,  the  patient  is  violent,  he  should 
be  restrained  by  a straight  waistcoat,  or  some  such  contrivance, 
from  injuring  himself  and  others.  Cold  affusion  is  a remedy 
always  at  hand,  and  one  that  has  produced  beneficial  results ; 
get  some  water  at  as  low  a temperature  as  possible,  and  pour 
it  from  a considerable  height  over  the  back  of  the  head  and 
along  the  upper  part  of  the  spine.  This  greatly  reduces  the 
action  of  the  heart,  and  it  is  necessary  to  watch  the  pulse  care- 
fully during  the  process,  and  stop  it  as  soon  as  the  pulse  sinks  in 
a dangerous  degree.  Antispasmodics  and  refrigerants  must  be 
mainly  employed  in  these  cases,  as  the  patient  is  suffering  under 


190 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


a violent  excitement  consequent  on  the  introduction  of  a poison 
into  the  system,  which  excitement,  if  not  subdued,  will  inevita- 
bly and  quickly  exhaust  the  vital  powers. 

Only  a very  small  proportion  of  those  who  are  bitten  have 
the  disease  at  all ; and  this  partial  immunity  has  sufficed  to  es- 
tablish a false  reputation  for  many  of  the  nostrums  vaunted  as 
infallible  remedies.  It  has  been  calculated  that  the  proportion 
of  persons  bitten  who  suffer  is  about  one  in  twenty-five. 

HYPOCHONDRIA. 

A disease  characterized  by  extreme  sensibility  of  the  nerv- 
ous system,  leading  the  patient  to  believe  himself  to  be  suffer- 
ing from  some  terrible  and  imaginary  disease,  or  to  be  much 
worse  than  he  really  is.  The  ideas  of  such  persons  often  partake 
of  the  most  extravagant  character.  He  may  fancy  that  he  is 
immensely  tall,  or  inordinately  small;  that  he  is  heavy  as  lead, 
or  light  as  a feather  ; that  he  is  composed  of  glass,  or  is  a lump 
of  butter.  They  are  all  extremely  timid,  and  their  fears  are  exer- 
cised upon  trifles,  or  are  altogether  groundless.  They  dwell 
constantly  upon  their  own  sufferings,  and  are  usually  morose, 
peevish,  suspicious,  and  misanthropic  ; and  frequently  suspect 
their  nearest  and  dearest  friends  of  designs  upon  their  life. 
There  is  frequently,  also,  functional  derangement  of  certain 
organs,  especially  those  connected  with  the  nutritive  processes. 

Causes . — The  causes  of  this  disease  are  various,  as  an 
impaired  condition  of  the  nervous  system,  habitual  costiveness, 
excessive  venereal  indulgence,  and  masturbation.  Young  men 
of  studious  habits  are  very  apt  to  suffer  from  this  disease. 
Those  too,  who,  from  want  of  occupation  and  a due  amount 
of  exercise,  acquire  a luxurious  habit  often  fall  a prey  to  it. 

Treatment. — The  cure  must  of  necessity  vary  according 
to  the  nature  of  the  disease.  In  general,  the  great  thing  is  to 
withdraw  the  patient’s  mind  as  much  as  possible  from  himself. 
For  this  purpose,  cheerful  society  and  change  of  scene  should 
be  adopted.  The  system  ought  to  be  strengthened  by  tonics 
and  exercise  in  the  open  air.  If  it  arises  from  idleness  and 
luxury,  the  great  cure  is  plenty  of  active  exercise  and  a spare 
diet.  In  all  cases  the  state  of  the  digestive  organs  should  be 
attended  to,  and  the  bowels  kept  in  a strictly  normal  condition. 
If  there  is  costiveness,  cracked  wheat  should  be  eaten,  or  if 
this  does  not  answer,  give  the  following : Pulverized  rhubarb, 
two  scruples ; bitartrate  of  potassa,  one  scruple ; extract  of  nux 
vomica,  five  grains.  Mix.  Make  into  twenty  pills.  Dose,  one 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


191 


pill  twice  a day.  A teaspoonful  of  calcined  magnesia,  or  an 
infusion  of  thoroughwort,  drunk  cold,  will  often  answer  an 
excellent  purpose. 


IMPERFECT  SIGHT. 

(Amaurosis.') 

Loss  of  sight,  proceeding  from  a paralysis  of  the  optic 
nerve,  which  may  be  caused  by  disease  of  the  nerve  itself,  or  of 
that  part  of  the  brain  with  which  it  comes  in  contact. 

Symptoms, — Amaurosis  generally  comes  on  very  grad- 
ually, with  dimness  of  vision,  and  variations  of  color,  or  float- 
ing objects,  called  spectra.  One  symptom  is  dilation  of  the 
pupil  and  insensibility  to  light.  The  disease  may  be  permanent 
or  temporary,  as  it  depends  upon  causes  which  are  remedial  or 
otherwise.  It  sometimes  is  occasioned  by  an  excess  of  bile  in 
the  system,  or  a disordered  stomach  ; and,  in  that  case,  resort 
would  be  first  had  to  aperients,  such  as  a five-grain  blue  pill  at 
night,  and  castor  oil,  or  infusion  of  senna  in  the  morning ; to 
be  followed  up  by  small  doses  of  calomel  and  rhubarb,  or  colo- 
cynth,  according  as  the  bowels  are  sluggish  or  otherwise.  If 
the  patient  is  strong,  and  of  a full  habit,  he  should  keep  to 
spare  diet,  and  avoid  malt  liquor  or  spirits. 

Treatment, — It  is  best  to  consult  a first-class  oculist 
if  speedy  relief  is  not  otherwise  obtained.  A delay  in  such 
cases  often  causes  fatal  results.  Cold  bathing  is  very  useful  ; 
and  this,  in  connection  with  outdoor  exercise  and  a strictly 
vegetable  diet  and  abstinence  from  exciting  pursuits  is  usually 
beneficial. 


INCONTINENCY  OF  URINE. 

This  is  rather  a more  troublesome  than  dangerous  com- 
plaint, and  young  children  and  aged  persons  are  most  liable 
thereto. 

Causes. — Most  generally  from  a relaxation  of  the  sphincter 
muscle  of  the  bladder,  from  weakness,  but  sometimes  it  is 
caused  by  some  irritating  substance  in  the  bladder,  as  a too 
acid  condition  of  the  urine  or  an  inflammation  of  the  mucous 
layer  of  the  bladder;  in  children,  it  may  arise  from  sleeping 
on  the  back,  or  from  worms  or  eating  too  heartily  at  night. 

Treatment. — Tincture  of  iron,  six  drams ; tincture  of 
cantharides,  one  dram  ; tincture  of  henbane,  one  dram.  Mix. 
Take  thirty  drops,  three  times  a day,  in  water.  Or  the  follow- 


192 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


ing  may  be  used  with  good  effect : Sulphate  of  zinc,  one  dram ; 
powdered  rhubarb,  one  dram  ; Venice  turpentine,  two  drams. 
Mix.  Divide  into  sixty  pills.  Take  one  three  times  a day.  One 
of  the  best  modern  remedies  is  tincture  of  belladonna ; this 
may  be  combined  with  the  fluid  extract  ergot. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  PERICARDIUM. 

(. Pericarditis .) 

Causes. — It  may  be  induced  by  exposure  to  damp  or 
cold,  or  by  other  causes  which  give  rise  to  inflammation.  It 
frequently  arises  from  acute  rheumatism,  or  from  Bright’s 
disease. 

Symptoms. — It  is  characterized  by  great  tenderness 
over  the  region  of  the  heart,  and  sharp  cutting  pains,  which 
prevent  the  patient  from  lying  upon  the  left  side.  If,  as  is 
usually  the  case,  the  pleura  is  involved,  there  will  be  acute  pain 
on  coughing  or  drawing  a deep  breath.  Sometimes  the  attack 
is  not  so  severe,  and  only  a slight  pain  is  felt,  or  only  a sense  of 
heaviness  and  oppression.  Generally  the  action  of  the  heart  is 
increased,  sometimes  so  much  so  as  to  constitute  palpitation.  Fre- 
quently there  is  a considerable  quantity  of  fluid  effused  into 
the  cavity  of  the  pericardium,  which  is  sometimes  externally 
visible  by  the  bulging  out  over  that  part. 

Treatment. — The  mode  of  treatment  depends  very  much 
upon  the  particular  circumstances  of  each  case.  Where  the  dis- 
ease is  rapid  and  violent,  remedies  like  digitalis  and  nitro-glyce- 
rine  may  be  needed  to  strengthen  the  heart’s  action.  Pain  must 
be  relieved  by  anodynes ; the  most  efficient  method  in  an  urgent 
case  is  by  the  hypodermic  injection  of  morphia.  Medicines  are 
necessary  to  assist  in  the  elimination  of  the  fluid  in  the  chest. 
Iodide  of  potash  in  five  grain  doses  is  efficient.  Poppy  fomen- 
tations, or  flaxseed  meal  poultices,  applied  to  the  part,  help  to 
relieve  the  pain,  and  the  vapor  bath  will  usually  be  found  bene- 
ficial. The  diet  should  at  first  be  light  and  nourishing  ; but,  if 
the  patient  is  very  weak,  stimulants  will  be  necessary,  and  after- 
wards the  system  should  be  strengthened  by  tonics. 

Inflammation  of  the  heart  ( Carditis ) itself  sometimes  occurs, 
but  it  is  usually  accompanied  with  inflammation  of  the  peri- 
cardium. The  symptoms  in  both  cases  are  the  same,  and  the 
treatment  will,  consequently,  be  similar  in  both.  The  like  re- 
marks will  also  apply,  in  a great  measure,  to  inflammation  of  the 
interior  lining  membrane  of  the  heart  ( Endocarditis ).  In  this 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


198 


case  there  is  more  or  less  of  fever  and  anxiety,  and  a peculiar 
sound  of  the  heart  may  be  heard.  A disease  so  dangerous  as 
pericarditis  should  always  have  the  prompt  attention  of  the  best 
physician. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  LIVER. 

This  disease  is  known  by  a painful  tension  of  the  right  side 
under  the  ribs,  attended  with  some  degree  of  fever,  a sense  of 
weight  or  fullness  of  the  part,  difficulty  of  breathing,  loathing  of 
food,  great  thirst,  with  a pale  or  yellowish  color  of  the  skin  and 
eyes. 

Treatment.  — Take  care  to  avoid  stimulating  food  and 
drinks ; partake  freely  of  barley  water  or  linseed  tea.  Keep  the 
body  and  mind  easy  and  quiet  as  much  as  possible.  Let  the 
bowels  be  gently  opened  ; a decoction  of  tamarinds,  with  a little 
honey  or  manna,  will  answer  this  purpose  very  well.  Foment 
the  side  affected  by  means  of  flannels  wrung  out  of  hot  water. 
If  the  pain  be  very  violent,  apply  a blister.  "Lake  three  or  four 
times  a day  in  the  beverage  ordinarily  drunk,  a teaspoonful  of 
the  spirit  of  nitrous  ether.  When  there  is  an  inclination  to  per- 
spire, let  it  be  promoted  by  copious  draughts  of  warm  drinks. 
If  the  disorder,  in  spite  of  all  endeavors,  should  continue  obsti- 
nate, the  greatest  attention  must  be  paid  to  the  diet,  avoiding 
fish,  flesh,  and  salted  and  seasoned  foods.  The  patient  should 
live  for  the  most  part  on  vegetables  and  fruits,  and  drink  whey 
or  buttermilk.  Gentle  exercise  is  allowable. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  SPLEEN. 

This  is  often  the  result  of  chills  and  fever,  and  is  very  diffi- 
cult and  stubborn  to  cure. 

Symptoms. — A feeling  of  tightness  and  pain  in  the  left 
side — the  pain  being  increased  on  pressure,  or  by  lying  upon  the 
left  side.  Sometimes  the  organ  enlarges,  so  as  to  be  felt  by  the 
hand.  There  is  sometimes  numbness,  weakness  of  the  legs,  pal- 
pitation of  the  heart,  difficulty  of  breathing,  inability  to  exercise 
much,  obstinate  constipation,  vomiting  of  food,  piles,  dry  skin, 
tongue  coated  white  or  red,  low  spirits,  and  occasionally  dropsi- 
cal affections. 

Treatment. — Treatment  should  be  about  the  same  as  in 
inflammation  of  the  liver.  After  the  active  inflammation  is 
subdued,  the  warm  bath  may  be  used  once  or  twice  a week.  In 
the  chronic  form  of  the  disease,  counter-irritation  with  the  com- 
pound tar  plaster,  with  mustard  poultices,  or  tincture  of  iodine, 


194 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


will  be  particularly  needed.  Keep  the  bowels  open,  and  if  the 
patient  is  pale  and  bloodless,  give  iron  combined  with  quinine 
and  arsenic  as  a tonic.  The  following  may  be  used:  Dried 
sulphate  of  iron,  thirty  grains  ; quinine,  one  dram  ; arsenious 
acid,  one  grain.  Mix  and  divide  into  thirty  pills.  Take  one 
three  times  a day. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  STOMACH. 

( Gastritis.) 

It  is  known  by  pain  in  the  epigastric  region,  increased 
when  anything  is  taken  into  the  stomach,  together  with  vomit- 
ing and  hiccough ; rapid  pulse,  and  general  prostration  attended 
by  fever  and  anxiety.  It  is  produced  by  poisons  of  various 
kinds  taken  into  the  stomach,  as  arsenic  or  corrosive  sublimate  ; 
by  food  of  an  improper  nature  ; by  draughts  of  any  cold  liquid 
when  the  body  is  much  heated. 

Treatment,  — A clyster  of  about  forty  drops  of  lau- 
danum in  a pint  of  thin  gruel.  Hot  bran  poultices,  sprinkled 
with  laudanum,  may  be  applied  to  the  seat  of  pain. 

The  following  is  a good  solvent  mixture  where  gall  stones 
are  known  to  be  present : Castile  soap,  two  drams — melt  by 
heat  in  half  a pint  of  water ; add  spirits  of  turpentine  and  ether, 
of  each  two  drams ; take  a tablespoonful  three  times  a day. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  KIDNEYS. 

The  existence  of  this  disease  may  be  known  by  a sense  of 
heat  and  sharp  pains  about  the  loins,  and  a dull,  benumbed 
feeling  down  the  thigh. 

Treatment, — Avoid  everything  of  a heating  or  stimulat- 
ing nature,  and  let  the  diet  consist  chiefly  of  light,  thin  broth, 
mild  vegetables,  etc.;  drink  plentifully  of  balm  tea,  sweetened 
with  honey,  or  decoction  of  marshmallow.  Nothing  so  safely  and 
certainly  abates  the  inflammation  as  soothing  fluids.  Should 
there  be  much  pain  in  the  back,  heat  should  be  applied  to  the 
part ; and  this  is  done  by  means  of  cloths  dipped  in  hot  water, 
rewarmed  as  they  grow  cool.  Should  there  be  shivering  and 
signs  of  fever,  with  considerable  tenderness  over  the  kidneys, 
five  or  ten  grains  of  quinine  may  be  given.  After  some  time 
the  bowels  should  be  freely  opened,  and  the  best  means  of  effect- 
ing this  is  with  three  grains  of  calomel,  and  two  hours  after- 
ward half  an  ounce  of  castor  oil ; subsequently  the  following 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


195 


may  be  given : Bicarbonate  of  soda,  two  drams  ; spirit  of  nitrous 
ether,  tincture  of  henbane,  of  each  two  drams  ; syrup  of  tolu, 
mixture  of  acacia,  of  each  one  ounce ; camphor  mixture 
to  eight  ounces.  Mix,  and  take  half  a wineglassful  every 
four  hours.  A very  good  remedy  L the  following  : Take  of  tinc- 
ture of  opium,  liquor  of  ammonia,  spirit  of  turpentine,  and 
soap  liniment,  of  each  equal  portions.  Mix,  and  rub  well 
into  the  parts  affected.  In  conjunction  with  this  external  ap- 
plication, take  of  infusion  of  buchu,  eleven  drains ; powdered 
tragacanth,  five  grains ; tincture  of  buchu,  one  dram ; mix  for  a 
draught,  and  take  every  morning.  If  there  be  much  nausea, 
a clyster  may  be  administered,  consisting  of  half  a dram  of 
laudanum,  with  half  a teacupful  of  thin  starch  ; this  is  to  be 
injected  every  two  or  three  hours,  or  at  longer  intervals,  accord- 
ing to  the  effect  produced.  Employ  the  warm  bath,  and  after- 
wards warm  fomentations  to  the  stomach  and  loins ; drink 
freely  of  flaxseed  tea. 

Those  who  have  once  suffered  from  inflammation  of  the 
kidneys  are  very  liable  to  it  again ; to  prevent  a recurrence 
of  the  attack,  they  should  abstain  from  wine  and  stimulants  ; 
use  moderate  exercise  ; avoid  exposure  to  wet  and  cold ; eat 
of  food  light  and  easy  of  digestion ; not  lie  too  much  on  the 
back,  and  on  a mattress  in  preference  to  a bed. 


INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  BLADDER. 

Causes. — It  is  seldom  a primary  disease,  but  is  in  conse- 
quence of  inflammation  in  the  neighboring  parts  ; it  is  sometimes 
caused,  however,  by  retention  of  the  urine,  and  consequently 
over-distention  of  the  bladder,  or  by  a large  stone  in  the 
bladder. 

Symptoms. — Acute  pain  and  tension  of  the  part,  frequent 
desire  to  make  water,  difficulty  in  passing  it,  or  a complete  re- 
tention of  it ; and  tenesmus,  and  frequent  desire  to  go  to  stool 
to  no  purpose. 

Treatment. — The  diet  must  be  light;  the  drinks  in  all 
bladder  diseases  may  be  flaxseed  tea,  barley  water,  solution  of 
gum  arabic,  marshmallow  tea,  and  similar  drinks.  The  bowels 
may  be  kept  open  by  this  mild  aperient  draught : Bitartrate  of 
potash,  one  dram  ; tincture  of  senna,  one  dram ; manna,  half  an 
ounce ; warm  water,  one  and  a half  ounces.  Mix  and  take  at 
once. 


196 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  PERITONEUM. 

(. Peritonitis .) 

This  is  an  exceedingly  painful  and  dangerous  disease,  from 
its  extent  and  connection  with  important  organs.  It  may  exist 
either  as  an  acute  or  chronic  disease. 

Causes, — Its  causes  are  various,  as  cold,  mechanical  injuries 
of  the  peritoneum,  the  development  of  tumors,  etc.  Women  in 
childbed  are  peculiarly  liable  to  it.  After  the  disease  has  con- 
tinued for  a certain  time,  it  is  attended  with  tension  and  swell- 
ing of  the  abdomen,  and  if  not  checked  it  usually  terminates  in 
from  five  to  ten  days. 

Symptoms. — There  is  usually  great  pain  and  tenderness 
of  the  abdomen,  accompanied  with  fever,  and  a frequent  pulse. 
Sometimes,  at  first,  the  pain  is  confined  to  one  spot ; but  it  gen- 
erally soon  extends  over  the  whole  of  the  abdomen.  It  is  very 
severe,  and  much  increased  by  any  motion,  even  coughing,  sneez- 
ing, or  drawing  a long  breath.  Even  the  weight  of  the  bed- 
clothes is  sometimes  unbearable.  The  pain  is  acute  and  cutting, 
and  sometimes  occurs  in  paroxysms  ; and  the  patient  usually  lies 
on  the  back  with  the  knees  drawn  up.  The  bowels  are  usually 
constipated,  but  sometimes  the  reverse ; and  commonly  there 
are  present  nausea,  vomiting,  and  hiccough. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  consists  in  the  application  of 
warm  fomentations  to  the  abdomen.  General  bleeding  was  for- 
merly recommended,  but  this  can  only  be  adopted  or  of  service 
when  the  patient  is  strong  and  of  full  habit.  As  internal 
remedies,  most  reliance  is  usually  placed  upon  mercury  and 
opium. 

After  a time,  peritonitis  sometimes  assumes  a chronic  form. 
Here  the  symptoms  are  less  marked.  The  pain  is  slight,  or  only 
discoverable  on  pressure,  and  the  fever  low ; but  the  skin  is  hot 
and  dry,  the  tongue  foul,  and  appetite  impaired.  The  treat- 
ment consists  in  hot  fomentations  or  counter-irritants  applied 
over  the  abdomen,  and  anodynes  sufficient  in  frequency  and 
amount  to  relieve  the  pain.  This  disease  is  very  dangerous, 
and  should  have  the  prompt  attention  of  a competent  phy- 
sician. A nourishing  but  unstimulating  diet,  and  attention  to 
the  state  of  the  bowels,  are  likewise  necessary ; and  some 
recommend  iodine,  either  taken  internally  or  applied  as  oint- 
ment to  the  part. 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


197 


INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  EYE. 

( Ophthalmia .) 

Symptoms . — Its  chief  symptoms  are  a smarting  sensation, 
and  a feeling  like  that  caused  by  the  presence  of  dust.  There 
is  also  considerable  stiffness,  and  the  whites  become  tinged  with 
red,  owing  to  the  veins  being  suffused.  On  a close  examination, 
the  red  vessels  may  be  distinctly  traced;  and  it  may  be  observed 
that  they  move  with  the  surface,  showing  that  the  inflammation 
is  but  superficial. 

Treatment . — Warm  bathing  of  the  eye,  combined  with 
brisk  purgatives,  should  first  be  tried  ; mercury  may  be  taken 
in  a mild  form,  as  in  the  gray  powder,  and  combined  with  rhu- 
barb, say  three  grains  of  the  former  and  eight  or  ten  of  the  lat- 
ter, every  other  night;  the  diet  should  be  light.  Should  the 
warm  bathing  not  produce  a good  effect,  in  a couple  of  days  or 
so,  use  the  following  lotion:  Wine  of  opium,  one  dram;  sul- 
phate of  zinc,  eight  grains  ; acetate  of  lead,  sixteen  grains  ; rose 
or  plain  distilled  water,  eight  ounces.  Dip  a piece  of  linen  in 
this  lotion,  and  bind  it,  not  too  tightly,  over  the  eye,  letting 
part  of  the  fold  hang  down  so  as  to  cover  it  well.  Keep  this 
moistened.  If  the  inflammation  does  not  subside  speedily,  con- 
sult your  family  physician  or  a specialist. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  LARYNX. 

(. Laryngitis .) 

Inflammation  of  the  larynx  is,  more  particularly,  inflam- 
mation of  the  mucous  membrane  that  covers  the  laryngeal  car- 
tilages, including  the  epiglottis. 

Symptoms . — This  disease  is  characterized  by  fever  ; the 
pulse  is  frequent,  and  the  patient  manifests  a considerable  de- 
gree of  restlessness  and  anxiety;  likewise  complains  of  sore 
throat;  and  among  the  earliest  symptoms  that  bespeak  danger 
is  difficulty  of  swallowing,  for  which  no  adequate  cause  is  vis- 
ible in  the  fauces  ; and  to  this  is  presently  added  difficulty  of 
breathing.  The  act  of  inspiration  is  protracted,  with  wheezing, 
and  the  patient  points  to  the  Adam’s  apple  as  the  seat  of  the 
disease.  He  speaks  either  hoarsely,  or,  what  is  more  common, 
all  power  of  audible  voice  in  the  larynx  is  lost,  and  he  speaks 
only  by  means  of  his  lips  and  tongue,  in  a whisper.  As  the 
disorder  advances-,  the  patient’s  general  distress  increases.  His 
countenance,  from  being  flushed,  becomes  pale  or  livid  ; his 


198 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


looks  anxious  and  ghastly ; he  struggles  for  breath,  and,  if  he 
does  not  obtain  timely  relief,  dies  of  strangulation.  Its  course 
is  generally  rapid,  terminating  fatally  within  the  fifth  day,  and 
even,  in  some  cases,  within  twelve  hours. 

Treatment . — In  the  treatment  of  this  disease,  active 
remedies  should  be  used  promptly.  If  a blister  is  applied,  it 
should  be  on  the  upper  part  of  the  sternum  or  chest,  rather 
than  on  the  front  of  the  throat.  The  compound  syrup  of  squills 
in  one-quarter  of  a teaspoon  dose  may  afford  relief.  Calomel 
in  five  grain  doses  should  be  given  to  stimulate  glandular  se- 
cretion. Purgatives  should  also  be  administered,  and  warm 
fomentations  applied  to  the  throat.  A poultice  made  of  fine  cut 
tobacco,  or  tobacco  ointment,  will  often  afford  relief.  As  the 
danger  of  this  disease  lies  in  its  tendency  to  produce  suffocation, 
whenever  there  is  great  danger  of  this  termination,  tracheotomy 
should  be  performed,  and  an  artificial  opening  made,  through 
which  the  operation  of  breathing  may  be  carried  on  till  the 
parts  of  the  larynx  acquire  their  natural  state.  Nor  should  this 
operation  be  too  long  delayed.  When  simple  remedies  do  not 
afford  relief  consult  your  physician  without  delay. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  TONSILS. 

( Tonsilitis.') 

With  enlarged  tonsils  there  is  always  more  or  less  thick-* 
ness  of  speech,  and  a great  liability  to  sore  throat  or  quinsy. 
Tonics  and  astringent  gargles  are  required  for  such  enlarge-- 
ment,  and  a long  perseverance  in  the  latter  is  necessary.  The 
glands  should  be  now  and  then  brushed  over  with  a solution  of 
nitrate  of  silver,  or  rubbed  with  the  stick  itself;  but  this  should 
be  done  very  carefully,  so  as  not  to  touch  the  surrounding  parts. 
Should  the  enlargement  become  prominent,  it  is  best  to  have 
the  tonsils  cut  by  a surgeon  ; this  is  not  a dangerous  nor  very 
painful  operation.  In  ulcerated  sore  throats,  the  tonsils  gen- 
erally become  involved. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  EDGE  OF  THE  EYELIDS. 

The  edges  of  the  eyelids  are  sometimes  very  red  and  stiff 
in  consequence  of  the  inflammation  of  the  small  follicles  or  ducts 
which  open  there. 

Treatment . — The  best  remedy  is  a little  red  precipitate 
ointment  rubbed  into  the  roots  of  the  lashes,  when  the  lids  are 
closed  on  retiring  to  rest.  This  may  be  repeated  every  night 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


199 


until  no  longer  required.  A little  gray  powder  combined  with 
rhubarb  should  be  given,  and  the  patient  kept  quiet.  When 
inflammation  has  been  going*  on  in  the  eyelids  for  a time,  their 
insides,  when  inverted,  will  often  present  a rough  granular  ap- 
pearance. In  this  case,  they  should  be  gently  rubbed  over  with 
a smooth  piece  of  dry  sulphate  of  copper.  The  lid  should  be 
kept  open  after  the  application  until  the  eyeball  is  syringed 
with  warm  water,  to  remove  from  it  any  of  the  solution  caused 
by  the  flow  of  tears  acting  on  the  sulphate.  There  will  proba- 
bly be  great  smarting  of  the  eye,  and  increased  redness  of  the 
white  portion,  which  must  be  suffered  to  subside  before  the  ap- 
plication is  repeated.  Sometimes  the  hairs  on  the  lids  grow 
inwards  and  cause  great  irritation  of  the  balls.  Collodion 
brushed  over  the  lids  will,  as  it  dries,  cause  contraction  of  the 
skin,  and  so  draw  the  hairs  outward,  but  this  is  only  a temporary 
relief,  and  the  application  must  be  frequently  repeated.  Sur- 
gical aid  must  be  sought. 


INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  EAR. 

( Otitis.') 

This  is  characterized  by  an  acute  and  increasing  pain,  with 
tenderness  on  pressure  or  moving  the  jaw,  accompanied  with 
fever.  Sometimes  the  external  ear  is  the  seat  of  the  disease, 
sometimes  the  internal,  or  both  may  be  involved.  There  is  fre- 
quently impaired  or  confused  hearing,  and  often  the  pain  is  so 
acute  as  to  produce  delirium.  On  examination,  the  meatus  is 
observed  to  be  more  or  less  red,  swollen,  tender,  and  dry.  After 
a time,  if  the  disease  progresses,  suppuration  takes  place,  and 
pus  is  discharged.  If  this  happens  in  the  inner  ear,  frequently 
the  tympanum  ulcerates  and  bursts,  unless  such  injury  is  pre- 
vented by  timely  aid  of  a surgeon.  If  this  disease  is  neglected 
it  may  result  in  loss  of  hearing.  An  obstinate  discharge  may 
remain  after  the  other  symptoms  have  disappeared. 

Causes . — It  is  usually  caused  by  cold,  or  exposure  to  cur- 
rents of  cold  air,  injudicious  bathing,  violent  syringing  or  prob- 
ing, scrofula,  and  acute  diseases  like  scarlet  fever. 

Treatment . — It  is  to  be  treated  with  fomentations,  and 
the  repeated  application  of  leeches.  At  the  same  time  active 
purgatives  are  to  be  administered.  The  ear  should  also  be  fre- 
quently syringed  with  warm  water,  and  dusted  with  pulverized 
boric  acid. 


200 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  IRIS. 

(Iritis.') 

This  is  characterized  by  intolerance  of  light,  but  not  the 
spasmodic  closing  of  the  eyelids  before  mentioned.  The  whole 
colored  part  of  the  eye  loses  its  clearness,  and  sometimes  has  on 
it  white  or  yellow  spots;  a pink  zone  invests  the  cornea,  and 
seems  to  give  a tinge  to  the  whole  front  of  the  ball.  This  is  a 
very  rapid  and  violent  form  of  eye  disease. 

Treatment. — Keep  the  bowels  open  with  some  gentle 
aperient.  Place  in  the  eye  one  drop  of  solution  of  atropia,  one 
grain  to  an  ounce  of  water,  three  times  a day.  Wash  the  eyes 
with  an  infusion  of  slippery  elm  bark,  or  marshmallow.  The 
treatment  of  iritis  requires  much  skill,  otherwise  the  sight  might 
be  permanently  injured.  Consult  competent  medical  authority. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  TONGUE. 

( Glossitis .) 

CVmses.— Mechanical  injury,  exposure  to  cold,  the  use  of 
mercury,  etc. 

Symptoms. — The  tongue  becomes  greatly  swollen,  and  is 
painful  to  the  touch;  respiration  and  deglutition  are  much  in- 
terfered with  ; and  one  of  the  chief  dangers  of  the  attack  is 
suffocation. 

Treatment. — In  mild  cases,  ice  and  the  use  of  purgatives 
will  afford  relief ; but,  in  the  more  severe  forms,  leeches  will 
have  to  be  applied  to  the  part,  or  the  knife  may  have  to  be  used, 
and  pretty  deep  incisions  made  into  the  inflamed  part,  which 
will  afford  almost  instantaneous  relief. 

INFLAMED  AND  ULCERATED  NOSE. 

When  the  lining  membrane  of  the  nose  is  inflamed  and  ulcer- 
ated, a solution  of  carbonate  of  soda  in  warm  water  thrown  up 
by  a syringe  will  be  of  service.  If  the  purulent  discharge  be 
offensive,  a few  drops  of  the  solution  of  chloride  of  soda  or  lime 
should  be  added  to  this. 

INFLAMMATORY  BLUSH. 

(Erythema.) 

A morbid  redness  of  the  skin,  and  considered  as  a milder 
form  of  erysipelas — from  which,  however,  it  differs  in  not  being 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


201 


contagious,  and  yielding  more  readily  to  medical  treatment. 
Medical  men  enumerate  seven  different  species  of  this  disease, 
all  differing  in  some  peculiarity  of  form  or  color  in  the  eruption. 
Thus  sometimes  the  surfaces  are  smooth  and  shining,  or  they  are 
like  small  pimples  or  tumors,  appearing  generally  on  the  face, 
breast,  or  arms  ; again  they  appear  as  red  shining  patches  on  the 
front  of  the  legs,  and  sometimes  on  the  arms,  assuming  a pur- 
plish tint  after  some  days,  like  a bruise.  This  form  appears  to 
be  almost  peculiar  to  }roung  women.  Then  there  is  the  red  gum 
or  tooth  rash  of  children,  and  the  redness  occasioned  by  irritat- 
ing discharges,  such  as  of  the  faeces  in  diarrhoea  or  of  tears  when 
of  an  acrid  character,  or  the  chafing  between  the  folds  of  the 
skin  of  children,  which  results  from  want  of  proper  care  in  fre- 
quent washing  and  drying  the  parts.  Sometimes  after  dancing 
or  any  violent  exercise,  drinking  cold  water  when  in  a heated 
state,  or  eating  too  largely  of  fruit  or  other  substances,  red  spots 
and  patches  will  appear  on  the  back,  shoulders,  and  face,  more 
particularly  of  young  persons  ; and  all  these  are  different  varie- 
ties of  erythema,  one  of  whose  peculiar  characteristics  is  that  the 
redness  disappears  on  pressure  of  the  inflamed  part,  but  shows 
itself  again  in  a second  or  two  after  the  finger  is  removed. 

Treatment . — The  proper  treatment  for  children  is  bath- 
ing the  part  affected  freely  with  hot  water,  and  then  drying 
thoroughly,  and  applying  powdered  starch  or  violet  powder; 
keep  the  bowels  open  with  a senna  draught,  or  a dose  of  castor 
oil  in  the  morning,  following  it  up  with  small  doses  of  quinine, 
according  to  the  age  of  the  child.  Should  the  inflammation  not 
yield  to  this  treatment,  use  the  sugar  of  lead  lotions  recom- 
mended for  erysipelas,  and  still  proceed  with  the  quinine,  to 
which  rapidly  spreading  erysipelas  scarcely  ever  fails  to  yield. 
This  course  of  treatment  must  be  applied  in  most  of  the  com- 
mon forms  of  the  disease  to  patients  of  all  ages ; but  there  are 
one  or  two  exceptional  forms  to  which  it  is  not  applicable,  such 
as  the  kind  already  alluded  to  as  chiefly  attacking  young  women, 
and  of  these  such  as  are  of  a delicate  constitution.  It  is  espe- 
cially likely  to  come  on  after  scarlet  fever  or  measles.  As  this 
is  attendant  on  a debilitated  state  of  the  system,  it  requires 
nourishing  food  and  strengthening  medicine.  For  its  removal 
some  preparation  of  iron,  with  infusion  of  quassia,  and  an  aro- 
matic tincture,  or  cinnamon  water,  will  make  a good  mixture  ; or 
take  the  following:  Sulphate  of  quinine,  twelve  grains;  diluted 
sulphuric  acid,  one  dram  ; compound  tincture  of  cardamoms, 
une-half  ounce ; infusion  of  roses,  twelve  ounces.  Dose,  two 


202 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


tablespoonfuls  two  or  three  times  a day  ; change  of  air  is  also 
desirable. 

Another  not  uncommon  form  of  the  disease  generally  shows 
itself  on  the  face,  especially  of  sedentary  females.  It  is  often 
erroneously  called  erysipelas,  but  it  is  usually  unattended  with 
febrile  symptoms,  or  constitutional  derangement  of  any  kind, 
and  exhibits  no  tendency  to  spread  rapidly.  Local  remedies 
are  of  little  service  in  this  case — indeed,  they  are  more  likely  to 
do  mischief,  by  inducing  congestion.  When  the  character  of 
the  disease  is  acute,  a brisk  mercurial  aperient,  followed  by 
cooling  saline  medicines,  may  be  of  service  ; when  it  becomes 
chronic,  use  the  following:  Fowler’s  .solution,  three  drops  in 

water  after  each  meal.  Plenty  of  walking  exercise,  with  due 
care  as  to  diet  and  strict  attention  to  the  laws  of  health, 
are  the  grand  specifics  after  all. 

ITCH. 

(Scabies.) 

This  is  a troublesome,  contagious,  eruptive  disease,  confined 
largely  to  persons  of  uncleanly  habits. 

Cause . — It  is  caused  by  a minute  parasite  lodging  under 
the  skin,  and  is  readily  communicated  by  contact.  The  only 
proof  of  the  existence  of  itch  is  the  presence  of  the  parasite,  and 
this  is  readily  detected  by  means  of  the  microscope. 

Treatment. — The  itch  is  never  got  rid  of  without  medical 
treatment ; but  to  that  it  will  always  yield,  provided  proper 
cleanliness  be  observed.  Sulphur  is  the  grand  specific  for  it ; 
it  may  be  applied  in  the  form  of  ointment,  prepared  as  follows : 
Flowers  of  sulphur,  two  ounces ; carbonate  of  potash,  two  drams  ; 
lard,  four  ounces.  To  be  rubbed  well  in  wherever  the  eruption 
appears,  every  night  and  morning — washing  it  oft*  with  soap  and 
flannel  before  each  fresh  application.  The  most  effectual  plan 
is  to  anoint  the  whole  body,  from  the  nape  of  the  neck  to  the 
soles  of  the  feet,  and  out  to  the  ends  of  the  fingers  ; put  on  socks, 
drawers,  flannel  wrapper,  and  gloves,  and  so  remain  in  bed  for 
thirty-six  hours,  repeating  the  anointing  operation  twice  during 
that  time ; then  take  a warm  bath,  and  wash  the  whole  person 
with  soap  and  flannel. 

In  mild  cases,  a sulphurous  vapor  bath  taken  twice  in 
twenty-four  hours,  with  warm  soap  and  water  washing,  will 
generally  be  sufficient. 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


203 


IRRITATION,  ITCHING. 

(. Prurigo .) 

A papulous  affection  of  tlie  skin,  attended  with  troublesome 
itching.  Sometimes  it  is  attended  with  a sensation  as  of  ants 
or  other  insects  creeping  over  and  stinging  the  skin,  or  of  hot 
needles  piercing  it.  This  disease,  although  not  dangerous,  is  a 
cause  of  great  discomfort,  and  sometimes  even  misery  ; it  attacks 
persons  of  all  ages,  and  is  not  easily  got  rid  of,  sometimes  lasting 
for  months,  and  even  years. 

Treatment . — Wash  well,  every  evening  before  going  to 
bed,  with  Castile  soap,  and  allow  it  to  dry  in.  Brandy  or  alco- 
hol may  be  used  in  the  same  manner.  An  ounce  of  lemon  juice 
in  a pint  of  water,  or  vinegar  used  in  the  same  proportion,  will 
be  found  useful ; also,  water  and  spirits  of  camphor.  The  diet 
should  be  carefully  regulated,  and  all  stimulants  avoided. 

INFLUENZA. 

The  true  disease  seldom  occurs,  except  as  an  epidemic,  at- 
tacking many  persons  at  once.  It  comes  on  quite  suddenly. 
(See  La  Grippe.) 

Symptoms. — Its  symptoms  are  those  of  a general  fever. 
There  is  great  prostration  of  strength,  generally  showing  loss  of 
appetite,  heat  and  thirst,  cough  and  difficulty  of  breathing, 
owing  to  the  air  and  bronchial  passages  being  clogged  with 
mucus  ; there  is  also  running  at  the  nose  and  eyes,  weight  across 
the  brow  with  throbbing  pain,  and  great  depression  of  spirits. 
The  febrile  symptoms  do  not  commonly  last  more  than  four  or 
five  days,  sometimes  but  one  or  two,  but  the  cough  generally 
remains  for  a considerable  time,  varying  according  to  circum- 
stances, such  as  exposure  to  cold  or  wet,  predisposition  to 
cough,  etc. 

Treatment. — With  the  strong  and  healthy  this  is  not  a 
dangerous  disease,  but  aged  or  weakly  persons  are  frequently 
carried  off  by  it.  In  the  former  case  but  little  medical  treat- 
ment is  required.  Keep  the  patient  in  bed,  and  let  the  temper- 
ature of  the  room  be  warm  and  equable ; open  the  bowels  with 
a gentle  aperient,  such  as  rhubarb  and  magnesia,  or  senna  mix- 
ture, and  follow  this  up  with  weak  wine  whey,  or  some  warm 
diluent  drink,  in  a pint  of  which  a teaspoonful  of  cream  of  tartar, 
the  juice  of  a lemon,  and  a dram  of  nitrate  of  potash  has  been  dis- 
solved ; give  a wineglassful  of  this  about  every  four  hours.  It 
is  not  generally  safe  to  practice  much  depletion.  Stimulating 


204 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


liniments  and  mustard  poultices  may  be  applied  to  the  chest. 
Hot  fomentations  may  also  be  useful,  and  medicated  inhalations, 
such  as  a scruple  of  powdered  hemlock  or  henbane,  sprinkled 
in  the  boiling  water,  from  which  the  steam  ascends  into  the 
throat.  The  fresh  leaves  of  the  above  plants  may  be  used,  or  a 
dram  of  the  tincture,  if  these  cannot  be  procured.  When  the 
fever  is  subdued,  if  there  is  still  a cough  and  restlessness,  a five- 
grain  Dover’s  powder  may  be  given  at  bedtime,  or  one-eighth  of 
a grain  of  acetate  of  morphine,  with  a five-grain  squill  pill,  for 
the  cough  if  required.  If  there  is  great  feebleness,  tonics  must 
be  administered  ; infusion  of  Colombo,  cascarilla,  or  gentian,  with 
carbonate  of  ammonia  ; one  ounce  of  the  former  with  five  grains 
of  the  latter,  three  times  a day,  with  a mildly  nutritious  diet, — 
broths,  arrowroot,  sago,  and  a small  quantity  of  wine.  Such  is 
an  outline  of  the  course  to  be  pursued  in  most  cases  of  influenza, 
also  include  warmth,  rest,  and  good  nursing.  Should  the  cough 
be  very  obstinate,  and  resist  all  efforts  to  remove  it,  change  of  air 
will  generally  prove  effectual,  and  this  is  beneficial  in  most  cases. 

INSANITY. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  terrible  disorders  to  which  the  hu- 
man race  is  subject. 

Causes . — The  causes  which  may  lead  to  insanity,  partic- 
ularly in  those  whose  mental  constitution  is  weak,  are  very 
numerous.  In  many  cases,  the  tendency  to  insanity  is  heredi- 
tary, and  transmitted  from  parents  to  children.  One  of  the 
most  fertile  causes  of  insanity  is  drunkenness.  Excessive  study, 
strong  mental  excitement,  grief,  jealousy,  disappointment, 
frequently  also  lead  to  it.  Religious  excitement  is  also  not 
an  unfrequent  cause. 

It  is  usual  to  distinguish  insanity  into  different  kinds,  as, — 
1.  Moral  Insanity,  in  which  there  is  a morbid  perversion  of  the 
feelings,  affections,  and  active  powers,  without  any  illusion  or 
erroneous  conviction  impressed  upon  the  understanding.  2.  In- 
tellectual Insanity , affecting  the  reasoning  powers,  and  which  may 
be  either  general  or  partial,  the  latter  as  in  monomania.  3.  Mania, 
or  raving  madness,  in  which  the  mental  faculties  are  notoriously 
impaired,  the  patient  gives  way  to  all  sorts  of  extravagances, 
and,  if  not  prevented,  will  do  mischief  to  himself  or  others. 
4.  Dementia,  imbecility,  fatuity,  when  the  mental  powers  become 
gradually  impaired,  the  sensibilities  diminished,  and  the  person 
at  length  becomes  careless  or  dead  to  all  that  is  going  on 
around  him. 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


205 


Usually,  however,  two  or  more  of  these  kinds  occur  together. 
Moral  insanity  frequently  manifests  itself  in  a desire  to  steal, 
or  appropriate  the  property  of  others.  In  monomania  the 
patient  reasons  correctly  upon  all  matters  except  one,  which 
forms  the  subject  of  his  insanity.  Imbecility  usually  commences 
with  loss  of  memory  and  the  power  of  concentrating  the  atten- 
tion, for  any  time,  upon  one  subject ; then  all  control  is  lost  over 
the  thoughts,  and  the  mind  wanders  meaninglessly  from  one  sub- 
ject to  another ; at  length  there  is  a carelessness  to  all  that  is 
going  on  around,  and  life  may  become  a mere  existence,  the 
mental  faculties  being  entirely  lost.  Idiocy  differs  from  im- 
becility in  being  congenital,  while  the  latter  is  acquired,  or 
produced  by  disease.  Idiocy  may  be  produced  by  various  causes 
connected  with  the  parents  ; as  intermarriages  of  near  relatives, 
intemperance,  scrofulous  habits,  some  powerful  influence  acting 
on  the  mother  during  pregnancy.  Idiots  present  every  degree 
of  mental  imbecility,  down  to  the  lowest  shade,  without  sense 
sufficient  to  satisfy  the  mere  wants  of  nature.  The  head  of  the 
idiot  is  usually  very  small,  particularly  in  the  regions  of  the 
forehead ; in  some  cases,  however,  it  may  be  quite  natural,  and 
in  others  large  and  misshapen.  The  beneficial  effects  of  atten- 
tion to  the  physical  health,  and  of  education,  are  manifested 
even  in  the  case  of  idiots.  Domestic  treatment  is  not  suited  for 
insanity. 

Treatment. — The  chances  of  recovery  depend  greatly  on 
the  complication,  or  otherwise,  of  insanity  with  other  diseases, 
particularly  epilepsy  or  paralysis,  with  either  of  which  it  is 
nearly  hopeless.  It  is  also  influenced  by  the  form  of  the  disease, 
the  period  of  its  duration,  the  age,  sex,  and  constitution  of  the 
patient.  The  mean  duration  of  cases  terminating  favorably  is 
from  five  to  ten  months ; after  the  latter  period  recovery  is  very 
doubtful.  In  advanced  life,  insanity  is  generally  permanent,  and 
imbecility  is  very  rarely  curable.  While  insanity  may  arise 
from  some  affection  of  the  brain  which  speedily  terminates  in 
death,  yet,  in  general,  it  is  not  necessarily  a fatal  disorder,  for 
lunatics  have  been  known  to  live  thirty,  forty,  or  fifty  years, 
after  being  seized  with  this  disease.  When  the  malady  pro- 
ceeds from,  or  is  accompanied  by,  physical  derangement,  as  it 
usually  is,  it  is  necessary  to  ascertain  the  nature  of  this,  and  to 
take  means  for  its  removal.  If  there  be  excitement  and  inflam- 
matory action,  mild  antiphlogistic  measures  will  be  necessary, 
together  with  aperients  and  a spare  diet.  If,  on  the  contrary, 
there  is  debility  and  prostration  of  strength,  a nourishing  diet 


206 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


will  be  required.  When,  as  is  often  the  case,  want  of  sleep  is 
an  attendant  symptom,  opiates  are  to  be  given.  In  all  cases, 
exercise,  fresh  air,  and  cleanliness  are  required.  The  moral 
treatment  of  the  insane  consists  in  diverting  their  thoughts  by 
occupations  and  amusements,  and  in  gaining  their  confidence 
by  kind  and  conciliatory  measures. 

INTOXICATION. 

Intoxication  is  the  state  produced  by  the  excessive  use  of 
alcoholic  liquors. 

Treatment . — Administer  a teaspoonful  of  spirits  of  harts- 
horn in  a wineglassful  of  water,  or  give  a wineglassful  of  cam- 
phor mixture.  When  a person  is  found  insensible  from  the 
effects  of  intoxication,  he  should  be  conveyed  into  a cool  room 
and  placed  between  blankets,  with  his  head  considerably  raised, 
but  the  legs  should  hang  down,  and  the  feet  be  bathed  in  warm 
water.  The  clothes  should  be  loosened,  and  barley  water  or  rice 
water  be  given  freely,  though  in  small  portions.  Next,  a gentle 
emetic  is  to  be  introduced,  and  the  throat  stimulated  with  a 
feather  dipped  in  oil.  After  this  the  patient  will  probably  fall 
into  a sound  sleep,  and  awaken  some  hours  afterwards,  partially 
if  not  wholly  recovered.  When  the  pulse  and  the  breathing 
continue,  and  the  body  is  hot,  cloths  dipped  in  cold  water  and 
applied  to  the  head,  neck,  stomach,  and  breast  will  frequently 
be  of  great  service  in  restoring  intoxicated  persons  to  life  and 
sensibility. 

IRRITATION  OF  THE  SPINE. 

This  is  especially  common  in  females,  and  often  lies  at  the 
root  of  palpitations  and  the  hysterical  affections  to  which  they  are 
subject.  In  this  case  a tender  spot,  or  more  than  one,  may  gener- 
ally be  found  on  examination  somewhere  in  the  course  of  the 
spinal  cord.  Simple  pressure  on  one  of  these  spots  will  some- 
times suffice  to  bring  on  an  attack  of. hysteria  and  fainting. 
Debility  of  constitution  is  likely  to  be  the  cause  of  this ; there- 
fore tonics  and  invigorating  measures  are  called  for.  Iron  and 
quinine  should  be  taken,  and  general  and  local  bathing  re- 
sorted to,  with  friction  down  the  spine  with  a coarse  towel  or 
flesh  brush ; in  some  cases  a small  blister  over  the  tender  part  is 
advisable. 

IRRITATION  OF  THE  BLADDER. 

In  ordinary  cases  this  may  be  relieved  by  warm  fomenta- 
tions applied  to  the  affected  part,  or  by  warm  bathing.  It  is 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


207 


also  well  to  avoid  undue  exertion,  to  rest  in  a recumbent  posi- 
tion as  much  as  possible,  to  keep  the  bowels  well  open,  and  to 
abstain  from  eating  and  drinking  such  things  as  are  of  a heating 
and  stimulating  nature.  When  the  complaint  assumes  a more 
severe  form,  medical  advice  should  be  sought  without  delay. 


JAUNDICE. 

A disease  arising  from  obstruction  to  the  passage  of  the  bile 
into  the  intestines,  from  disorders  of  the  liver. 

Treatment . — The  diet  should  be  cool,  light,  and  diluting 
— consisting  chiefly  of  ripe  fruit  and  mild  vegetables  ; the  drink, 
flaxseed  tea,  sweetened  with  licorice  ; the  bowels  must  be  kept 
open.  When  the  disease  has  abated,  doses  of  Peruvian  bark 
may  be  given,  with  good  port  wine ; plenty  of  exercise  taken, 
and  a mustard  poultice  occasionally  placed  over  the  liver. 
The  following  has  been  of  great  benefit:  Remain  in  a warm 
bath,  of  one  hundred  degrees,  for  twenty  minutes.  Take,  every 
other  night,  five  grains  of  blue  pill,  and  five  grains  of  compound 
aloe  pill  on  those  nights  when  the  blue  pill  is  not  ordered.  In 
addition,  take  twenty  drops  of  elixir  of  vitriol,  in  a wineglassful 
of  infusion  of  gentian,  twice  a day.  Or  take  either  of  these : 
Castile  soap,  one  ounce ; oil  of  juniper,  thirty  drops.  Mix  well 
together,  and  divide  the  mass  into  ninety-six  pills,  two  to  be 
taken  twice  a day.  Hard  soap,  four  drams  ; compound  powder 
of  cinnamon,  one  dram ; rhubarb,  two  drams  ; oil  of  juniper, 
sixteen  drops  ; syrup  of  ginger,  sufficient.  Form  the  whole  into 
one  hundred  pills,  of  which  three  are  to  be  taken  morning  and 
evening. 

Eclectic  Treatment  for  Jaundice . 

As  the  stomach  is  usually  disordered,  it  is  well  to  give  an 
emetic,  and  after  it  has  acted  freely  administer  a gentle  purge. 
Should  there  be  coldness  about  the  feet  or  body,  use  the  hot 
bath,  or  bathe  the  whole  body  with  hot  vinegar  and  water.  A 
decoction  made  of  dandelion  and  barberry  root  may  be  drunk 
freely.  If  these  do  not  give  immediate  relief,  take  the  follow- 
ing : Golden  seal  and  capsicum,  of  each  one  dram ; bitter  root 
and  white  poplar  bark,  of  each  two  drams  ; cover  with  boiling 
water.  When  cool,  add  half  a pint  of  Holland  gin.  Dose,  a wine- 
glassful  three  times  & day,  A strong  tea  of  peach  tree  leaves, 


208 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


about  half  a pint  taken  daily ; or  from  ten  to  forty  drops  of  the 
tincture  of  bloodroot,  taken  three  times  a day,  either  in  water 
or  herb  tea,  have  been  highly  recommended. 

LA  GRIPPE. 

( Catarrhal  Fever , Influenza .) 

This  is  an  acute  disease  prevailing  over  wide  sections  of 
country,  and  attacking  a large  per  cent,,  of  the  inhabitants  at 
about  the  same  time.  Its  chief  characteristic  is  its  depressing 
effects  upon  the  vitality. 

History. — Within  the  space  of  a few  weeks  in  1890  this 
disease  prostrated  hundreds  of  thousands  in  Europe  and  America, 
enormously  increasing  the  death  rate,  and  leaving  many  of  its 
surviving  victims  in  a condition  of  pronounced  debility  for 
many  months. 

For  a time  it  closed  factories  and  workshops,  it  checked 
business,  and  obstructed  the  prosecution  of  many  enterprises. 
The  serious  character  of  this  disease  was  but  little  regarded, 
until  its  widespread  results  began  to  be  estimated,  and  its  fear- 
ful death  rate  computed.  The  return  of  this  disease  in  full 
force  in  the  winter  of  1891  and  1892  added  further  to  the  deep 
interest  it  awakened,  and  all  classes  of  people  were  asking 
questions  concerning  its  origin,  history,  and  treatment. 

It  is  not  a new  disease,  for  it  has  swept  around  the  world 
many  times,  and  left  behind  the  records  of  its  occurrence  in  the 
medical  literature  of  the  past  centuries. 

The  French  gave  to  this  epidemic  disease  the  name  of  “La 
Grippe,”  in  the  year  1778,  and  the  Italians  two  centuries  earlier 
called  it  the  “Influenza.”  There  are  means  of  knowing  that  it 
was  prevalent  in  Europe  as  far  back  as  the  fifth  century,  and 
its  course  around  the  world  has  always  been  from  east  to  west. 
It  travels  with  great  swiftness,  as  upon  the  wings  of  the  wind  ; 
it  was  only  six  weeks  in  reaching  New  York  after  its  appear- 
ance in  Russia. 

There  is  a striking  analogy  between  this  disease  and  the 
noted  epizootic  which  prevailed  among  the  horses  in  1872.  So 
widespread  was  the  disease  among  the  equine  family,  that  men 
instead  of  horses  appeared  upon  the  streets  drawing  wagons 
loaded  with  merchandise  for  shipping. 

Causes. — The  Italians  supposed  the  disease  was  caused  by 
an  influence  from  the  stars,  and  hence  they  called  it  influenza. 
Whether  we  have  any  better  reason  to  assign,  each  individual 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


209 


reader  is  allowed  to  determine.  It  is  believed  by  many  earnest 
workers  that  the  disease  is  of  bacterial  origin,  and  that  the 
cause  is  due  to  micro-organisms  which  are  carried  in  the  atmos- 
phere and  enter  the  system  in  the  act  of  respiration.  Having 
effected  a lodgment  in  the  system,  like  c^ber  specific  germs 
they  act  as  a poison  upon  the  nerve  centers,  and  thus  depress 
the  vitality. 

The  claim  has  recently  been  made  that  these  microbes  have 
been  discovered,  and  that  they  are  the  smallest  disease  germs 
that  have  so  far  been  recognized.  The  truth  of  this  claim  awaits 
further  proof. 

Symptoms, — While  this  disease  powerfully  affects  the 
nervous  system  in  every  case,  the  symptoms  are  so  numerous 
and  varied  that  the  following  classification  has  been  made : 
Neurotic,  catarrhal , gastric , depending  upon  the  type  of  the 
disease,  and  that  portion  of  the  body  upon  which  the  disease 
appears  to  concentrate  its  force. 

I.  The  Neurotic  Type. — The  patient  is  seized  with  a chill  or 
chilly  sensations,  alternating  with  hot  flashes,  and  a tendency  to 
congestion  of  the  internal  organs.  A fever  condition  rapidly 
follows  with  temperature  varying  from  101  to  104  degrees. 
With  the  fever  neuralgic  pains  of  severe  character  appear  in 
different  regions.  There  is  usually  headache,  or  pain  in  the 
back  of  the  neck,  loins,  lower  limbs,  or  throughout  the  body. 
The  patient  is  restless  and  complains  of  aching  in  every  bone, 
the  eyeballs  and  scalp  feel  sore,  and  the  patient  declares  that 
he  feels  as  though  he  had  been  bruised,  or  pounded  all  over. 
There  may  be  disturbances  of  the  special  senses,  as  hearing  and 
smelling.  A well  marked  rash  may  appear,  though  rarely,  over 
the  surface  of  the  body.  In  this  nervous  type  there  may  be 
delirium,  and  the  unpleasant  complications  of  meningitis  and 
insanity. 

II.  The  Catarrhal  Type. — In  addition  to  the  chill  and  pain 
in  the  limbs,  in  the  catarrhal  type  of  the  disease  sneezing  and 
coughing  are  marked  symptoms. 

The  inflammation  of  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  nose, 
pharynx,  larynx,  and  bronchi  is  well  marked.  In  this  form 
pneumonia  is  especially  likely  to  intervene.  This  catarrhal 
inflammation  may  extend  up  the  Eustachian  tube  from  the 
throat  to  the  ear.  A well-known  specialist  says  that  he  has 
had  many  cases  of  otitis  media  to  treat  as  the  result  of  the,  grip. 
The  patient,  although  with  a high  temperature,  feels  chilly 
except  in  a warm  room. 


210 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


III.  The  G-astric  Type. — The  additional  symptoms  in  this 
form  are  loss  of  appetite,  nausea,  vomiting,  a coated  tongue, 
sometimes  resembling  that  of  typhoid  fever,  also  severe  pain  in 
the  region  of  the  stomach,  bowels,  and  liver.  In  every  type  of 
the  disease  there  is  usually  inaction  of  the  liver,  constipation  of 
the  bowels,  and  the  urine  is  scanty  and  high  colored.  There  is 
always  marked  loss  of  strength  and . rapid  lowering  of  the 
vitality,  the  legs  feel  as  though  they  had  not  power  to  sustain 
the  weight  of  the  body.  Some  cases  manifest  nearly  every 
symptom  of  the  three  types,  and  every  case  conforms  more  or 
less  to  the  nervous  type. 

In  some  cases  the  recovery  is  slow  and  tedious.  Elderly 
people  and  those  suffering  from  nervous  debility  are  profoundly 
affected  by  an  attack  of  the  grip,  and  should  exercise  the 
utmost  caution.  Children  are  less  liable  to  contract  this  dis- 
ease than  adults. 

Treatment. — This  disease  if  properly  treated  at  the  outset 
can  usually  be  rendered  mild  in  character,  and  often  well-nigh 
aborted,  otherwise  grave  complications  are  liable  to  occur,  and 
mild  cases  may  become  severe  and  even  fatal.  For  the  severe 
neuralgic  pains  there  is  no  better  remedy  than  from  one-eighth 
to  one-fourth  grain  of  morphia  hypodermically.  It  acts  as  a 
powerful  stimulant  to  the  cerebro-spinal  system  in  this  depress- 
ing disease.  If  there  is  simply  headache  the  bromide  of  sodium 
in  ten-grain  doses,  dissolved  in  water,  will  be  sufficient,  and 
should  be  repeated  every  two  hours  if  needed,  till  relieved. 
Quinine  is  as  much  a specific  against  the  grip  germ  as  against 
the  malaria  microbe,  and  a full  dose  taken  early  will  often 
modify  and  practically  abort  the  attack.  The  fever  and  pain 
can  be  speedily  reduced  by  acetanilid  or  phenacetin,  but,  as 
they  are  somewhat  depressing  in  their  action,  much  mischief  is 
being  done  by  their  promiscuous  use.  They  should  be  used  only 
by  the  skillful  in  the  febrile  stage,  and  in  robust  persons  when 
signs  of  depression  are  not  marked.  The  prostration  requires 
stimulants.  Camphor  is  highly  recommended.  Rest  should  be 
enjoined.  A relapse  must  be  carefully  avoided. 


COLDS. 

( Their  Cause . How  Avoided . Speedy  Cure.) 

The  symptoms  of  a cold  are  so  well  known  as  to  require  no 
special  reference. 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


211 


Causes. — Colds  are  usually  contracted  by  exposure  to 
draughts  of  air,  when  the  body  is  heated,  and  the  sudoriferous 
or  sweat  glands  are  actively  secreting  moisture,  which  reaches 
the  surface  through  the  spiral  pores  which  open  upon  the  surface 
of  the  body.  This  moisture  or  perspiration  is  constantly  secreted 
by  the  glands,  and  brought  to  the  outside  through  the  pores, 
v and  causes  evaporation,  which  regulates  the  animal  heat  of  the 
body.  When  the  temperature  is  raised  by  active  exercise  or 
artificial  heat,  these  pores  or  tubes  become  dilated  to  allow  a 
freer  removal  of  the  increased  secretion  and  more  extensive 
evaporation  upon  the  surface ; this  dilation  always  takes  place 
gradually.  In  a hot  day,  or  after  violent  exercise,  or  when  men 
are  handling  red  hot  iron  in  rolling  mills,  this  moisture  stands 
upon  the  face  in  large  drops  which  unite  and  course  down  the 
body,  sometimes  making  the  clothing  as  wet  as  if  dipped  in 
water.  These  sweat  glands  and  pores  are  not  able  to  adapt 
themselves  immediately  to  a changed  condition;  as  they  are 
opened  gradually  by  the  effect  of  heat,  so  they  are  closed  gradu- 
ally by  exposure  to  a lower  temperature.  If  the  changes  of 
temperature  are  more  rapid  than  the  ability  of  nature  to  equalize 
the  temperature  of  the  body,  the  system  experiences  a sort  of 
shock,  which  is  succeeded  by  the  symptoms  of  a cold.  The 
tubes  bringing  this  moisture  to  the  exterior  of  the  skin  are  very 
numerous.  There  are  twenty-eight  hundred  of  these  tubal 
openings  on  a single  square  inch  of  the  body,  and  between  two 
and  three  millions  in  all.  It  is  in  consequence  of  this  evaporat- 
ing surface  that  the  bodily  temperature  remains  in  health  at 
ninety-eight  and  three-fifths  the  whole  year  around.  When  the 
quantity  of  moisture  is  not  sufficient  to  notice,  the  process  is 
known  as  imperceptible  perspiration. 

It  is  this  constant  evaporation  of  bodily  moisture  which 
makes  the  demand  for  water  so  urgent,  especially  in  hot 
weather,  and  it  is  this  dried  moisture  which  soon  soils  the 
surface  of  the  body,  and  the  clothing  in  contact  with  the  skin, 
and  renders  baths  and  washing  daily  necessities. 

If  care  is  not  taken  in  changing  the  undergarments,  and 
washing  the  skin,  these  delicate  little  tubes  become  obstructed, 
and  the  clothing  and  its  wearer  become  offensive  to  the  delicate 
sense  of  smell;  still  more  serious  are  the  consequences  which 
result : the  health  is  impaired,  catarrhal  diseases  ensue,  and  con- 
gestion of  some  internal  organ  is  liable  to  supervene.  When 
the  perspiration  is  unable  to  escape  freely  through  the  skin,  it 
is  obliged  to  seek  some  internal  outlet,  and  extra  labor  falls 


212 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


usually  upon  the  kidneys,  and  sometimes  with  unfortunate 
results.  The  first  stage  of  Bright’s  disease  (acute  nephritis)  is 
usually  induced  by  contracting  a sudden  cold,  as  by  going  from 
a heated  atmosphere,  to  work  in  a cellar,  ice  house,  wheel  pit, 
or  similar  place.  The  one  who  is  overheated  must  allow  him- 
self to  cool  off  slowly,  and,  if  obliged  to  enter  some  cold  apart- 
ment for  labor,  should  put  on  extra  clothing,  and  stir  about  very 
briskly,  and  thus  avoid  feeling  chilly,  and  contracting  a cold. 
Persons  who  live  in  overheated  rooms,  and  who  spend  a large 
share  of  time  indoors,  and  who  wear  chest  protectors,  and  sleep 
under  heavy  blankets,  are  much  more  liable  to  catch  cold  than 
those  who  brave  the  storms  and  rigors  of  winter,  and  by  their 
activity  maintain  a vigorous  and  healthy  circulation. 

Results  of  Taking  Cold. — A cold  may  be  so  slight  as  to 
occasion  but  little  notice,  and  so  slight  as  not  to  prevent  attend- 
ing to  the  accustomed  duties ; it  may  be  so  severe  and  serious 
as  to  awaken  diseases  which  will  terminate  life. 

The  more  common  diseases  which  result  from  catching  a 
severe  cold  are  catarrhal  affections  of  the  throat,  lungs,  and  nasal 
passages,  acute  nephritis,  or  inflammation  of  the  kidneys,  pleu- 
risy, croup,  bronchitis,  catarrhal  pneumonia,  capillary  bronchitis, 
peritonitis,  amenorrhoea,  and  similar  affections.  A bad  cold  is 
usually  followed  by  slight  malaise , chilly  sensations,  stuffiness 
of  the  nose,  rendering  the  act  of  breathing  difficult  except 
through  the  mouth,  tightness  across  the  upper  part  of  the  chest, 
pain  in  the  back  and  limbs,  and  occasionally  a slight  fever. 

The  results  of  a cold  are  often  very  serious  when  a person 
is  in  a debilitated  condition,  as  for  instance  when  recovering 
from  some  depressing  sickness,  or  from  childbirth.  In  these 
weakened  conditions  a cold  may  be  more  readily  contracted,  by 
going  about  too  soon,  or  out  of  doors  in  unsuitable  weather,  and 
the  results  are  usually  serious.  Many  a person  has  sacrificed 
life  by  a rash  act  of  exposure,  when  recovering  from  sickness. 

j Prevention.  — If  in  a debilitated  condition,  use  great 
caution,  and  more  especially  if  recovering  from  some  acute  dis- 
ease or  from  the  depressing  effects  of  childbirth.  Such  persons 
can  hardly  be  too  cautious  until  strength  and  vigor  are  regained. 
Avoid  wetting,  damping,  or  chilling  the  feet,  keep  indoors  dur- 
ing unsuitable,  rainy,  or  windy  weather. 

If  heated  from  work  or  active  exercise,  avoid  sudden  changes 
of  clothing,  and  a too  rapid  cooling  of  the  body,  which  is  fol- 
lowed, as  we  have  already  seen,  by  a shock  to  the  cutaneous 
nerves,  and  a cold. 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


213 


Learn  how  to  clothe  yourself  properly,  and  the  secret  of 
taking  good  care  of  your  health,  by  every  means  here  recom- 
mended ; in  a long  life  yoa  will  be  amply  repaid. 

A towel  bath  each  morning  before  dressing  and  brisk  fric- 
tion of  the  skin  with  the  hand  or  a suitable  flesh  brush  is  exhila- 
rating, and  the  skin  soon  acquires  a vigorous  tone  which  assists 
in  avoiding  colds. 

Treatment . — As  soon  as  possible  after  becoming  aware  of 
catching  a bad  cold,  soak  the  feet  in  hot  mustard  water,  go  to 
bed,  drink  hot  composition  tea,  hot  lemonade,  and  other  hot 
drinks  till  the  sweat  glands  become  active.  If  the  limbs  ache, 
and  the  patient  is  restless  and  disquieted,  give  pulverized 
ipecacuanha  compound  in  a five  or  ten  grain  dose.  Should  there 
be  indication  of  high  temperature,  a red  and  burning  cheek,  put 
ten  drops  of  tincture  of  aconite  in  half  a tumbler  of  water,  and 
of  this  give  one  teaspoonful  every  half  hour  till  perspiration  is 
freely  induced.  If  the  patient  complains  of  tightness  about  the 
chest,  a poultice  containing  mustard  placed  thereon  is  excellent. 
If  the  stomach  is  suffering  from  hunger  and  a feeling  of  faint- 
ness, or  an  all-gone  feeling  is  complained  of,  a cup  of  hot  gruel 
or  beef  tea  can  do  no  harm.  If  the  nose  and  eyes  run  like  water, 
give  one  one-hundredth  grain  of  atropia  every  six  hours ; this 
will  bring  relief. 

If  these  means  do  not  cause  the  breaking  up  of  a cold,  it  is 
likely  to  become  the  forerunner  of  some  acute  disease. 

LEPROSY. 

Leprosy  is  an  eruption  on  various  parts  of  the  body  of 
raised  circular  patches  covered  with  white  scales  of  the  outer 
skin.  These  patches  are  surrounded  by  a reddish  ring.  The 
patches  themselves  are  generally  of  a ring-like  form,  the  center 
being  apparently  healthy  skin.  The  patches  begin  in  the  form 
of  small  smooth  spots,  and  often  enlarge  considerably.  When 
the  scales  are  rolled  off,  they  leave  a dull  red  surface,  on  which 
the  scales  are  speedily  reproduced.  Leprosy  commonly  com- 
mences at  the  knee,  thigh,  elbow,  or  forearm,  and  will,  if  not 
checked,  often  extend  over  the  whole  body. 

Treatment . — Take  of  Fowler’s  solution  three  drops,  in  a 
wineglassful  of  water  three  times  a day,  the  dose  to  be  gradu- 
ally increased  to  eight  or  ten  drops.  Rub  into  the  spots  every 
night  an  ointment  formed  of  native  orpiment,  three  grains  ; vase- 
line, one  dram.  Or,  take  of  compound  tincture  of  bark,  one-half 
an  ounce;  solution  of  potash,  one  dram;  peppermint  water,  six 


214 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


ounces ; take  two  tablespoonfuls  three  times  a day.  Also,  apply 
externally,  every  morning  and  night,  the  following  lotion: 
Borax,  two  drams  ; froney,  two  ounces ; water,  six  ounces.  Mix. 

LICE. 

These  disgusting  vermin  most  commonly  appear  when 
cleanliness  is  neglected,  and  especially  in  cases  where  the  body 
clothing  and  bed  clothing  are  used  continuously  without  change. 
But  there  appear  to  be  certain  habits  of  body  and  certain 
seasons  of  the  year  which  are  favorable  to  the  generation  of  this 
kind  of  vermin, — as,  for  instance,  spring  and  autumn,  and  also 
during  the  prevalence  of  east  winds. 

Treatment, — Wash  the  body  well  with  vinegar  and  water, 
and  afterwards  rub  in  a lotion  made  as  follows : Camphor,  grated, 
one-half  ounce ; best  white  wine  vinegar,  one  pint;  water,  one 
pint.  Mix,  and  apply  night  and  morning.  Or  take  equal  parts 
of  garlic  and  mustard,  moisten  with  vinegar,  and  rub  into 
the  skin  twice  a day.  For  lice  on  the  sc, 'dp,  pound  pars- 
ley seed  to  a fine  powder,  and  rub  it  well  into  the  roots  of 
the  hair. 


LUMBAGO. 

Lumbago  is  a neuralgic  affection  of  the  muscles  of  the  loins. 
When  the  pain  attacks  the  hip  joint  it  is  termed  sciatica.  It  is 
indicated  by  stiffness  and  pain,  which  is  aggravated  by  stooping, 
sitting,  or  rising  to  the  upright  posture.  It  is  most  generally 
caused  by  exposure  to  wet  or  cold. 

Treatment, — Nothing  affords  greater  relief  than  hot  moist 
applications  to  the  back,  continued  from  twelve  to  twenty-four 
hours  at  a time,  and  followed  by  the  rubbing  well  into  the  back 
and  loins  of  soap  liniment,  combined  with  one-sixth  part  of  tur- 
pentine. Take  also  at  bedtime  ten  grains  of  Dover’s  powder, 
with  two  grains  of  calomel ; and,  on  the  following  morning,  half 
an  ounce  of  castor  oil.  Take  also  twice  a day  ten  grains  of  car- 
bonate of  potassa,  with  one  teaspoonful  of  sweet  spirits  of  niter  in 
a wineglassful  of  water.  Should  the  pain  be  urgent,  one  of  the 
best  and  most  efficacious  remedies  for  its  relief  is  Dover’s  powder 
and  camphor,  three  or  four  grains  of  each  made  into  two  pills, 
and  taken  occasionally.  This  will  not  interfere  with  the  effects 
of  any  other  medicine. 

In  very  severe  and  obstinate  cases  of  lumbago  a cure  can 
only  be  effected  by  persistent  means.  Stimulating  liniments  may 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


215 


be  applied.  The  oil  of  mustard  may  be  used,  or  a belladonna 
plaster  may  afford  relief. 

A strong  mustard  poultice  of  generous  size  applied  over  the 
painful  region  until  the  skin  is  nearly  blistered  often  gives 
greater  relief  than  any  other  remedy. 

LOW  SPIRITS. 

This  is  a state  of  mind  generally  associated  with  dyspepsia, 
in  which  all  kinds  of  imaginary  evils  are  conjured  up,  and  the 
slightest  pain  or  unusual  feeling  is  looked  upon  as  the  precursor 
of  some  dreadful  malady.  Persons  so  affected  always  fancy 
themselves  on  the  verge  of  danger,  and  are  fearful  and  irresolute 
in  everything. 

Causes, — The  causes  are  various.  It  may  arise  from  in- 
tense study,  some  great  stroke  of  affliction,  indolence  and  inac- 
tivity, or  excessive  indulgence  in  venereal  or  other  excesses,  or 
deranged  digestion. 

Treatment . — Change  of  scene,  cheerful  society,  engaging 
the  mind  in  some  pursuit  which,  although  not  too  laborious, 
requires  the  use  of  the  mental  powers ; exercise,  tepid  and  shower 
baths,  are  among  the  remedial  measures  in  this  case.  The 
bodily  health  must  be  carefully  watched,  preserved  and  improved. 

LOCKJAW. 

( Tetanus.') 

This  is  a spasmodic  seizure  of  a dreadful  and  generally 
fatal  character.  By  this  disease,  not  only  are  the  muscles  of 
the  jaws,  but  those  also  of  the  whole  body,  thrown  more  or  less 
into  spasm,  often  so  violent  as  to  break  the  teeth  or  bones. 

Causes . — The  cause  of  tetanus  is  frequent  exposure  to 
cold  and  damp,  or  it  may  be  some  local  injury,  such  as  a cut, 
puncture,  or  laceration.  It  more  commonly  results  from  either 
of  these  in  warm  climates,  although  intense  cold  alone  has  not 
unfrequently  produced  it.  It  often  affects  a large  number  of 
the  wounded  on  a field  of  battle,  who  are  exposed  to  the  vicissi- 
tudes of  the  weather.  Lockjaw,  which  is  produced  by  a wound, 
will  sometimes  show  itself  in  four  days  ; sometimes  not  for  two 
or  three  weeks  after  the  wound  has  been  received. 

Treatment . — The  common  treatment  for  it  is  the  warm 
bath,  or  enveloping  the  whole  body  in  a blanket  wrung  out  of 
hot  water ; the  administration  of  enemas,  consisting  of  thin 


216 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


gruel,  with  an  ounce  each  of  castor  oil  and  turpentine.  If  the 
patient  can  swallow,  chloral  hydrate  in  twenty  grain  doses  may 
be  used,  also  dram  doses  of  lobelia  or  large  doses  of  opium  in  the 
liquid  form,  say  from  thirty  to  sixty  drops  of  laudanum  every 
half  hour,  until  it  manifestly  affects  the  system.  Cold  water, 
poured  on  the  head  from  a considerable  height,  may  also  be  of 
service  ; and  friction  with  a stimulating  liniment,  such  as  turpen- 
tine and  opodeldoc,  down  the  course  of  the  spine.  Inhaling 
ether  or  chloroform  is  also  very  beneficial.  Only  a competent 
physician  of  experience  should  attempt  to  treat  a disease  so  for- 
midable as  lockjaw. 


LOOSE  TEETH. 

The  teeth  may  become  loosened  by  external  violence,  or  by 
the  improper  use  of  instruments  when  extracting  diseased  teeth 
in  the  neighborhood  of  sound  ones. 

Treatment. — Press  them  as  firmly  as  possible  into  their 
sockets,  and  keep  them  firmly  in  place  with  ligatures  of  catgut, 
or  waxed  silk,  the  patient  for  the  time  being  living  on  fluid  food. 
When  teeth  become  loose  from  an  accumulation  of  tartar,  no 
good  can  be  effected  until  this  is  removed,  and  it  ought  to  be 
done  early,  otherwise  it  will  have  no  effect.  Looseness  of  the 
teeth  is  frequently  occasioned  by  a sponginess  of  the  gums.  To 
remedy  this,  scarify  the  gums,  and  allow  them  to  bleed  freely, 
repeating  the  operation  till  the  teeth  become  partially  fastened. 
Afterwards  wash  the  mouth  frequently  with  water  strongly 
impregnated  with  tincture  of  myrrh,  and  employ  the  teeth 
sparingly  until  the  loosened  teeth  become  perfectly  firm  again. 
Or  the  following  mixture  : Borax,  alum,  bay  salt,  of  each  one 

dram ; spirit  of  camphor,  tincture  of  myrrh,  of  each  one  ounce ; 
spirit  of  horse-radish,  four  ounces  ; tincture  of  rhatany,  two 
ounces.  Mix,  and  shake  occasionally  for  a day  or  two,  then  fil- 
ter. Rinse  the  mouth  occasionally  with  a teaspoonful  in  a wine- 
glassful  of  water. 


MASTURBATION. 

( Self -Pollution , Onanism.') 

This  vice  is  indulged  in  to  a frightful  extent  by  the  youth 
of  both  sexes.  Often  the  habit  is  indulged  in  without  its  victim 
having  the  slightest  knowledge  of  its  destructiveness,  until  nature 
is  sadly  outraged.  A grave  responsibility  rests  upon  parents  in 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


217 


these  matters.  Every  child,  male  or  female,  should  be  carefully 
watched,  and  a deep  impression  made  upon  the  mind  to  prevent 
the  formation  of  this  hurtful  habit. 

The  habit  of  self-pollution  in  boys  leads  to  that  of  involun- 
tary seminal  emissions,  nervous  exhaustion,  and  final  impotence. 
In  girls  the  same  habit  may  cause  a whole  train  of  nervous  and 
hysterical  affections,  sufficient  to  render  life  a burden. 

The  real  source  of  mischief  is  in  the  nervous  shock.  When 
the  sexual  organs  are  prematurely  excited,  it  gives  a shock  to 
the  whole  system  ; and,  when  often  repeated,  the  nervous  power 
is  exhausted.  The  vitality  of  the  body  goes  to  supply  the  pre- 
mature demand,  the  cerebrum  is  robbed,  memory  is  impaired,  the 
digestive  system  is  weakened,  and  we  have  dyspepsia,  with  a 
terrific  train  of  nervous  and  organic  diseases. 

Treatment. — The  habit  must  be  abandoned;  unless  this 
be  done  no  treatment  will  avail.  The  moral  character  must  be 
strengthened.  The  motives  of  hope,  manhood,  virtue,  and 
religion  must  be  placed  before  the  patient.  All  things  of  a 
harmful  character  must  be  avoided,  the  company  of  the  good 
and  virtuous  cultivated,  and  the  mind  kept  engaged  in  some 
elevating  study  or  useful  employment.  Avoid  all  stimulants — 
wine,  coffee,  liquors,  novels,  love  pictures,  balls,  and  theaters. 
Use  a hard  bed,  and  do  not  sleep  on  the  back.  Take  a bath 
morning  and  evening,  and  exercise  until  quite  fatigued.  Avoid 
all  aromatic  articles,  fish,  eggs,  game,  salad,  mushrooms,  can- 
tharides,  aloes,  and  all  stimulants  except  camphor.  Take  acidu- 
lous drinks,  fruits,  and  a vegetable  diet. 

MILK  SICKNESS. 

A disease  chiefly  confined  to  the  West,  where  the  cattle 
roam  at  large  in  the  woods  or  over  prairies,  and  eat  food  which 
poisons  the  milk. 

Symptoms. — Sickness  at  the  stomach,  weakness  and  trem- 
bling of  the  legs.  There  is  vomiting  and  a peculiarly  offensive 
breath.  These  symptoms  continue  for  weeks,  and  are  often  all 
that  are  shown  in  this  complaint;  but  in  some  severer  cases  there 
are  chills  and  flashes  of  heat,  great  oppression  about  the  heart, 
anxiety,  deep  breathing,  heat  in  the  stomach,  violent  retching 
and  vomiting,  alarming  beatings  of  the  heart,  and  throbbing  of 
the  large  vessels,  and  cold  extremities.  In  most  cases,  the 
vomiting  returns  every  hour  or  two,  attended  by  a great  burning 
at  the  pit  of  the  stomach,  the  substance  thrown  up  having  a 
peculiar  bluksh-greeu  color  and  a sour  smell.  As  soon  as  this 


218 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


discharge  takes  place,  the  patient  falls  back  upon  the  pillow,  and 
lies  easy  till  another  turn  comes  round.  The  tongue  is  covered 
with  a whitish  coat,  and  the  bowels  are  obstinately  costive.  The 
pulse  is  quick  and  weak. 

Treatment . — The  treatment  cannot  vary  much  from  that 
pursued  for  inflammation  of  the  stomach.  Some  cathartic  to 
move  the  bowels  should  be  given. 

MUMPS. 

(. Parotitis .) 

This  disease  is  contagious.  It  consists  of  inflammation  of 
the  salivary  or  parotid  glands,  which  are  situated  on  each  side 
of  the  lower  jaw,  just  under  the  ear. 

Symptoms. — It  commences  with  slight  febrile  symptoms 
of  a general  character.  Very  soon  there  is  redness  and  swelling 
at  the  angle  of  the  jaw,  which  gradually  extends  to  the  face  and 
neck  near  to  the  glands. 

Treatment. — But  little  medical  treatment  is  required  for 
this  disease.  The  patient,  from  sheer  inability  to  move  the  jaw, 
must  live  chiefly  on  liquid  food;  and  it  is  well  for  him  to  live 
sparingly,  unless  very  delicate,  in  which  case  a little  good  broth 
or  beef  tea  should  be  given.  If  there  is  much  pain  the  throat 
should  have  hot  fomentations  applied.  Mumps  is  not  a danger- 
ous disease,  unless  the  inflammation  should  be  increased  by 
taking  cold,  when  it  will  probably  affect  the  brain  or  testicles  ; 
or,  in  the  female,  the  breasts.  Should  the  swelling  suddenly 
disappear,  and  thereby  aggravate  the  symptoms  of  fever,  the  fol- 
lowing liniment  may  be  applied:  Camphorated  spirits,  one 
ounce  ; solution  of  sub-carbonate  of  ammonia,  two  drams  ; tinc- 
ture of  cantharides,  one  half  dram.  Mix,  and  rub  in  until  the 
swelling  reappears. 

NAUSEA. 

A sensation  of  sickness,  with  an  inclination  to  vomit. 
Although  the  feeling  of  nausea  itself  is  referred  to  the  stomach, 
and  may  be  due  to  causes  connected  with  that  organ  simply,  it 
also  frequently  originates  in  disorder  in  other  and  distant  parts 
of  the  body. 

Treatment. — Clear  the  stomach  by  an  emetic  of  ipecac, 
and  afterward  the  bowels  by  two  or  three  grains  of  calomel  at 
night,  followed  by  a black  draught  in  the  morning.  So  long  as 
the  stomach  is  in  a state  of  irritation,  only  small  quantities  of 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


219 


food  should  be  introduced  into  it  at  one  time,  as  a spoonful  of 
milk  or  beef  tea  every  hour.  A teaspoonful  of  magnesia  in  a 
glass  of  sherry,  or  lemon  juice  in  small  quantities,  taken  from 
time  to  time  have  proved  beneficial. 

NEURALGIA. 

A painful  affection  of  the  nerves.  When  it  occurs  in  those 
of  the  face,  it  is  termed  face  ague  or  tic  douloureux ; when  it 
affects  the  great  nerve  of  the  leg,  it  is  called  sciatica.  Other 
parts,  such  as  the  fingers,  the  chest,  the  abdomen,  etc.,  are  also 
liable  to  this  agonizing  pain, — one  of  the  most  severe  and  wear- 
ing to  which  the  human  frame  is  liable. 

Causes . — Neuralgia  is  usually  a result  of  impoverished 
nerves,  and  requires  the  use  of  nerve  tonics.  It  can  frequently 
be  traced  to  diseased  growth  of  the  bone  about  those  parts 
through  which  the  nerves  pass ; and,  in  some  severe  cases,  it  has 
been  found  to  depend  upon  the  irritation  caused  by  foreign 
bodies  acting  upon  those  highly  sensitive  organs. 

Among  its  exciting  causes  we  may  mention  exposure  to 
damp  and  cold,  especially  if  combined  with  malaria ; and  to 
these  influences  a person  with  a debilitated  constitution  will  be 
more  subject  than  another.  Anxiety  of  mind  will  sometimes 
bring  it  on,  and  so  will  a disordered  state  of  the  stomach  ; more 
particularly,  a state  in  which  there  is  too  much  acid.  Tea,  coffee, 
tobacco,  and  opium  are  prolific  causes  of  neuralgia,  as  well  as 
other  diseased  conditions  of  the  nerves.  They  should  be  dis- 
continued, and  immediate  benefit  will  ensue. 

Symptoms . — A violent,  darting,  and  plunging  pain,  which 
comes  on  in  paroxysms.  Except  in  very  severe  and  protracted 
cases,  there  is  no  outward  redness  nor  swelling  to  mark  the  seat 
of  the  pain,  neither  is  there  usually  constitutional  derangement, 
other  than  that  which  may  be  caused  by  want  of  rest,  and  the 
extreme  agony  of  the  suffering  while  it  lasts,  which  may  be 
from  one  to  two  or  three  hours,  or  even  more,  but  it  is  not  com- 
monly so  long.  Tenderness  and  swelling  of  the  part  sometimes 
occurs  where  there  has  been  a frequent  recurrence  and  long 
continuance  of  the  pain,  which  leaves  the  patient,  in  most  cases, 
as  suddenly  as  it  comes  on.  Its  periodic  returns  and  remis- 
sions, and  absence  of  inflammatory  symptoms,  are  distinctive 
marks  of  the  disease. 

Treatment . — This  must  depend  upon  the  cause.  If  it  is 
a decayed  tooth,  which,  by  exposure  of  the  nerve,  sets  up  the 


220 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


pain,  it  should  be  at  once  removed,  as  there  will  be  little  peace 
for  the  patient  until  it  is.  If  co-existent  with  neuralgia  there  is 
a disordered  stomach,  efforts  should  be  made  to  correct  the  dis- 
order. If  the  patient  is  living  in  a moist  situation,  he  should  at 
once  remove  to  a higher  level,  and  a dry,  gravelly  soil.  Tonics, 
such  as  quinine  and  iron,  should  be  given,  and  a tolerably  gen- 
erous diet,  but  without  excess  of  any  kind.  In  facial  neuralgia, 
blisters  behind  the  ears  have  been  found  serviceable;  and,  if  the 
course  of  the  nerve  which  appears  to  be  the  seat  of  mischief, 
can  be  traced,  a belladonna  plaster,  or  a piece  of  cotton  soaked 
in  laudanum  and  laid  along  it,  will  sometimes  give  relief;  so  will 
hot  fomentations  of  poppies,  or  bran  poultices  sprinkled  with 
turpentine.  In  very  severe  cases,  one  quarter  of  a grain  of  mor- 
phine may  be  given  to  deaden  the  nervous  sensibility,  and  in- 
duce sleep,  which  the  patient  is  often  deprived  of  at  night,  the 
pain  coming  on  as  soon  as  he  gets  warm  in  bed. 

An  application  of  chloroform  on  lint  has  sometimes  proved 
very  effectual  in  relieving  severe  neuralgic  pains,  and  so  has  an 
ointment  composed  of  lard  and  veratrum,  in  the  proportion  of 
six  grains  of  veratrum  to  one  of  lard. 

A mixture  of  chloroform  and  aconite  has  been  recommended 
for  facial  neuralgia,  the  form  of  preparation  being  two  parts  of 
spirits  of  wine,  or  eau  de  cologne,  one  of  chloroform,  and  one  of 
tincture  of  aconite,  to  be  applied  to  the  gums  of  the  side  affected, 
by  means  of  a finger  covered  with  a piece  of  lint,  or  soft  linen, 
and  rubbed  along  them, — the  danger  of  dropping  any  into  the 
mouth  being  thus  avoided.  When  the  pain  is  connected  with 
some  organic  disease,  as  a decayed  tooth,  or  chronic  inflamma- 
tion of  the  gums  or  of  the  sockets,  or  superficial  necrosis  of  the 
bone,  substitute  tincture  of  iodine  for  the  spirit  in  the  above 
formula. 

We  would  caution  our  readers  strongly  against  the  careless 
inhalation  of  chloroform,  as  a remedy  for  neuralgia,  which  ap- 
pears to  be  growing  into  a general  practice.  Several  deaths 
have  resulted  from  it,  the  practice  being  to  pour  a little  on  a 
pocket  handkerchief,  without  much  regard  to  quantity,  and  hold 
it  to  the  mouth  until  the  required  insensibility  is  produced. 
This  remedy  should  never  be  administered  ex-cept  under  the 
supervision  of  the  medical  adviser. 

The  shower  bath,  plenty  of  exercise  in  the  open  air,  and 
attention  to  whatever  will  build  up  the  general  health  must  be 
carefully  attended  to. 

Persons  at  all  liable  to  this  painful  affection  should  be  ex- 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


221 


tremely  careful  not  to  expose  themselves  to  wet  or  cold  ; above 
all,  hot  to  sit  in  draughts.  A very  slight  cause  will  often  bring 
it  on,  where  there  is  the  least  tendency  to  it. 

One  severe  and  troublesome  form  of  neuralgia  is  earache. 
It  often  occurs  in  children  at  the  time  of  dentition.  It  may  be 
distinguished  from  pain  of  an  inflammatory  character. 

NEURALGIA  OF  THE  HEART. 

(. Angina  Pectoris.') 

A disease  which  is  commonly  connected  with  ossification, 
or  some  other  affections  of  the  heart. 

Symptoms . — It  is  characterized  by  a sudden  and  most 
violent  pain  across  the  chest,  which  extends  down  the  arms,  and 
seems  to  threaten  immediate  dissolution.  It  sometimes  comes 
on  during  rest,  but  most  usually  after  violent  exertion.  The 
paroxysm  does  not  commonly  last  long,  but  it  has  been  known 
to  continue  for  an  hour  or  more. 

Treatment. — An  anodyne  combined  with  ammonia  has 
sometimes  been  found  very  effectual  in  relieving  the  spasm. 
The  following  is  a good  formula:  Fetid  spirits  of  ammonia,  one- 
half  ounce  ; solution  of  morphine,  three  drams ; camphor  mix- 
ture, six  ounces.  Take  a tablespoonful  every  half  hour  until 
relieved.  If  the  paroxysm  is  very  violent,  a little  hot  brandy 
and  water  may  also  be  taken ; or  a teaspoonful  of  sal  volatile  or 
ether  in  water,  and  repeated  at  intervals.  If  the  pain  continue, 
frictions  and  mustard  plasters  may  be  applied  to  the  chest,  soles  of 
the  feet,  and  calves  of  the  legs.  Where  there  is  extreme  faintness, 
the  hoiizontal  posture  should  be  adopted.  Persons  subject  to 
these  attacks  would  do  well  to  provide  themselves  with  the  fol- 
lowing, as  a medicine  in  case  of  need : Half  an  ounce  each  of 

sulphuric  ether,  spirits  of  ammonia,  and  sal  volatile ; two  drams 
of  tincture  of  opium.  Mix,  and  take  a teaspoonful  in  water ; 
and  repeat  at  the  end  of  an  hour  if  relief  be  not  afforded. 

NIGHTMARE. 

{Incubus.) 

This  is  a distressing  sensation  experienced  during  sleep,  and 
usually  accompanied  by  frightful  dreams. 

Causes. — A heavy  supper  just  before  going  to  bed  ; dys- 
pepsia, mental  irritation,  great  fatigue,  lying  in  an  uneasy  posi- 


222 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


tion,  may  occasion  it,  as  also  the  use  of  narcotic  and  intoxicat- 
ing substances. 

Treatment. — Carefully  shun  all  kinds  of  food  likely  to 
cause  flatulence  or  indigestion.  Hot  and  heavy  suppers  are  par- 
ticularly injurious,  as  also  are  acids.  Excess  of  sedentary  em- 
ployment should  also  be  avoided.  Take  the  following:  Carbon- 
ate of  soda,  ten  grains  ; compound  tincture  of  cardamoms,  three 
drams ; simple  syrup,  one  dram  ; peppermint  water,  one  ounce. 
Mix,  for  a draught,  to  be  taken  at  bedtime.  Or  take,  on  going 
to  bed,  a teaspoonful  of  sal  volatile  in  a wineglassful  of  cold 
water. 

NOCTURNAL  EMISSIONS. 

These  often  cause  more  alarm  than  there  is  really  any  occa- 
sion for ; they  are  involuntary  discharges  of  the  seminal  fluid, 
and  are  likely  to  occur  when  the  organs  are  excited  by  dreams, 
or  imaginations  of  a certain  character.  Unless  they  become  fre- 
quent and  profuse,  there  is  no  reason  for  regarding  them  with 
anxiety;  still  such  discharges  should  be  checked  as  much  as 
possible.  They  generally  indicate  a debilitated  condition  of  the 
system,  and  are,  in  most  cases,  the  result  of  self-indulgence  or 
venereal  excesses.  A course  of  tonic  medicines  should  be  taken, 
as  the  muriate  tincture  of  iron  with  quinine,  about  one  grain  of 
the  latter  with  ten  drops  of  the  former,  in  a little  water  three 
times  a day.  Sea  bathing  or  the  shower  bath,  regular  exercise, 
a sufficiently  nourishing  but  not  a stimulating  diet,  with  gentle 
aperient  medicines,  are  the  proper  remedial  measures. 

Persons  affected  in  this  way  often  get  into  a painfully  ner- 
vous state,  and,  conscious  that  they  are  but  reaping  the  reward 
of  bad  practices,  are  ashamed  to  state  their  cases  to  a respectable 
medical  man,  and  therefore  fly  to  advertising  quacks,  who 
promise  secrecy  and  a rapid  cure.  But  this  is  a great  mistake; 
there  can  be  no  rapid  cure  for  involuntary  seminal  discharges, 
except  by  such  powerful  medicines  as  will  do  great  mischief  to 
the  patient,  and  probably  render  his  organic  weakness  perma- 
nent. In  nine  cases  out  of  ten  a temporary  stoppage  of  the  dis- 
charge, even,  is  not  accomplished  by  the  much  vaunted  Balm  of 
Syriacum,  and  other  nostrums,  so  quickly  as  it  would  be  by  the 
means  above  recommended,  or  others  which  the  legitimate  prac- 
titioner might  deem  suitable  for  particular  cases. 

NOISES  IN  THE  EAR. 

Noises  in  the  ear,  like  the  distant  sound  of  bells,  roaring  of 
the  sea,  hissing,  singing,  etc.,  are  often  indicative  of  a determi- 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


223 


nation  of  blood  to  the  head.  With  some,  mere  derangement  of 
the  digestive  organs  will  cause  these  noises.  When  accompa- 
nied by  a certain  degree  of  deafness,  they  are  generally  occasioned 
by  an  accumulation  of  wax  in  the  external  passage,  or  a partial 
stoppage  of  the  Eustachian  tube  by  cold.  When  the  noises 
become  chronic,  or  long  continued,  bathing  the  head  regularly 
every  morning  with  cold  water  will  sometimes  remove  them. 
If  cold  be  the  cause,  or  disordered  stomach,  they  will  pass  away 
with  the  temporary  ailments  which  occasioned  them. 

OFFENSIVE  BREATH. 

Fetid  breath  may  proceed  from  decayed  teeth,  or  disease  of 
the  lungs.  In  children  it  generally  indicates  a disordered  state 
of  the  stomach,  which  may  be  corrected  by  means  of  purgative 
medicines.  Where  it  cannot  be  so  remedied,  it  will  be  well  for 
the  patient  to  chew  a little  cinnamon  occasionally,  or  take  half 
a tumbler  of  camomile  tea  on  rising  in  the  morning.  If  the 
cause  is  local,  the  mouth  should  be  washed  with  a weak  solution 
of  chloride  of  lime  or  soda. 

PAINS  IN  THE  SIDE. 

Pains  in  the  side  may  arise  from  a rheumatic  affection,  or 
from  derangement  of  the  stomach.  If  the  pains  be  situated  high 
up  in  the  region  of  the  chest,  they  may  be  occasioned  by  inflam- 
matory affection  of  the  lungs,  but  in  this  case  will  be  accom- 
panied with  more  or  less  fever,  and  other  symptoms  indicative 
of  the  disorder.  Pain  on  the  right  side,  lower  down,  may  be 
owing  to  an  affection  of  the  liver.  It  however  often  occurs  as 
a sympathetic  affection,  sometimes  of  the  heart  or  lungs  in  either 
sex.  It  is  common  in  females  at  times  of  functional  disorder. 

Treatment. — Regulate  the  state  of  the  bowels  by  mild 
aperients,  and,  if  the  system  seems  impoverished,  and  there  has 
been  much  debility  of  the  digestive  organs,  take  iron,  quinine, 
and  nux  vomica  in  some  form.  Employ  the  warm  bath  fre- 
quently, and  apply  to  the  part  affected  a muslin  bag  filled  with 
hops  and  well  soaked  in  hot  water;  also  rub  in  every  fourth 
hour  the  following : Tincture  of  aconite,  half  an  ounce ; soap 
liniment,  one  and  a half  ounces.  Mix. 

Obstinate  and  increasing  pain  of  the  side,  which  will  not  go 
away  with  the  treatment  above  indicated,  must  on  no  account  be 
neglected.  There  is  evidently  something  radically  wrong  in  the 
system,  and  the  advice  of  a medical  man  should  be  taken. 


224 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


PALPITATION  OF  THE  HEART. 

Palpitation  of  the  heart  is  an  increase  in  the  force  or  fre- 
quency of  the  heart’s  action.  It  is  frequently  produced  by 
increased  physical  action  or  mental  emotion,  and  is  sometimes 
the  result  of  disease.  Sometimes  the  palpitations  are  loud  and 
clear  and  regular ; at  others  they  are  faint  and  intermittent ; 
now  a distinct  throb,  or  several,  and  then  a tremulous  flutter,  or 
a quick  beat,  like  the  wings  of  a confined  bird  flapping  against 
the  bars  of  its  prison.  When  there  is  violent  throbbing  of  the 
heart,  which  may  be  felt  by  a hand  pressed  upon  the  chest,  while 
the  patient  is  himself  unconscious  of  it,  there  is  reason  to  appre- 
hend organic  disease  ; but  when  there  is  such  acute  conscious- 
ness as  we  have  described,  there  is  generally  only  functional  or 
nervous  derangement,  without  any  structural  change. 

Causes. — A disordered  stomach  may  be  the  cause,  although 
there  may  be  no  other  symptoms  of  this.  We  have  known  cases 
in  which  a very  slight  irregularity  in  the  mode  of  living  has 
produced  palpitation  of  the  heart,  and  that,  too,  in  an  otherwise 
healthy  person.  In  some,  almost  any  strong,  nervous  stimulant 
will  produce  it,  and  we  recollect  one  instance  in  which  it  always 
came  on  after  a cup  of  tea,  and  was  never  troublesome  when  this 
beverage  was  not  taken. 

We  mention  this  to  show  that  palpitation  is  not  always,  nor 
indeed  commonly,  symptomatic  of  heart  disease  ; and  need  there- 
fore cause  no  unnecessary  alarm,  although  its  frequent  recurrence 
should  set  the  patient  inquiring  as  to  what  is  the  real  cause. 

Treatment. — The  only  treatment  likely  to  be  of  service 
must  be  directed  towards  removing  the  predisposing  and  exciting 
causes,  and  establishing  a more  healthy  nervous  condition : gentle 
exercise,  tonics,  change  of  air  and  scene,  an  endeavor  to  occupy 
the  mind  in  some  useful  and  moral  pursuit ; a well  regulated 
and  generally  frugal,  although  sufficiently  nourishing  diet ; and 
a strict  avoidance  of  all  that  can  excite  or  stimulate  either  mind 
or  body.  By  this  means  palpitations  not  connected  with  organic 
disease  may  generally  be  got  rid  of.  If  the  patient  is  of  a full 
habit,  and  has  a tolerably  strong  pulse,  a course  of  gentle  purga- 
tives may  be  necessary.  They  should  not  be  salines,  but  of  a 
cordial  nature,  like  this  : Pill  of  aloes  and  myrrh,  one-half  dram ; 
compound  galbanum  pill,  one-half  dram.  Divide  into  twelve 
pills,  and  take  one  at  bedtime.  Or  the  following : Compound 
infusion  of  senna,  three  ounces  ; decoction  of  aloes,  three  ounces  ; 
spirits  of  sal  volatile,  one  dram ; compound  tincture  of  carda- 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


225 


moms,  two  drams  ; tartrate  of  potash,  one-half  ounce.  Mix,  and 
take  two  tablespoonfuls  occasionally. 

PALSY. 

(Paralysis.') 

The  total  loss  or  diminution  of  motion,  or,  sensation,  or  both, 
in  any  part.  There  are  several  kinds  of  palsy  or  paralysis,  such 
as  the  paralysis  agitans  ; the  shaking,  or,  as  it  is  sometimes  called, 
from  the  peculiarity  of  the  patient’s  gait,  the  dancing  palsy; 
hemiplegia,  when  one  side  of  the  body  only  is  smitten  ; and  para- 
plegia, when  it  is  the  lower  half  which  is  more  or  less  de- 
prived of  its  nervous  power ; but  in  all  cases  it  is  the  brain  which 
is  the  seat  of  disorder;  and  if  this  is  confined  to  one  of  its  hemi- 
spheres, the  attack,  if  it  does  not  include  both  sides,  is  most 
likely  to  fall  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  body. 

Causes . — The  rupture  of  a vessel  of  the  brain  is  one  of  the 
most  common  causes  of  paralysis,  and  this  may  occur  without 
there  being  any  decided  apoplectic  symptoms.  A slight  tran- 
sient faintness,  and  confusion  of  ideas,  may  precede  the  attack, 
or  it  may  come  on  during  sleep,  so  that  the  patient  may  only 
be  made  aware  that  he  is  paralyzed  by  his  inability  to  speak 
plainly,  of  to  move  a limb,  or  one  side  of  his  body.  Sometimes 
the  attack  is  gradual,  and  occupies  a considerable  time, — days, 
weeks,  and  even  months  elapse  before  the  loss  of  nervous  energy 
becomes  complete ; and  this  helplessness  may  be  produced  by 
a succession  of  slight  shocks,  as  it  were,  or  by  the  gradual  steal- 
ing on  of  an  apparently  torpid  condition.  This  latter  is  more 
commonly  the  case  when  the  disease  arises  from  a decided  state 
of  general  debility,  which  in  time  involves  the  brain,  until  the 
structure  gives  way  and  softening  is  the  consequence.  Hard 
drinkers,  and  others  whose  lives  or  habits  necessitate  a fre- 
quent state  of  cerebral  excitement,  are  liable  to  this  disease. 
With  such  the  progress  of  the  disease  is  generally  rapid. 

One  of  the  chief  causes  is  pressure  upon  or  disease  of  the 
brain  or  spinal  cord.  When  confined  to  the  lower  part  of  the 
body,  there  may  be  reason  to  believe  that  the  defect  of  power  is 
in  some  cases  but  functional.  In  this  case  the  cause  may  belong 
exposure  of  the  lower  limbs  to  wet  and  cold,  self-abuse,  excess- 
ive indulgence  in  venery,  inflammation  of  the  bowels  or  kid- 
neys, effusion  in  the  spinal  cord  from  a blow,  a burn,  or  other 
injury;  disease  of  the  womb,  or  of  the  urethra,  may  also  give 
rise  to  it.  Palsy  of  either  of  the  limbs  may  be  caused  by  pres- 


226 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


sure,  and  general  palsy  by  the  action  of  lead  or  mercury  upon 
the  system ; therefore  those  who  work  in  these  metals  are  pecu- 
liarly liable  to  be  so  affected,  such  as  button  gilders,  glass  sil- 
verers,  plumbers,  etc.  The  most  dangerous  form  of  this  kind 
is  when  it  affects  the  muscles  of  respiration,  in  which  case  it 
rapidly  proves  fatal. 

Symptoms . — Among  the  premonitory  symptoms  of  pa- 
ralysis may  be  named  headache,  confusion  of  ideas,  loss  of  mem- 
ory, impaired  vision,  drowsiness,  and  partial  stupor,  with,  fre- 
quently, numbness,  and  pricking  or  tingling  sensation  in  the 
limb  or  part  about  to  be  attacked.  With  persons  of  a full  habit, 
there  will  be  heat  and  flushings  in  the  face,  and  most  of  the 
signs  of  an  approaching  fit  of  apoplexy ; then  follows  indistinct 
articulation,  loss  of  power,  and  the  other  marked  and  unmis- 
takable indications  of  an  actual  attack. 

Treatment. — A proper  treatment,  in  the  case  of  a patient 
of  a full  habit,  is  strong  purgatives — about  five  grains  of  calomel, 
followed  by  senna  mixture,  or  croton  oil  pills,  every  four  hours, 
until  they  operate  freely.  When  there  is  faintness  and  confu- 
sion of  intellect,  give  a teaspoonful  of  sal  volatile  in  a glass  of 
water,  and  repeat  it  in  an  hour,  If  required  ; no  alcoholic  stimu- 
lant should  be  administered  ; put  the  feet  and  legs  in  a hot  mus- 
tard bath,  and  place  the  patient  in  a warm  bed,  with  head  and 
shoulders  well  raised.  After  they  have  once  acted  well,  keep 
the  bowels  gently  open  with  rhubarb  or  castor  oil ; let  the  diet 
be  spare,  and  the  quietude  of  the  patient  as  perfect  as  possible. 
After  the  acute  stage  of  the  disease  has  passed,  local  stimulants 
should  be  used,  and  the  affected  parts  well  rubbed  with  the 
hand  or  a flesh  brush.  Electricity  and  galvanism  may  also  be 
employed  where  there  is  no  reason  to  suspect  structural  disor- 
ganization. In  paraplegia  it  is  often  very  difficult  to  get  the 
bladder  to  act ; and  when  it  does,  the  urine  flows  from  it  invol- 
untarily. Great  attention  should  be  paid  to  this,  and  stimulant 
diuretics  given  ; the  tincture  of  cantharides,  in  ten  drop  doses, 
is,  perhaps  the  best. 

In  some  cases,  much  relief  has  been  afforded  by  the  use  of 
sulphur  baths,  and  chalybeate  waters. 

In  palsy  of  the  face,  if  it  is  caused  by  a blow  or  cold,  hot 
fomentations  and  stimulating  liniments  should  be  applied ; as 
also  in  palsy  of  the  hands,  fingers,  or  other  extremities,  with 
electro-magnetism,  persevered  in  for  a considerable  time.  In  all 
cases  of  chronic  paralysis,  it  should  be  borne  in  mind  that  the 
nervous  system  requires  arousing  and  stimulating  to  a due  per- 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


227 


formance  of  the  functions  necessary  to  life.  In  nearly  all  there 
is  a sluggish  action  of  the  bowels,  which  are  often  obstinately 
constipated,  and  require  the  strongest  purgatives  to  keep  them 
at  all  open.  It  is  sometimes  better  to  employ  enemas,  than  con- 
tinue giving  drastic  medicines.  The  paralytic  patient  frequently 
enjoys  pretty  good  general  health,  and  eats  heartily;  and  this 
increases  the  above  difficulty,  especially  if  the  patient  is  a heavy 
person,  with  little  power  of  self  movement.  When  confined 
entirely  to  bed,  sores  and  sloughing  ulcers  are  not  uncommon ; 
these  should  be  treated  as  directed  under  the  head  Bedsores. 
An  air  or  water  bed  greatly  obviates  the  danger  of  them. 

Eclectic  Treatment  for  Palsy . 

If  the  patient  be  young  and  of  full  habit,  bleed  freely,  and 
use  a large  blister  on  the  back  of  the  neck  ; but  if  the  patient  is 
old,  a different  treatment  must  be  adopted.  Give  stimulants 
freely.  Place,  the  patient  in  a warm  bath,  and  give  a table- 
spoonful of  scraped  horse-radish,  or  the  same  of  mustard  seed, 
four  or  five  times  a day.  Rub  the  whole  body  with  flannels, 
impregnated  with  tincture  of  cayenne  pepper,  oil  of  sassafras, 
oil  of  turpentine,  or  the  tincture  of  cantharides.  Spirits  of  tur- 
pentine, about  twenty  drops  in  a little  water,  three  times  a day, 
has  been  found  very  successful. 

If  great  sleeplessness  or  pain  exist,  give  a little  opium ; and 
for  a laxative,  give  a teaspoonful  of  tincture  of  golden  seal,  two 
or  three  times  a day,  till  the  bowels  open.  Flannel  should 
always  be  worn  next  the  skin. 

PILES. 

These  consist  of  small  tumors,  situated  on  the  extremity  of 
the  rectum.  The  piles  are  usually  accompanied  by  a sense  of 
weight  in  the  back,  loins,  and  lower  part  of  the  abdomen,  to- 
gether with  pain  in  the  head,  sickness  at  the  stomach,  and  flatu- 
lence in  the  bowels.  If  the  tumor  break,  a quantity  of  blood  is 
voided,  and  considerable  relief  from  pain  is  obtained ; but,  if 
they  continue  unbroken,  the  patient  experiences  great  pain. 

Treatment . — The  following  treatment  will  generally 
prove  beneficial : Confection  of  senna,  one  ounce ; flour  of  sul- 
phur, one  ounce  ; jalap,  in  powder,  one  dram  ; balsam  of  copaiba, 
one-half  ounce;  ginger  in  powder,  one-half  dram;  cream  of 
tartar,  one-half  ounce ; syrup  of  ginger,  a sufficient  quantity  to 
form  the  whole  into  an  electuary.  Mix.  Take  a teaspoonful 


228 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


every  three  hours,  until  the  bowels  are  freely  open.  At  the 
same  time  make  use  of  the  following  lotion : Goulard's  extract, 
three  ounces  ; laudanum,  one-half  ounce.  Mix,  and  apply  to  the 
parts  repeatedly.  When  the  piles  are  very  painful  and  swollen, 
but  discharge  nothing,  the  patient  should  sit  over  the  steam  of  hot 
water.  He  may  also  apply  a linen  cloth,  dipped  in  warm  spirits 
of  wine,  to  the  upper  part,  or  make  use  of  bread  and  milk  poul- 
tices. Either  of  the  following  may  be  used  with  advantage  : Pow- 
der of  oak  galls,  one  ounce  ; elder  ointment,  one  ounce.  Mix, 
and  anoint  the  parts  night  and  morning.  Sublimed  sulphur, 
one-half  ounce ; cream  of  tartar,  one  and  one-half  drams ; con- 
fection of  senna,  one  ounce ; syrup  sufficient  to  form  an  elec- 
tuary. A teaspoonful  to  be  taken  at  bedtime. 

PLEURISY. 

( Pleuritis .) 

This  is  inflammation  of  the  pleura,  or  investing  membrane 
of  the  lungs. 

Causes . — Among  the  causes  of  pleurisy  the  more  common 
are  exposure  to  cold,  especially  after  violent  exercise,  blows  on 
the  chest,  fracture  of  the  ribs,  tubercles  in  the  lungs.  It  is 
most  prevalent  in  winter,  and  next  to  that  in  autumn.  Old 
persons  and  children  are  most  subject  to  it,  but  it  may  occur  at 
any  period  of  life. 

Symptoms. — It  is  usually  distinguished  as  acute  and 
chronic.  The  former  generally  commences  with  chills,  rigors, 
and  the  ordinary  symptoms  of  inflammatory  fever,  accompanied 
or  followed  by  a sense  of  weight  in  the  chest,  which  in  a few 
hours  becomes  acute  pain,  usually  referred  to  a point  directly 
below  the  nipple.  There  is  also  generally  a short  dry  cough, 
and  the  breathing  is  frequent,  short,  and  anxious, — the  pain  be- 
ing increased  by  a deep  inspiration  or  the  act  of  coughing. 
Sometimes  the  patient  can  only  lie  upon  the  affected  side,  some- 
times only  upon  the  opposite  one  ; but  usually  he  prefers  lying 
upon  his  back.  The  pulse  is  frequent,  skin  hot,  cheeks  flushed, 
urine  scanty  and  high  colored,  and  tongue  white.  These  symp- 
toms are  not  always  so  well  marked,  and  the  pain  is  sometimes 
more  diffuse  and  less  severe.  In  most  cases  the  acute  pain,  as 
well  as  the  fever,  subsides  on  the  third  or  fourth  day,  and  the 
cough  and  difficulty  of  breathing  abate,  though  the  pleura  still 
continues  in  a state  of  inflammation. 

Treatment. — In  the  treatment  of  this  disease  the  object  is 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


229 


to  reduce  the  local  inflammation  and  prevent  effusion.  Hot  and 
moist  flaxseed  poultices  or  poppy-head  fomentations  should  be 
applied  to  the  chest,  the  diet  should  be  light  and  unstimulating, 
and  purgatives  should  be  administered. 

In  chronic  pleuritis  the  symptoms  are  usually  those  of  the 
acute  form  in  a mitigated  state.  It  may  succeed  the  acute,  or  it 
may  come  on  gradually  without  any  of  the  more  marked  features 
of  that  disease.  There  is  usually  more  or  less  of  fever,  an  accel- 
eration of  the  pulse,  emaciation,  difficulty  or  hurry  of  breathing 
increased  by  exertion,  more  or  less  of  pain  or  soreness,  and 
inability  to  lie  on  the  healthy  side.  The  treatment  of  this  form 
of  the  disease  differs  from  that  of  the  other,  the  object  being  to 
promote  the  absorption  of  the  effused  matter,  and  also  to  sup- 
port the  patient’s  strength.  For  promoting  the  absorption  of 
the  effused  fluid,  as  well  as  for  preventing  its  further  secretion, 
counter-irritants  are  used,  as  blisters,  eruption  liniments,  tincture 
of  iodine,— the  last  painted  over  the  part,  or  exhibited  internally, 
will  be  found  to  act  very  beneficially  in  removing  the  effusion. 
Iodide  of  potash  in  five-grain  doses  three  times  a day  favors  the 
absorption  of  the  fluid.  The  general  health  is  to  be  improved 
by  a nutritious  but  not  heating  or  stimulating  diet,  and  by  the 
cautious  administration  of  such  tonics  as  the  strength  of  the 
patient  is  able  to  bear.  Change  of  air  will  be  found  to  act  most 
beneficially  in  such  cases,  and  is  frequently  efficacious  when  most 
other  remedies  have  failed.  Other  means  failing,  recourse  is 
sometimes  had  to  the  operation  of  tapping  the  thorax,  for 
setting  free  the  effused  matter ; the  operation  is  attended  with 
considerable  danger,  but  is  productive  of  permanent  relief. 

PNEUMONIA. 

( Lung  Fever .) 

Pneumonia  is  an  acute  inflammation  of  the  lung  structure 
involving  not  only  the  vascular  tissues  but  also  the  air  cells. 

Causes . — The  specific  cause  of  pneumonia  is  not  fully  de- 
termined. Taking  cold  is  not  regarded  as  sufficient  to  produce 
this  common  and  often  fatal  disease.  Whatever  debilitates  the 
system  may  act  as  a predisposing  cause.  Persons  suffering  from 
malarial  poison,  the  grip,  and  acute  diseases  are  liable  to  attacks 
of  pneumonia.  Age,  intemperance,  climatic  changes,  impure  air, 
and  other  similar  factors  may  be  regarded  as  agents  in  its  pro- 
duction. 

The  real  cause  of  this  disease  is  thought  by  many  to  be  due 


230 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


to  an  altered  state  of  the  blood,  whereby  it  contains  disease-pro- 
ducing elements  which  depress  the  vitality  of  the  system  by 
their  unfavorable  action  upon  the  nerve  centers.  Whether  this 
morbid  material  is  due  to  a specific  disease  germ  has  not  been 
fully  established. 

Symptoms. — The  onset  of  pneumonia  is  sudden  and  the 
first  notable  symptom  is  usually  a chill  perhaps  accompanied  by 
headache  and  pain  in  the  back  or  limbs.  In  a short  time  the 
chill  is  followed  by  fever,  pain  in  the  chest,  shallow,  rapid,  and 
painful  breathing  and  a short,  hacking,  and  suppressed  cough. 
If  the  ear  is  placed  over  the  chest  a crackling  sound  is  heard 
which  can  be  imitated  by  rolling  a hair  between  the  thumb  and 
fingers.  The  portion  of  lung  involved  is  congested  with  blood 
in  the  first  stage,  which  causes  a serious  obstruction  to  the  cir- 
culation ; the  heart  is  thus  embarrassed  in  doing  its  work.  The 
products  of  inflammation  are  pressed  out  into  the  air  cells.  In 
about  two  days  after  the  onset  of  the  disease,  the  disabled  por- 
tion of  the  lung  solidifies  and  percussion  gives  a dull  sound. 
The  temperature  is  much  elevated,  the  urine  is  scanty  and  high 
colored.  The  patient  wears  an  expression  of  anxiety  and  dis- 
tress. The  cough  is  more  painful  and  brings  up  a rust  colored 
sputum  known  as  the  prune  juice  expectoration.  The  breathing 
is  labored  and  painful.  The  respiration,  which  in  health  averages 
about  seventeen  a minute,  runs  up  to  forty,  or  in  extreme  cases  to 
sixty,  which  indicates  that  the  functions  of  the  lung  are  greatly 
disturbed.  In  about  five  or  six  days,  if  the  case  goes  on  favorably, 
the  morbid  material  in  the  air  cells  begins  to  soften  and  is  ab- 
sorbed into  the  circulation  and  removed  from  the  system.  The 
temperature  declines,  the  fever  abates,  moisture  appears  upon 
the  surface  of  the  body,  the  patient  feels  relieved  and  shows 
marked  signs  of  improvement.  This  is  known  as  the  stage  of 
resolution  and  occupies  from  two  to  six  days.  The  disease 
does  not  always  follow  the  ordinary  course.  The  process  of 
inflammation  may  advance  from  one  portion  of  the  lung  to 
another,  and  having  traversed  one  lung  may  invade  the  other. 
Where  both  lungs  are  involved  the  case  is  one  of  double  pneu- 
monia, where  a single  lobe  of  one  lung  is  invaded  it  is  called 
lobar  pneumonia. 

If  the  pulse  is  weak  and  rapid,  above  one  hundred  and 
twenty  a minute,  and  the  temperature  continues  above  one  hun- 
dred and  four  degrees,  the  disease  is  severe  and  liable  to  termi- 
nate unfavorably.  When  the  case  is  severe,  with  a brown,  dry 
tongue,  it  is  sometimes  called  typhoid  pneumonia. 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


231 


If  the  patient  complains  of  a sharp  stitch  in  the  side,  the 
complication  with  pleurisy  must  be  considered. 

Abscess  of  the  lung  sometimes  follows  pneumonia  and 
recovery  is  tedious. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  must  be  prompt  and  meet 
the  symptoms  as  they  develop.  Careful  attention  to  the  symp- 
toms, and  prompt  medical  aid  in  the  early  stages,  will  generally 
gain  the  mastery  of  the  disease. 

In  the  onset  a full  dose  of  quinine  will  often  reduce  the 
temperature,  produce  perspiration,  antagonize  the  poison  depress- 
ing the  nerve  centers,  and  afford  marked  relief  or  even  abort 
the  disease. 

A mustard  poultice  over  the  chest  acts  as  a powerful  stimu- 
lant to  the  cutaneous  nerves,  and  may  help  to  abort  the  disease 
if  used  early. 

In  robust  persons  where  there  is  no  weakness  and  depression, 
one  one-hundredth  of  a grain  of  tartarized  antimony  may  be 
given  every  two  hours  advantageously,  but  should  only  be  given 
in  the  first  stages. 

In  the  second  stage  carbonate  of  ammonia  is  a remedy  of 
great  use.  It  stimulates  the  lr",gs,  and  aids  the  respiration  and 
circulation.  Five  or  ten  grains  in  syrup  every  two  or  four 
hours  is  a proper  dose. 

Acetanilid  is  a valuable  remedy  to  lower  the  temperature 
in  experienced  hands. 

A tendency  to  heart  failure  must  be  met  by  giving  digitalis 
and  suitable  stimulants.  These  can  only  be  used  safely  and 
satisfactorily  by  skilled  persons. 

Pneumonia  in  children  above  two  years  of  age  need  not 
often  prove  fatal. 

Camphor  liniment,  flaxseed  poultices,  and  the  cotton  jacket 
padded  to  oiled  silk  are  well  known  and  serviceable  remedies. 
Tincture  of  aconite  in  the  early  febrile  stage  is  serviceable, 
especially  in  cases  of  children  ; ten  drops  in  one-half  tumbler  of 
water,  and  of  this  mixture  give  one  teaspoonful  every  half  hour 
till  it  moistens  the  surface  of  the  skin. 

Demulcent  drinks  of  slippery  elm  and  flaxseed  are  soothing 
and  serviceable. 

Lemonade,  in  which  is  dissolved  one  teaspoonful  of  cream 
of  tartar  to  a half  pint,  makes  a cooling  and  refreshing  drink  ; it 
also  favors  the  secretion  of  urine  and  slightly  relaxes  the  bowels. 
The  patient  should  have  pure  air,  the  sick  room  being  reasonably 
ventilated. 


232 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


PURULENT  OPHTHALMIA. 

(. Egyptian  Ophthalmia.') 

In  this,  all  the  symptoms  of  the  acute  or  chronic  form  are 
greatly  aggravated.  The  conjunctiva  is  red  and  swollen,  rising 
up  like  a wall  round  the  cornea ; the  eyelids  are  tense,  livid, 
and  often  enormously  swollen ; a copious  secretion  of  muco- 
purulent matter  is  poured  out,  and  there  is  a burning  pain  in 
the  eye,  with  inability  to  bear  the  light.  It  requires  prompt 
and  decided  treatment,  as  there  is  always  great  risk  of  permanent 
injury  to  the  eye,  from  its  tendency  to  produce  thickening  and 
granulation  of  the  conjunctiva  of  the  lids,  or  ulceration  and 
sloughing.  The  eye  should  be  frequently  cleansed  with  warm 
water,  or  a weak,  warm  solution  of  alum  0£  bichloride  of  mercury, 
and  one  or  two  drops  of  a weak  solution  of  lunar  caustic  (from 
two  to  four  grains  to  an  ounce  of  water)  should  be  let  fall  into 
the  eyes  once  or  twice  a day. 

PRICKLY  HEAT,  OR  LICHEN. 

This  is  a disease  caused  by  intense  and  long-continued 
heat ; but  it  may  be  excited  by  the  same  causes  which  produce 
the  nettle  rash,  when  the  system  is  prepared  for  it.  It  is  one 
of  the  most  annoying  plagues  of  a tropical  climate. 

Symptoms . — The  general  character  of  the  disease  is  that 
of  a diffuse  eruption,  with  red  pimples,  and  a troublesome  sense 
of  tingling  or  pricking.  There  is  more  or  less  general  irritation, 
and  sometimes  a little  fever  at  the  commencement. 

Treatment . — For  the  relief  of  the  itching  and  burning 
sensations  attendant  on  prickly  heat,  which  in  tropical  countries 
are  often  absolutely  unbearable,  the  best  remedy  is  cold  water 
— using  caution  when  the  patient  is  perspiring.  Live  sparingly, 
and  take  a few  doses  of  a mild  purgative,  as  the  following : 
Powdered  aloes,  two  drams;  powdered  rhubarb,  one  dram  ; pow- 
dered jalap,  two  drams ; powdered  cream  of  tartar,  four  drams  ; 
magnesia,  one  dram  ; best  honey,  one  ounce.  Mix  well,  and 
divide  into  one  hundred  and  twenty  pills ; take  two,  three,  or 
four  on  going  to  bed. 

POLYPUS  OF  THE  EAR. 

Polypus  of  the  ear  is  by  no  means  an  uncommon  form  of 
the  fungoid  growth,  which  sometimes  occurs  in  several  of  the 
internal  tissues.  It  is  of  a jelly-like  consistence,  and  a whitish 
yellow  color,  and  is  attached  to  the  membranous  lining  of  the 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


233 


ear.  There  are  also  granulations  of  fungus  which  sometimes 
shoot  up  from  the  membrane,  and  are  distinguished  by  their 
reddish  hue  from  polypi.  These  may  generally  be  removed  by 
being  held  firmly  with  a pair  of  forceps,  and  then  gently  twisted 
and  pulled  at  the  same  time.  This  should  only  be  done  by  a 
properly  qualified  person,  as  much  mischief  may  result  from  the 
unskillful  application  of  the  forceps  to  so  delicate  a part.  Some- 
times, when  the  polypus  is  in  the  external  passage,  and  not  far 
up,  it  may  be  destroyed  by  application  of  chromic  acid,  or  burnt 
alum,  applied  with  a camel’s  hair  brush. 

POLYPUS  OF  THE  NOSE. 

Polypus  is  a name  given  to  a tumor  generally  occurring  in 
the  nose,  but  sometimes  in  the  womb,  or  the  ear,  and  so  named 
from  an  erroneous  idea  that  it  had  many  roots  or  feet.  It  is  the 
result  of  an  excessive  growth  of  the  mucous  membrane,  and 
sometimes  assumes  a malignant  character.  It  may  be  either  of  a 
soft  texture  so  as  easily  to  tear  and  bleed,  or  firm  and  fibrous, 
or  even  almost  cartilaginous.  The  color  is  commonly  a yellow- 
ish gray,  and  it  has  little  or  no  sensibility,  although  it  causes 
much  pain  by  its  pressure  upon  the  surrounding  parts,  stoppage 
of  secretions,  etc.  It  is  attached  to  the  surface  from  which  it 
springs  by  a narrow  neck  like  a footstalk.  When  in  the  nose  it 
interferes  with  the  breathing,  so  that  the  patient  sleeps  with  the 
mouth  open.  In  this  situation  it  may  be  destroyed  by  the  use 
of  such  applications  as  chromic  acid  applied  with  a camel’s-hair 
brush,  or  a little  burnt  alum  taken  like  snuff. 

QUINSY. 

An  inflammation  of  the  throat,  principally  occupying  the 
glands.  This  kind  of  inflammatory  sore  throat  generally  com- 
mences with  chills,  and  other  febrile  symptoms,  also  with 
fullness,  heat,  and  dryness  of  the  throat,  a hoarse  voice,  diffi- 
culty of  swallowing,  and  shooting  pains  toward  the  ear.  When 
examined,  the  throat  is  found  to  be  of  a florid  red  color, 
deeper  over  the  tonsils,  which  are  swollen  and  covered  with 
mucus.  As  the  disease  progresses,  the  tonsils  become  more  and 
more  swollen,  the  swallowing  becomes  more  painful  and  difficult, 
until  liquids  return  through  the  nose,  and  the  viscid  saliva  is  dis- 
charged from  the  mouth.  Very  commonly  the  fever  increases 
also,  and  there  is  acute  pain  of  the  back  and  limbs. 

Causes . — Exposure  to  cold,  wearing  damp  clothes,  sitting 


234 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


in  wet  rooms,  getting  wet  feet,  coming  suddenly  out  of  a crowded 
and  heated  room  into  the  open  and  cold  air.  It  may  also  be 
brought  on  by  violent  exertion  of  the  voice  and  by  suppressed 
evacuations. 

Treatment. — In  the  early  stages,  brush  over  the  throat 
with  a solution  of  nitrate  of  silver,  and  the  attack  may  be  aborted. 
When  the  case  is  not  severe,  it  may  be  treated  in  the  early  stages 
like  catarrh;  but  when  it  is,  more  active  measures  will  be  re- 
quired. Warm  bran  or  flaxseed  poultices  may  be  applied  to  the 
throat.  Acid  drinks,  or  pieces  of  ice  put  into  the  mouth  and 
allowed  to  dissolve,  are  harmless.  The  steam  of  hot  water  may 
be  inhaled  through  a teapot  or  an  inverted  funnel.  These  will 
be  the  proper  measures  to  adopt.  When  the  abscess  has  burst, 
and  the  inflammatory  symptoms  have  subsided,  a generous  diet 
will  be  necessary,  with  tonic  medicines.  If  the  tonsils  continue 
swollen,  they  should  be  rubbed  outside  twice  a day  with  stimu- 
lating liniments.  Turpentine  and  opodeldoc,  equal  quantities, 
will  be  as  good  as  an}'- ; and  the  throat  gargled  with  salt  and 
water,  a teaspoonful  of  the  former  put  into  a tumblerful  of  the 
latter. 

When  there  is  chronic  soreness  of  the  throat,  with  hoarse- 
ness and  cough,  there  is  commonly  also  a relaxed  and  elongated 
uvula,  which  closes  the  passage  when  the  patient  lies  down,  and 
causes  a sensation  of  choking.  In  this  case,  a gargle  made  with 
salt  and  cayenne  pepper  (about  a tablespoonful  of  the  former 
and  a teaspoonful  of  the  latter,  in  a pint  of  boiling  water)  should 
be  tried;  the  throat  should  be  kept  uncovered,  and  sponged 
with  vinegar  twice  a day.  If  these  means  are  unsuccessful,  it 
may  be  necessary  to  have  part  of  the  uvula  cut  off.  This  must 
be  done  by  a surgeon.  Also  the  application  of  caustic  must  some- 
times be  made  when  the  throat  has  a granulated  appearance. 

RASHES. 

Patches  of  superficial  redness  of  the  skin  ; they  may  occur 
on  any  part  of  the  body,  and  are  generally  accompanied  by 
increased  heat  and  irritation — sometimes  by  swelling,  inflamma- 
tion, and  considerable  pain;  they  are  not  contagious. 

When  red  blotches  occur  in  the  face  they  are  generally  con- 
nected with  some  constitutional  derangement — often  with  dys- 
pepsia— to  the  cure  of  which  the  general  treatment  must  be 
directed ; the  face  should  be  washed  in  warm  water,  and  the 
blotches  dabbed  with  camphorated  spirit. 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


235 


ROSE  RASH. 

Rose  rasli  is  common  with  children  during  dentition,  and  is, 
therefore,  called  tooth  rash.  It  arises  from  intestinal  irritation, 
and  most  usually  shows  itself  about  the  face,  although  it  may 
appear  on  any  part  of  the  body.  With  adults  it  usually  occurs 
in  hot  weather ; fatigue,  drinking  largely  of  cold  water,  or  eat- 
ing indigestible  food,  will  bring  it  forth.  It  sometimes  occurs 
during  the  eruptive  form  of  small-pox,  and  sometimes  after 
vaccination.  Mild  aperients,  such  as  rhubarb  and  magnesia, 
cooling  drinks,  tepid  baths,  with  frugal  diet  and  rest,  are  the 
best  remedies.  There  is  usually  considerable  itching  with  these 
rashes,  which  may  be  allayed  by  the  application  of  Goulard’s 
extract  or  some  other  cooling  lotion. 

NETTLE  RASH. 

This  is  an  eruption  of  the  skin  similar  to  that  produced  by 
the  sting  of  nettles.  It  is  not  dangerous  nor  contagious. 

Causes . — It  is  generally  thrown  out  by  some  particular 
kind  of  food  which  disagrees  with  the  system,  such  as  crabs,  or 
other  shell-fish  or  mackerel ; certain  vegetables  are  likely  to 
produce  it,  such  as  mushrooms,  cucumbers,  bitter  almonds,  or 
strawberries.  Copaiba,  cubebs,  valerian,  or  the  fumes  of  turpen- 
tine inhaled  during  house-painting  are  also  likely  to  occasion 
nettle  rash. 

Symptoms . — The  eruption  consists  of  little,  solid  emi- 
nences of  irregular  outline,  but  generally  roundish  or  oblong, 
and  either  white  or  red,  or  both  white  and  red.  It  is  accom- 
panied with  intense  heat,  and  a burning  or  tingling  in  the  af- 
fected spots.  No  part  of  the  body  is  exempt  from  nettle  rash. 
There  are  two  varieties  of  this  disorder,  one  of  which  is  regarded 
as  acute,  the  other  as  chronic,  and  either  persistent  or  intermit- 
tent. The  acute  form  is  usually  preceded  or  attended  with 
feverishness,  and  a feeling  of  general  uneasiness,  headache, 
nausea,  and  vomiting.  In  general  it  appears  in  the  morning, 
vanishes  in  the  course  of  a few  hours,  and  perhaps  reappears 
again  twice  or  thrice  during  the  day.  It  usually  disappears  en- 
tirely in  six  or  eight  days.  The  chronic  form  of  this  complaint 
is  intractable  and  difficult  to  remove,  coming  and  going  for  a 
lengthened  period,  but  with  little  or  no  feverishness. 

Treatment . — An  emetic  should  be  first  administered,  if 
the  eruption  is  caused  by  anything  recently  taken  into  the  stom- 
ach ; it  should  be  followed  by  a saline  aperient — senna  mixture, 


236 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


with  salts,  is  perhaps  best,  and  this  repeated  until  the  bowels  are 
freely  moved ; if  the  febrile  symptoms  do  not  subside,  a mixture 
composed  of  sweet  spirits  of  niter,  two  drams ; liquor  of  acetate 
of  ammonia,  one  ounce ; and  camphor  mixture,  five  ounces, 
should  be  given,  two  tablespoonfuls  every  four  hours.  In  the 
chronic  form,  a simple  diet,  active  exercise,  an  avoidance  of  any 
articles  of  diet  likely  to  excite  the  eruption ; keeping  the  bowels 
regular  by  gentle  aperients  combined  with  anti-acids ; a five 
grain  rhubarb  pill  an  hour  before  dinner,  or  a small  piece  of  the 
root  chewed,  are  good  remedial  means ; the  tepid  bath  should  be 
occasionally  used,  or  sponging,  to  keep  the  skin  in  a healthy 
state  ; to  allay  the  irritations,  dust  starch  powder  over  the  erup- 
tions, or  use  a lotion  made  of  rose  or  elder-flower  water  in  half  a 
pint  of  which  has  been  dissolved  one  dram  of  carbonate  of  am- 
monia and  one-half  a dram  of  sugar  of  lead. 

RHEUMATISM. 

The  characteristic  signs  of  this  complaint  are  pains  in  the 
large  articulations,  following  the  tree  or  course  of  the  muscles, 
and  which  are  increased  by  external  heat,  together  with  fever. 
There  are  two  kinds — acute  and  chronic. 

Causes . — Obstructed  perspiration,  occasioned  by  wearing 
wet  clothes,  sleeping  on  the  ground,  or  in  damp  rooms,  or  by 
being  exposed  to  cold  air  when  the  body  is  much  heated,  and 
the  like. 

Symptoms. — In  the  acute,  or  what  is  called  rheumatic 
fever , it  usually  comes  on  with  lassitude  and  the  rigors,  succeeded 
by  heat,  thirst,  anxiety,  restlessness,  and  a hard,  full,  quick  pulse, 
the  tongue  preserving  a steady  whiteness.  After  a short  time 
excruciating  pains  are  felt,  more  especially  in  the  shoulders, 
wrists,  knees,  and  hips  ; and  these  pains  are  shifting  from  one 
joint  to  another,  leaving  a redness  and  swelling  in  every  part 
they  have  occupied,  as  also  great  tenderness  to  the  touch. 
Towards  evening  there  is  usually  an  increase  of  fever,  and  during 
the  night  the  pains  become  more  severe. 

Chronic  Rheumatism  is  attended  with  pains  in  the  head, 
shoulders,  knees,  and  other  large  joints,  without  any  fever  or 
inflammation.  The  complaint  is  either  confined  to  a particular 
part  or  shifts  about.  It  continues  some  time  and  then  goes  off, 
leaving  the  part  in  a debilitated  state,  which  is  very  liable  to  fresh 
attacks  on  the  approach  of  moist  or  damp  weather. 

Treatment • — Every  symptom  of  this  form  of  rheumatism 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


237 


proves  it  to  be  a disease  of  debility,  consequently  the  mode  of 
treatment  must  be  founded  upon  this  idea.  Hence,  stimulants 
of  almost  all  kinds  prove  serviceable,  together  with  tonics, 
warm  bathing,  etc.  Let  the  patient  be  clothed  in  flannel  next 
the  skin,  and  take  an  aperient  pill  every  night  and  morning. 
Also  take  twenty  drops  of  the  wine  of  the  seeds  of  colchicum  in 
camphor  julep  three  times  a day.  Or  take  flowers  of  sulphur 
and  mustard,  of  each  half  an  ounce  ; honey  or  molasses,  a suffi- 
cient quantity  to  form  a paste.  Take  a piece  of  the  size  of  a 
nutmeg  several  times  a day,  drinking  after  it  a quarter  pint  of 
the  decoction  of  lovage  root.  The  following  also  have  been  very 
beneficial : Guaiacum  in  powder,  and  soap,  of  each  one  dram ; 
essential  oil  of  juniper  berry,  four  drops  ; mix,  and  divide  into 
twenty-eight  pills,  two  to  be  taken  four  times  a day. 

In  Acute  Rheumatism  confine  the  patient  in  bed  and  give 
half-grain  doses  of  calomel  and  opium  every  four  hours,  and  half 
ounce  of  castor  oil  every  other  night.  Or  keep  the  bowels  open 
by  means  of  gentle  laxatives,  administered  occasionally  through- 
out the  course  of  the  disease. 

For  Chronic  Rheumatism. — Take  a little  powdered  Indian 
turnip  once  or  twice  a day,  in  honey  or  sugar  and  water.  Mus- 
tard or  horse-radish  should  be  taken  with  the  food,  and  the  body 
be  incased  in  flannel  and  the  flesh  brush  frequently  used. 
Where  there  is  much  weakness,  from  the  long  continuance  of 
the  disease,  tonic  medicines  must  be  used.  Dogwood  bark, 
wild  cherry  bark,  and  poplar  bark,  in  equal  quantities,  made  into 
a tea,  and  a wineglassful  taken  three  times  a day,  is  very  good  ; 
as  is  also  eight  or  ten  drops  of  elixir  of  vitriol,  taken  three  or 
four  times  a day  in  a wineglassful  of  water. 

RINGWORM. 

Ringworm  is  an  eruptive  disease  of  the  skin — more  par- 
ticularly of  the  head — and  of  which  there  are  several  kinds. 

Causes. — Ringworm  has  its  seat  in  the  roots  of  the  hair, 
and  is  believed  to  be  attended  by  the  growth  of  parasitic  fungi ; 
its  predisposing  causes  are  any  derangement  of  the  general 
health  from  ill  or  under  feeding,  breathing  impure  air,  drinking 
bad  water,  uncleanly  habits,  scrofula.  Its  immediate  or  exciting 
cause  is  generally  contact  with  those  affected  with  it,  or  using 
combs  or  hair  brushes  which  they  have  used. 

Wilson  remarks  that  improper  food  is  a frequent  predis- 
posing cause,  and  that  he  has  observed  it  in  children  fed  too  ex- 


238 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


clusively  on  vegetable  diet.  It  is  said  to  occur  spontaneously 
in  children  ill-fed  and  uncleanly,  and  it  is  readily  propagated  by 
contagion.  It  has  recently  been  discovered  that  this  disease  is 
owing  to  the  presence  of  a cryptogamic  parasite,  called  the 
trichophyton. 

Symptoms • — The  most  common  kind  commences  with 
clusters  of  small  light-yellow  pustules,  which  soon  break  and 
form  into  thin  scabs,  which,  if  neglected,  become  thick  and  hard 
by  accumulation.  When  removed,  they  appear  again  in  a few 
days  ; and  by  these  repetitions  the  incrustations  become  thicker, 
and  the  area  of  the  patches  extends,  so  as,  if  unchecked,  to  affect 
the  whole  head,  and  extend  also  to  the  forehead  and  neck.  The 
patches  are  of  an  irregular,  circular  form.  This  disease  occurs 
generally  in  children  of  three  or  four  years  and  upward. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  consists  in  applying  to  the 
parts  some  preparation  which  will  destroy  the  fungus.  The  first 
thing  to  be  done  is  to  remove  the  hair.  Afterward  the  parts 
should  be  washed  with  a solution  of  bichloride  of  mercury 
(one  part  to  250  parts  of  water),  or  with  a solution  of  sulphur- 
ous acid  one  part  to  eight  of  water.  The  general  health  should 
be  at  the  same  time  attended  to,  and  nutritious  diet,  tonics,  cod- 
liver  oil,  and  regular  exercise  used  when  necessary. 

The  vesicular  form  of  ringworm  is  the  simplest  and  most 
amenable  to  treatment ; sometimes  it  disappears  after  careful 
washing  and  poulticing,  with,  perhaps,  a few  applications  of  any 
astringent  lotion  ; but  the  pustular  form  is  . far  more  troublesome 
and  intractable,  spreading  often  very  rapidly,  and  running 
into  ulcerous  sores  and  sometimes  reappearing  when  it  is 
thought  that  a cure  has  been  effected.  Nothing  but  the  great- 
est care  and  attention  will  then  eradicate  it.  Any  child  afflicted 
with  this  disease  should  be  separated  from  other  children,  on 
account  of  its  contagious  nature ; wearing  each  other’s  caps 
and  bonnets  will  be  likely  to  spread  it  through  a whole  school. 

The  following  will  speedily  cure  this  affection.  Naphthol, 
one  dram ; citrine  ointment,  one  dram ; thymol,  five  drops ; vas- 
eline, one  ounce.  Mix  and  make  into  an  ointment  and  apply 
twice  a day. 


SCARLET  FEVER  OR  SCARLATINA. 

This  is  a contagious  febrile  disease,  almost  always  attended 
during  a part  of  its  course  by  a rash  and  by  sore  throat.  Some- 
times only  one  of  these  features  is  well  marked,  sometimes  both. 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


239 


Though  persons  of  all  ages  are  susceptible  of  it,  it  is  eminently  a 
disease  of  children.  Like  small-pox  or  measles,  it  rarely  attacks 
a person  more  than  once.  Physicians  distinguish  three  different 
varieties  of  scarlatina — namely,  scarlatina  simplex,  in  which 
there  is  a florid  rash  and  little  or  no  affection  of  the  throat ; 
scarlatina  anginosa,  in  which  both  the  skin  and  the  throat  are 
decidedly  implicated ; and  scarlatina  maligna , in  which  all  the 
symptoms  are  of  an  intense  and  dangerous  character. 

Symptoms • — So  plainly  are  the  symptoms  marked  that  it 
is  scarcely  possible  to  mistake  this  eruptive  fever  for  any  other ; 
almost  invariably  we  have  first  sore  throat,  with  shivering, 
headache,  and  loss  of  appetite ; probably  there  may  be  sickness 
and  vomiting,  with  heat  of  skin,  quick  pulse,  and  great  thirst. 
In  about  forty-eight  hours  from  the  commencement  of  the  attack, 
we  have  an  eruption  of  red  spots  on  the  arms  and  chest ; these 
gradually  become  more  thickly  planted  and  widely  spread,  until 
they  pervade  the  whole  of  the  body,  making  the  skin  appear  of 
one  uniform  scarlet  tint,  that  is  over  the  body  generally ; in  the 
extremities  it  is  more  in  patches,  the  skin  being  perceptibly 
rough  to  the  touch.  On  the  second  day,  generally,  the  tongue 
presents  the  appearance  of  being  covered  with  a white  film, 
through  which  the  papillae  project  as  bright  red  spots,  as  we  see 
the  seeds  on  a white  strawberry  ; then  the  white,  creamy  looking 
film  comes  away  gradually,  and  leaves  the  tongue  preternaturally 
clean  and  red.  On  the  fourth  or  fifth  day  the  eruption  begins 
to  fade,  and  by  the  seventh  or  eighth  has  entirely  disappeared, 
and  with  it  the  febrile  symptoms.  Then  commences  the  peeling 
off  of  the  cuticle  or  scarf  skin,  which  comes  away  in  scales  from 
the  face  and  body,  and  in  large  flakes  from  the  extremities.  It  is 
during  this  process  that  the  greatest  danger  of  contagion  is  to  be 
apprehended,  and,  until  it  is  completed,  the  patient  should  be 
kept  apart  from  the  rest  of  the  family ; it  may  be  hastened  by 
tepid  bathing  and  rubbing.  Sometimes,  with  scarlet  fever,  there 
is  little  real  illness  ; the  patient  feels  pretty  well,  and,  in  a few 
days,  would  li*ke  to  leave  the  sick  chamber ; but  it  is  always 
necessary  to  be  cautious  in  gratifying  such  a wish,  both  for  the 
sake  of  the  invalid  and  of  others ; after  an  attack  of  this  fever, 
as  after  measles,  the  system  is  peculiarly  susceptible,  and  a chill 
taken  at  such  a time  may  cause  the  most  alarming  results. 

SCARLATINA  ANGINOSA. 

Sometimes  we  have  a great  aggravation  of  the  symptoms 
above  described ; the  throat  gives  the  first  warning  of  the  at- 


240 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


tack ; there  is  stiff  neck,  swelling  of  the  glands,  and  the  lining 
of  the  mouth  and  fauces  becomes  at  once  of  an  intense  crimson 
color ; there  are  ash  colored  spots  about  the  tonsils ; the  general 
eruption  is  of  a deeper  color,  and  spreads  more  rapidly,  than  in 
the  simple  kind. 

SCARLATINA  MALIGNA. 

Then  again  we  have  the  malignant  form,  with  the  rash  in 
irregular  patches  of  a dusky  hue,  which  sometimes  recedes  and 
appears  again.  There  is  intense  inflammation  of  the  throat  at 
the  very  outset,  with  general  enlargement  of  the  salivary  glands  ; 
the  neck  sometimes  swells  to  a great  size  ; there  is  a sloughy 
ulceration  of  the  throat,  from  which,  and  the  nostrils  — through 
which  it  is  difficult  to  breathe — there  comes  an  acrid  discharge, 
causing  excoriation  of  the  nose  and  lips,  and  sometimes  extend- 
ing to  the  larynx  and  trachea,  as  well  as  to  the  intestinal  canal, 
causing  croup,  vomiting,  and  purging.  The  poisonous  secretion 
enters  into  the  circulation  and  vitiates  the  blood ; sometimes  the 
sense  of  hearing,  as  well  as  of  smelling,  is  entirely  destroyed  by 
the  acrid  matter  coming  in  contact  with  and  inflaming  the 
mucous  membrane.  With  this  form  of  the  disease  it  is  extremely 
difficult  to  deal,  and  the  patient  often  sinks  beneath  it  in  spite 
of  the  best  medical  advice  and  assistance. 

Scarlet  fever  may  be  distinguished  from  measles  by  the  fol- 
lowing characteristics : In  scarlet  fever  the  eruption  appears  on 
the  second  day,  accompanied  with  sore  throat,  but  no  running 
of  the  nose.  In  measles  the  eruption  comes  out  on  the  third  or 
fourth  day,  with  running  from  the  nose  and  other  catarrhal  symp- 
toms. The  eruptions  of  measles  are  like  flea  bites,  slightly 
elevated  from  the  surface,  in  patches  the  shape  of  a half  moon ; 
whereas  the  rash  of  scarlet  fever  is  smooth  to  the  touch,  spreads 
over  the  whole  body,  and  is  of  a brighter  red  color  than  measles. 

Treatment. — At  first  mild  aperients  only  should  be 
given,  with  such  drinks  as  flaxseed  tea,  hot  lemonade,  and  a spare 
diet ; the  patient  should  have  plenty  of  fresh  air ; the  head  should 
be  kept  cool.  The  following  is  a good  fever  mixture  : Carbonate 
of  ammonia,  one  dram ; solution  of  acetate  of  ammonia,  two 
ounces  ; water  or  camphor  mixture,  six  ounces.  A tablespoon- 
ful to  be  taken  every  four  hours — that  is,  for  an  adult ; a dessert- 
spoonful will  be  sufficient  for  a child.  The  whole  body  should 
be  sponged  with  vinegar  and  water  as  often  as  it  becomes  hot 
and  dry.  If  the  throat  swells  much  externally,  and  there  are 
headaches,  apply  a hot  bran  poultice,  and  soak  the  feet  and 
hands  in  hot  mustard  water. 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


241 


To  gargle  the  throat,  dissolve  one  dram  of  common  salt  in 
one-half  pint  of  water ; with  children  who  cannot  gargle,  this 
may  be  injected  against  the  fauces  or  up  the  nostrils  by  means 
of  a syringe ; a very  useful  gargle  may  be  made  of  a weak  solu- 
tion of  chloride  of  soda  or  of  nitrate  of  silver.  When  the  in- 
flammatory action  has  ceased  and  the  skin  is  peeling  off,  it  is 
necessary  to  take  good  stimulant  and  nutritious  food,  with  tonics 
such  as  iron  and  quinine.  When  the  system  seems  to  be  over- 
whelmed with  the  strength  of  the  poison,  a liberal  amount  of 
wine  or  brandy  will  be  required  to  sustain  the  flagging  powers 
until  the  disease  has  in  some  measure  passed  away.  The  bowels 
also  require  to  be  carefully  watched.  It  is  of  the  utmost  im- 
portance that  the  throat  should  be  carefully  treated.  If  neg- 
lected, the  inflammation  is  liable  to  enter  into  the  middle  ear 
and  cause  lifelong  deafness,  and  perhaps  ulceration  of  the  ear, 
with  discharges. 

The  malignant  form  is  very  depressing  to  the  whole  sys- 
tem, and  prompt,  energetic,  and  judicious  measures  will  often 
save  life. 

To  assist  the  action  of  the  skin,  use  sweet  spirits  of  niter ; 
give  half  a teaspoonful  every  two  or  three  hours. 

As  a preventive  of  scarlet  fever,  belladonna  is  recom- 
mended. Recently  carbonate  of  ammonia  has  been  much  recom- 
mended in  the  treatment  of  this  disease.  For  adults,  five-grain 
doses  ; for  children,  half  the  quantity  three  times  a day.  Very 
frequently,  about  ten  or  fourteen  days  after  the  subsidence  of 
this  fever,  alarming  dropsical  affections  result.  These  may  be 
generally  obviated  by  using  daily  the  warm  bath  when  the  skin 
begins  to  peel  off.  When  dropsy  has  set  in,  give  a warm  bath 
three  times  a week,  and  the  compound  tincture  of  Virginia 
snakeroot,  in  doses  of  a teaspoonful  every  two  hours,  in  catnip 
tea,  until  free  perspiration  is  induced.  When  scarlet  fever  is  in 
the  neighborhood,  pulverized  sulphur  is  recommended  as  a pre- 
ventive ; dose,  half  a teaspoonful  daily  in  a little  sugar. 

Eclectic  Treatment  for  Scarlet  Fever . 

In  its  milder  attacks  but  little  treatment  is  required.  Giva 
warm  drinks  of  catnip,  sage,  saffron,  or  snakeroot  tea.  Where 
the  stomach  is  irritable  and  vomiting  frequent,  spearmint  tea  will 
be  very  beneficial,  or  a mustard  plaster  laid  over  the  stomach 
will  stop  the  vomiting.  When  an  emetic  is  needed,  give  a tea- 
spoonful of  lobelia  powder,  the  same  quantity  of  powder  of 
skunk  cabbage,  and  a little  cayenne  pepper,  with  a teaspoonful 


242 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


of  sugar,  in  strong  thoroughwort  tea  ; give  every  half  hour  till 
free  vomiting  is  produced.  If  the  throat  is  sore  and  swollen, 
bathe  it  with  a liniment  made  of  one  part  of  spirits  of  turpen- 
tine, and  two  parts  of  sweet  oil,  applied  while  warm.  A good 
gargle  is  to  take  one-half  a pint  each  of  vinegar  and  water,  hot, 
add  one  teaspoonful  of  bloodroot,  and  let  it  stand  seven  or 
eight  hours  before  using. 

It  is  said  that  in  the  West  Indies,  where  this  disease  fre- 
quently assumes  the  malignant  form,  cures  are  effected  by  the 
following  simple  preparation:  Take  two  tablespoonfuls  of  cay- 

enne pepper  and  a teaspoonful  of  salt ; put  them  into  one-half 
pint  of  boiling  water ; let  the  mixture  stand  about  fifteen  min- 
utes ; then  add  one-half  pint  of  vinegar;  let  it  stand  a half  hour, 
strain  through  a fine  cloth,  and  give  two  tablespoonfuls  every 
half  hour.  If  putrid  symptoms  appear,  give  common  yeast,  a 
wineglassful  every  two  or  three  hours. 

A valuable  preparation  for  inflamed  or  swollen  face  is  raw 
cranberries  pounded  fine  and  applied. 

On  recovery  the  following  good  tonic  may  be  given : Take 
of  gentian  root,  Colombo  root,  sweet  flag  root,  golden  seal  root, 
cayenne  pepper,  each,  in  coarse  powder,  a heaping  teaspoonful, 
add  one  pint  of  sherry  wine ; let  it  stand  a few  days.  Dose,  a 
teaspoonful  to  a wineglassful  three  times  a day. 

SCIATICA. 

This  is  a painful  neuralgic  affection,  confined  to  the  large 
nerve  (called  the  sciatic  nerve)  of  the  leg. 

Treatment . — Apply  a small  blister  on  the  spine  at  the 
bottom  of  the  loins,  and  when  it  is  removed  sprinkle  the  surface 
with  one-third  of  a grain  of  acetate  of  morphia,  mixed  in  a little 
starch  powder.  Or,  apply  to  the  part  affected  a bran  poultice, 
to  be  followed  twice  or  three  times  a day  by  an  embrocation 
composed  of  one  part  of  turpentine,  and  two  parts  of  soap  and 
opium  liniment.  A couple  of  drams  of  this  should  be  rubbed  in 
for  ten  minutes  at  a time.  Meanwhile,  cleanse  the  bowels  with 
a cathartic.  Nerve  tonics  are  necessary  such  as  strychnia  with 
the  phosphate  of  iron  or  quinine.  To  relieve  the  pain,  morphia 
may  be  required,  which  is  most  efficient  when  introduced  hypo- 
dermically. It  will  also  be  advisable  to  employ  the  hot  bath  at 
a temperature  of  105  degrees,  and  to  remain  in  it  from  fifteen  to 
twenty-five  minutes.  This  should  be  repeated  two  or  three 
tinjes  a week. 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


243 


SCROFULA. 

(King's  Evil.') 

This  disease  consists  in  hard,  indolent  tumors  on  some  of 
the  glands  on  the  various  parts  of  the  body,  but  particularly  on 
the  neck,  behind  the  ears,  and  under  the  chin,  which  after , a 
time  suppurate,  and  degenerate  into  ulcers,  from  which,  instead 
of  pus,  a white  curdled  matter  is  generally  discharged. 

Causes. — It  may  proceed  from  a hereditary  taint ; children 
born  of  parents  whose  constitutions  have  been  injured  by  secret 
diseases  are  very  likely  to  be  afflicted  with  this  complaint.  It 
may  likewise  proceed  from  whatever  tends  to  vitiate  the  health, 
and  very  slight  causes  will  produce  it  in  those  predisposed  to  it, 
such  as  blows,  bruises,  want  of  proper  exercise,  too  much  heat 
or  cold,  impure  air,  unwholesome  food,  impure  water,  neglect  of 
cleanliness  and  unhealthy  surroundings  in  general. 

Symptoms. — At  first  small  knots  appear  under  the  chin 
or  behind  the  ears,  which  gradually  increase  in  number  and  in 
size,  till  they  form  one  large,  hard  tumor.  This  often  continues 
a long  time  without  breaking,  until  at  length  the  skin  covering 
the  tumor  acquires  a purple  or  livid  color,  and  being  much  in- 
flamed suppurates  and  breaks,  from  which  a watery  matter  at 
first  discharges ; but  this  changes  by  degrees,  until  it  becomes 
thicker.  Other  parts  of  the  body  are  also  liable  to  its  attacks,  as 
the  arm-pits,  groins,  feet,  hands,  eyes,  and  breast.  Nor  are  the 
internal  parts  exempt  from  it.  It  often  affects  the  lungs, 
liver,  or  spleen,  and  frequently  the  glands  of  the  mesentery  are 
greatly  enlarged  by  it.  In  some  cases  the  joints  become  affected  : 
they  swell,  deep-seated,  excruciating  pains  are  experienced, 
which  are  much  increased  upon  the  slightest  motion.  The  swell- 
ing and  pain  continue  to  increase ; the  muscles  of  the  limbs  be- 
come at  length  much  wasted ; pus  is  soon  afterwards  formed, 
and  discharged  by  openings  in  the  skin.  The  discharge  corrodes 
the  ligaments  and  cartilages  and  produces  a caries  or  decay  of 
the  bones.  By  absorption  into  the  system  of  the  matter,  hectic 
fever  at  last  arises,  and  the  sufferer’s  life  gradually  wastes  away. 

Treatment. — The  functions  of  the  skin  should  be  pro- 
moted by  baths  and  massage.  The  diet  must  be  carefully 
regulated,  consisting  chiefly  of  animal  food,  taken  at  certain 
intervals.  For  children,  a very  nourishing  food  may  be  prepared 
by  boiling  a small  bag  filled  with  suet  in  cow’s  milk.  It  bears  a 
strong  resemblance  to  goat’s  milk,  but  has  the  advantage  of  be- 
ing a more  stringent.  A pure,  dry,  and  temperate  atmosphere  is 


244 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


the  best  to  live  in ; and,  during  the  summer  months  and  early 
autumn,  much  advantage  may  be  derived  from  sea  air,  combined 
with  sea  bathing.  All  persons  of  scrofulous  tendency  should 
wear  flannel  continually  next  their  skin,  it  being  the  best  pro- 
tector of  the  body  from  the  bad  influence  of  our  variable  climate. 
A great  variety  of  drugs  have  been  employed  in  the  treatment 
of  scrofula,  but  they  are  all  of  secondary  importance  in  compar- 
ison with  the  means  above  recommended.  We  give  some  of  the 
most  approved  remedies  for  this  disease  : Iodine,  one  grain ; 
iodide  of  potash,  two  grains ; distilled  water,  eight  ounces. 
Mix.  To  a child  under  seven  years  of  age,  a dessert-spoonfui 
of  this  mixture  is  to  be  given  three  times  a day,  in  half  a tea- 
cupful of  water,  sweetened  with  a little  sugar,  the  dose  to  be 
gradually  increased  to  two  tablespoonfuls ; and  the  remedy  is  to 
be  continued,  if  no  unfavorable  symptoms  occur,  for  a period  of 
four  or  five  weeks ; its  use  is  then  to  be  suspended,  and  gentle 
laxatives  are  to  be  administered.  After  an  interval  of  a fort- 
night, the  mixture  is  to  be  again  administered,  commencing  with 
a dessert-spoonful,  and  gradually  augmenting  the  dose  as  before. 
At  the  expiration  of  a month,  the  remedy  is  again  to  be  discon- 
tinued, and  again  renewed. 

Take  a tablespoonful  of  cod-liver  oil  three  times  a day,  and 
with  it,  when  the  glands  are  swelling,  two  grains  of  iodide  of 
potassium,  three  times  a day,  in  infusion  of  orange  peel.  Also, 
paint  the  scrofulous  swellings  lightly  with  tincture  of  iodine. 
Then  give  twelve  drops  of  solution  of  potash  three  times  a day ; 
and,  after  cleansing  the  sores  with  poultices,  dress  them  with 
oxide  of  zinc  ointment. 

Eclectic  Treatment  for  Scrofula . 

Generally,  we  believe,  nutritious  food,  pure  air,  great  per- 
sonal cleanliness,  and  gentle  exercise  will  be  the  best  medicines 
for  this  distressing  complaint. 

An  eminent  physician  has  recommended  the  use  of  Peru- 
vian bark  and  iron,  to  be  taken  alternately  every  two  weeks; 
also,  the  muriate  of  lime  in  doses  of  ten  and  increasing  to  sixty 
drops  three  or  four  times  a day,  in  tea  or  water.  Much  benefit 
has  been  derived  from  taking  pills  made  of  tar.  Take  common 
tar,  boil  it  down  hard  enough  to  make  into  pills,  and  take  four 
every  day.  These  also  have  been  found  very  useful : — 

Gather  the  leaves  of  coltsfoot,  when  at  their  full  growth 
dry  them,  and  infuse  them  in  the  same  manner  as  tea ; drink 
this  beverage  freely,  instead  of  the  beverage  ordinarily  drunk* 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


245 


Take  every  second  day  a few  grains  of  rhubarb,  drink  freely 
of  whey,  and  apply  to  the  scrofulous  sore  the  following  ointment 
lightly  spread  on  lint : White  ointment,  one  ounce  ; levigated 

chalk,  ten  grains ; red  precipitate  powder,  half  a dram.  Mix. 
Salt  water  bathing  is  very  useful. 

SCURVY. 

This  complaint  shows  itself  by  a bleeding  of  the  gums,  and 
purple  or  livid  spots  on  various  parts  of  the  body  and  limbs. 

Causes . — Lack  of  vegetable  diet,  with  want  of  cleanliness, 
impure  water,  the  prevalence  of  cold  and  moisture.  It  is  some- 
times produced  by  overfatigue,  and  an  exclusive  diet  of  salt 
meats  on  sea  voyages  was  formerly  the  chief  cause. 

Symptoms . — The  scurvy  comes  on  gradually,  with  weari- 
ness, depression  of  the  spirits,  anxiety,  and  considerable  de- 
bility. In  the  progress  of  the  disease  the  countenance  be- 
comes sallow  and  bloated,  and  the  respiration  hurried  ; the  teeth 
become  loose,  and  the  gums  spongy  and  swollen,  and  bleed  on 
the  slightest  touch  ; the  breath  is  offensive,  and  livid  spots 
appear  on  various  parts  of  the  body ; severe  wandering  pains 
are  felt,  especially  at  night.  The  urine  is  scanty,  and  the  pulse 
frequent ; there  is  a scaly  appearance  of  the  skin  , and  the  joints 
at  last  become  swollen  and  stiff. 

Treatment . — Nutritious  and  fresh  animal  food,  with 
potatoes,  onions,  spinach,  lettuce,  and  celery ; rice,  tapioca,  and 
sago,  together  with  acid  fruits  and  drinks ; lemon  juice,  in 
tablespoonful  doses  three  times  a day.  Also  free  use  of  vinegar. 
If  the  gums  are  very  bad,  use  to  wash  the  mouth  out  frequently, 
muriatic  acid,  one  dram,  water,  one  pint.  Mix,  and  wash  the 
mouth  four  times  a day. 

The  following  is  very  good : Take  a dose  of  castor  oil,  with 
ten  drops  of  cream  of  tartar.  If  there  be  much  pain  and  un- 
easiness, take  at  night  twelve  grains  of  Dover’s  powder ; after- 
wards the  following  tonic : Decoction  of  bark,  six  ounces ; syrup 
of  orange  peel,  one  ounce  ; compound  tincture  of  bark,  one 
ounce  ; carbonate  of  ammonia,  one-half  dram.  Mix,  and  take  a 
sixth  part  twice  or  three  times  a day.  Avoid  salt  provisions  and 
stimulants.  When  the  scurvy  is  removed,  treat  as  for  indiges- 
tion. 

Eclectic  Treatment  for  Scurvy . 

The  treatment  of  scurvy  is  not  difficult.  Attention  to  the 
stomach  and  bowels,  pure  air,  cleanliness,  suitable  diet,  and 


246 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


gentle  exercise  are  the  chief  requisites  for  recovery.  The  fol- 
lowing has  proved  very  useful : Put  into  a stone  jar  half  a pound 
of  the  root  of  the  great  water-dock,  cut  into  thin  slices,  and 
pour  upon  it  one  gallon  of  boiling  water.  Cover  up  and  let  it 
stand  for  twenty-four  hours  ; then  put  the  whole  into  a saucepan, 
and  boil  for  ten  minutes.  Let  it  stand  till  cold,  and  strain  off 
without  squeezing.  Dose,  a half  pint  twice  a day. 

The  diet  should  be  light  and  nutritious.  Take  plenty  of 
acids  and  vegetables,  with  as  much  horse-radish,  mustard, 
cresses,  etc.,  as  wanted ; also  eat  abundance  of  fruit. 

SHRINKING  OF  THE  HEART. 

(. Atrophy .) 

A wasting  of  the  heart’s  substance,  arising  from  a deficiency 
in  the  supply  of  blood  or  nutrition.  It  is  usually  accompanied 
by  general  emaciation,  and  will  be  pretty  sure  to  terminate  in 
death.  When  the  heart  is  examined  after  death,  the  tissues  are 
found  to  have  undergone  a change.  This  is  called  “fatty  de- 
generation.” The  treatment  is  to  strengthen  the  system  by 
tonics,  especially  iron  and  nux  vomica,  wholesome  and  nutritious 
diet,  open  air,  exercise,  sea  bathing,  etc. 

SEASICKNESS. 

This  depends  upon  a peculiar  state  of  the  brain,  which  is 
manifested  by  a want  of  the  firmness  and  steadiness  of  the 
equilibrium  of  the  body,  nausea  and  sickness. 

Treatment . — Take  of  camphorated  spirit,  sal  volatile, 
and  Hoffman’s  ether,  a few  drops  each,  upon  a lump  of  sugar. 
Persons  about  to  proceed  to  sea  should  put  their  stomach  and 
bowels  in  order  by  the  use  of  mild  aperients,  and  even  an  emetic 
if  required  ; when  it  will  be  generally  found  that  a glass  of 
warm  and  weak  brandy  and  water,  to  which  one  or  two  drops 
of  creosote  have  been  added,  will  effectually  dispel  any  dispo- 
sition to  seasickness.  As  the  vessel  descends  draw  in  the  breath, 
and  as  it  ascends  exhale  the  breath.  This  prevents  the  move- 
ments of  the  organs  which  act  immediately  upon  seasickness. 
Observe  perfect  quietude  in  the  recumbent  position,  until  the 
body  is  accustomed  to  the  motion  of  the  vessel ; take  frequently 
two  or  three  spoonfuls  of  strong  coffee.  Hold  fast  by  the  ropes 
on  the  side  of  the  ship,  so  as  to  move  with  all  its  motions,  be- 
coming, as  it  were,  a part  of  the  vessel. 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


247 


SMALL-POX. 

( Variola.') 

This,  like  scarlet  fever  and  measles,  belongs  to  the  class  of 
eruptive  fevers  ; it  attacks  persons  of  all  ages,  but  the  young  are 
most  liable  to  it.  At  no  particular  season  of  the  year  is  it  more 
prevalent  than  at  any  other,  nor  does  climate  appear  to  be  influ- 
ential in  averting  or  modifying  its  visitations. 

Symptoms. — When  it  occurs  naturally,  the  premonitory 
symptoms  are  those  of  other  fevers  of  its  class ; these  are 
usually  chills,  pains  in  the  back  and  loins,  loss  of  appetite, 
prostration  of  strength,  nausea  and  sometimes  vomiting ; with 
young  children  there  are  sometimes  convulsions.  About  forty- 
eight  hours  after  these  symptoms  set  in,  an  eruption  of  hard  red 
pimples  begins  to  overspread  the  face  and  neck,  gradually  ex- 
tending downward  over  the  trunk  and  extremities.  Each  pim- 
ple is  surrounded  by  the  peculiar  dull,  red  margin  termed  the  are- 
ola, and  has  a central  depression  on  the  top  containing  lymph  ; at 
this  period  the  eruption  is  decidedly  vesicular,  but  it  becomes  pus- 
tular afterward ; this  change  takes  place  on  about  the  fifth  day 
of  its  appearance,  when  the  central  depression  disappears,  sup- 
puration takes  place,  and  the  vessels  are  filled  with  matter, 
which  shortly  after  oozes  out  and  dries  into  a scab.  In  about 
ten  days  this  falls  off,  and  leaves  a pale  purple  stain  like  a 
blotch,  which  gradually  fades,  unless  the  disease  has  pene- 
trated so  deeply  as  to  destroy  the  true  skin,  in  which  case  a pit 
or,  as  it  is  usually  called,  a “pock-mark,”  remains  for  life. 

The  primary  fever  of  this  disease  lessens  as  soon  as  the 
eruption  appears  ; but  after  this  has  left  the  face,  and  traveled 
downward,  attacking  successively  the  lower  parts  of  the  body,  a 
secondary  fever  sets  in,  which  is  more  severe  than  the  first,  and 
not  unfrequently  assumes  a typhoid  character. 

Small-pox  may  be  either  distinct  or  confluent.  In  the 
former  case,  the  pustules  are  perfectly  distinct  from  each  other ; 
in  the  latter  they  run  into  each  other ; this  latter  is  the  most 
dangerous  form  of  the  disease,  the  fever  being  more  intense  and 
rapid,  and  having  no  intermission  ; it  goes  on  increasing  from 
the  first,  and  frequently  by  its  violence,  in  nine  or  ten  days, 
so  exhausts  the  system  that  coma,  delirium,  and  death  ensue, 
preceded  by  convulsions,  hemorrhages,  bloody  stools,  dysentery, 
and  all  the  train  of  symptoms  which  indicate  that  a virulent  and 
fatal  poison  has  entered  into  the  circulation. 

Treatment. — As  soon  as  the  premonitory  fever  comes  on, 


248 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


an  emetic  should  be  administered,  and  followed  by  a purgative 
of  a tolerably  active  nature ; then  keep  the  patient  on  spare  diet 
(certainly  no  meat),  and  give  plenty  of  warm  diluent  drinks ; 
keep  the  bowels  moderately  open  by  means  of  saline  aperients ; 
let  the  patient  have  plenty  of  fresh  air,  and  sponge  the  skin 
with  cool  or  tepid  water,  as  may  be  most  agreeable,  to  diminish 
the  heat  of  the  body.  Sometimes  there  is  not  energy  in  the 
system  to  develop  the  pustules  with  sufficient  rapidity ; in  this 
case  nourishment  and  stimulants  should  be  given  in  the  form 
of  broths,  wine  whey,  etc. ; warm  or  mustard  footbaths  should 
also  be  resorted  to  ; and,  to  allay  irritability,  a ten  grain  Dover’s 
powder  may  be  administered  at  bedtime,  or  one-quarter  of  a 
grain  of  morphine,  in  camphor  mixture.  A good  nourishing 
diet  will  be  required  in  the  secondary  stage  of  the  fever ; and,  if 
it  assumes  a typhoid  character,  the  treatment  should  be  the 
same  as  that  of  typhus  fever.  Frequently  the  face  is  much 
swelled,  and  the  eyelids  closed ; in  this  case  rub  the  latter  with 
olive  oil,  and  bathe  the  whole  with  poppy  fomentation.  If  the 
throat  is  sore,  use  a gargle  of  honey  and  vinegar,  one  table- 
spoonful of  the  former,  two  of  the  latter,  added  to  one-half 
pint  of  water  or  sage  tea.  If  much  affected,  a blister  should 
be  applied  to  the  neck.  If  there  is  much  headache,  cut  the  hair 
close,  apply  mustard  poultices  to  the  feet,  and  a spirit  lotion  to 
the  head ; to  reduce  itching,  apply  to  the  eruptions  a liniment 
composed  of  limewater  and  linseed  oil,  equal  quantities,  or 
smear  the  pustules  with  cold  cream  ; to  check  diarrhoea,  give 
chalk  mixture,  with  five  drops  of  laudanum  in  each  dose  ; if 
perspirations  are  too  copious  when  the  eruptive  fever  has  sub- 
sided, take  acidulated  drinks.  Smearing  the  eruption  with 
mercurial  ointment,  or  puncturing  each  pustule,  and  absorbing 
the  pus  with  wool  or  cotton,  has  been  recommended  to  prevent 
the  deep  pitting  which  is  so  great  a disfigurement  to  the  face. 
Painting  the  face  once  or  twice  a day  with  glycerine  is  said 
to  effectually  prevent  pitting. 

There  is  no  disease  more  certainly  and  decidedly  conta- 
gious than  this ; after  imbibing  the  poison,  a period  of  twelve 
days  generally  elapses  before  the  commencement  of  the  fever, 
and  during  this  time  no  inconvenience  may  be  experienced. 
Beside  breathing  the  effluvia  arising  from  a person  attacked, 
small-pox  may  be  communicated  by  inoculation  with  matter,  the 
resulting  disease  being  of  a milder  character.  This  method  was 
formerly  much  practiced  to  guard  persons  from  a spontaneous 
attack;  since,  however,  the  introduction  of  vaccination  by  Dr. 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


249 


Jenner  this  practice  has  been  abandoned.  This  disease  is 
frequently  epidemic,  and  the  statistics  of  its  different  visitations 
show  that  the  mortality  of  those  attacked  who  have  not  been 
vaccinated  is  one  in  four ; while  of  those  who  have,  it  is  not 
one  in  four  hundred  and  fifty ; that  is  a strong  argument  for 
vaccination. 

The  following  instructions  for  controlling  small-pox  conta- 
gion, enforced  at  Lowell,  proved  effective  in  arresting  the  spread 
of  the  disease  : — 

ISOLATION. 

1.  Persons  attacked  with  small-pox  or  varioloid,  and  all 
infected  clothing  of  the  same,  must  be  immediately  separated 
from  all  other  persons  liable  to  contract  or  communicate  the 
disease. 

2.  Nurses,  and  the  infected  clothing  of  such  persons,  must 
be  treated  as  in  quarantine. 

3.  None  but  nurses  and  the  attending  physicians  will  be 
allowed  access  to  persons  sick  with  small-pox  or  varioloid. 

4.  Patients  must  not  leave  the  premises  until  they,  to- 
gether with  the  bedding  and  clothing,  have  been  disinfected, 
and  permission  given  by  some  physician  of  the  Board  of  Health. 

DISINFECTION. 

1.  All  bedding  and  personal  clothing  infected  with  the 
small-pox  contagion,  which  can  without  injury,  must  be  washed 
in  boiling  water. 

2.  Infected  feather  beds,  pillows,  and  hair  mattresses  must 
have  contents  taken  out  and  thoroughly  fumigated,  and  ticks 
washed  in  boiling  water. 

3.  Infected  straw  and  excelsior  mattresses  must  have  con- 
tents removed  and  buried,  and  ticks  washed  in  boiling  water. 

4.  Infected  blankets,  sheets,  and  pillow  cases,  and  all 
articles  in  contact  with  or  used  by  the  patient,  must  be  washed 
in  boiling  water. 

5.  Personal  clothing  and  bedding — particularly  comforters 
— which  cannot  be  wet  without  injury,  must  be  disinfected  by 
baking  or  fumigation. 

6..  Instead  of  using  boiling  water  as  the  disinfectant,  the 
following  chemical  process  with  cold  water  may  sometimes  be 
conveniently  substituted : Dissolve  into  a wash-tub  containing 
eight  gallons  of  cold  water,  one  pound  of  the  hyposulphite  of 
soda.  Immerse  all  the  articles  of  clothing  and  bedding  used  by 


250 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


or  around  the  patient,  and,  when  thoroughly  saturated,  add  one- 
half  a pint  of  sulphuric  acid,  first  diluting  it  with  one  gallon  of 
water.  Stir  the  whole,  and  allow  the  clothes  to  soak  an  hour ; 
then  wring  them  out,  rinse  three  times  in  cold  water,  and  hang 
them  out  to  dry. 

7.  Disinfection  of  houses,  clothing,  and  bedding  by  fumiga- 
tion may  be  effected  by  filling  the  closed  room  with  the  fumes 
of  sulphurous  acid  or  of  chlorine  gas.  The  first  can  be  accom- 
plished by  pouring  one-half  a pound  of  sulphur  in  an  iron  dish, 
pouring  on  a little  alcohol,  and  igniting  it,  thereby  causing  the 
sulphur  to  burn  and  give  off  sulphurous  acid  fumes.  The  second 
can  be  accomplished  by  moistening  with  water  four  pounds  of 
chloride  of  lime,  contained  in  an  earthen  or  wooden  vessel,  and 
adding  thereto  a pint  of  muriatic  acid,  to  liberate  the  chlorine 
gas.  Clothing  and  bedding,  to  be  well  fumigated,  must  be  sep- 
arated as  much  as  possible,  and  hung  upon  the  walls  and 
furniture  of  the  room,  so  that  everything  will  be  thoroughly 
permeated.  The  rooms  should  be  kept  closed  an  hour  or  two 
after  being  charged  with  gas  by  either  method,  and  then 
thoroughly  ventilated.  No  attempt  should  be  made  to  fumigate 
the  sick  room  in  this  manner  while  it  is  occupied  by  the  patient. 

8.  On  the  recovery,  removal,  or  death  of  every  case  of 
small-pox  or  varioloid,  the  clothing,  bedding,  and  premises  will 
be  disinfected,  in  accordance  with  the  above  rules,  under  the 
direction  of  one  or  more  physicians  employed  for  the  purpose  by 
the  Board  of  Health. 

9.  The  physicians  employed  in  disinfecting  may  cause 
removal,  destruction,  or  burial  of  such  infected  bedding  and 
clothing  as  may,  in  their  judgment,  seem  to  require  it,  of  which 
they  shall  keep  a correct  record,  with  date,  kind  of  article, 
whether  new  or  old,  estimated  value,  name  and  residence  of  the 
owner.  No  person  shall  burn  any  contagioned  articles  unless 
authorized  by  the  Board  of  Health. 

10.  The  sickroom  should  be  kept  well  ventilated  with  such 
precautions  as  not  to  expose  the  patient  to  direct  currents  of  air, 
and  should  be  occasionally  fumigated  slightly  by  throwing  upon 
a heated  surface  a few  teaspoonfuls  of  a solution  of  carbolic  acid, 
made  by  dissolving  one  ounce  of  crystallized  carbonic  acid  in  a 
quart  of  rain  water.  Pieces  of  cloth  may  be  soaked  in  this  solu- 
tion and  suspended  in  the  room,  also  in  the  hall  ways  adjoining. 
All  vessels  for  receiving  discharges  of  any  kinds  from  patients 
must  be  emptied  immediately  after  use  and  cleansed  with  boil- 
ing water.  When  convalescence  has  taken  place,  the  patient 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


251 


must  be  thoroughly  washed  in  warm  water  and  soap,  and  fresh, 
clean  clothes  put  on  throughout. 

11.  Privies,  water  closets,  garbage  tubs,  water  pipes,  and  all 
kinds  of  drains  and  foul  places  in  houses,  stables,  and  yards  may 
be  disinfected  with  a solution  made  as  follows  : Dissolve  eight 
pounds  of  copperas  (sulphate  of  iron)  in  five  gallons  of  water ; 
add  one  quart  of  the  solution  of  carbolic  acid,  and  mix  well. 

12.  It  should  be  remembered  that  there  are  no  substitutes 
for  pure  air  and  water.  Let  fresh  air  and  sunlight  purify  every 
place  they  can  reach ; open  and  dry  all  cellars  ; keep  the  grounds 
about  dwellings  dry  and  clean,  and  let  personal  and  domestic 
cleanliness  be  everywhere  observed. 

Vaccination  and  re-vaccination  are  of  paramount  impor- 
tance, affording  the  best  attainable  protection  against  small-pox, 
and  mitigating  its  severity  when  not  preventing  an  attack. 

Prevention  of  Small-Pox . 

At  a time  when  small-pox  is  prevailing,  it  is  important  to 
understand  the  most  reliable  preventive  as  well  as  curative 
measures  in  its  management.  Small-pox  is  propagated  by  spe- 
cific contagion  and  by  direct  inoculation  of  the  virus,  or  lymph, 
which  accumulates  in  the  pustules.  The  poison  cannot  develop 
itself.  Preventive  means  against  this  loathsome  disease  are  first 
vaccination,  next  remove  all  filth  and  moisture  from  dwellings. 
The  next  preventive  measure  consists  in  keeping  the  functions 
of  the  body  active.  This  can  be  accomplished  by  avoiding  ex- 
cesses, by  baths,  a regular  diet,  and  strict  attention  to  cleanliness 
in  every  respect.  Vaccination  is  performed  by  scarifying  the 
arm,  or  calf  of  the  leg  (not  sufficiently  to  draw  blood),  and  ap- 
plying the  lymph,  allowing  it  to  remain  until  it  is  entirely  dry. 
If  the  first  application  does  not  take  effect,  it  should  be  repeated 
till  it  does.  In  order  to  have  vaccination  certainly  protective 
against  small-pox,  it  must  produce  the  following  constitutional 
symptoms:  Light  pain  in  the  head,  aching  of  the  muscles,  chilly 
sensations,  and  some  fever,  together  with  t^e  development  of  a 
well-defined  pustule,  which  will  appear  first  as  a small  blister, 
then  it  will  fill  with  lymph,  then  it  will  dry  up  and  become  of  a 
mahogany  color,  and  upon  scaling  off  will  leave  a pit.  Inflam- 
mation of  some  type  may  appear  around  the  pustule.  If  the 
vaccination  has  been  perfect,  the  system  is  as  much  protected  as 
it  can  be,  and  observations  prove  that  it  is  a preventive  of  small- 
pox in  ninety-three  cases  out  of  one  hundred,  and  in  the  remain- 


252 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


der  it  modifies  it.  The  treatment  of  small-pox  should  always  be 
intrusted  to  a skillful  physician,  and,  under  judicious  manage- 
ment, it  is  by  no  means  a fatal  malady. 

SORE  MOUTH. 

Some  persons  are  much  troubled  with  small  ulcerations  of 
the  mouth,  which  give  great  inconvenience.  They  are  seen  on 
the  edges  of  the  tongue,  the  gums,  and  the  inside  of  the  lips  or 
cheek.  They  are  small,  irregular,  superficial,  often  numerous, 
very  painful,  sometimes  surrounded  with  many  enlarged  vessels 
and  a small  ring  of  bright  red  hue.  They  often  prove  obstinate 
because  they  are  caused  by  a bad  condition  of  the  bowels. 

Treatment. — Take  of  honey  two  tablespoonfuls  ; borax, 
powdered,  half  dram  ; mix  well  together,  and  take  a teaspoonful 
twice  a day.  The  mixture  should  be  placed  in  the  mouth,  little 
by  little,  touching  the  various  ulcers  that  are  visible,  or  can  be 
got  at. 

SORE  TONGUE. 

The  tongue  is  liable  to  become  sore  or  ulcerated,  most 
commonly  along  the  edges  ; and  there  are  frequently  seen  small 
pimples  and  cracks. 

Treatment. — Take  mild  and  cooling  aperients,  particu- 
larly calcined  magnesia,  either  alone  or  in  a seidlitz  powder. 
Let  the  drink  consist  chiefly  of  soda  water,  and  the  diet  be  light 
and  cooling.  Touch  the  sores  with  burnt  alum  and  wash  the 
mouth  frequently  with  borax  and  honey  dissolved  in  water. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  SPINAL  CORD. 

The  spine  is  liable  to  many  injuries.  If  it  be  broken  or 
crushed  at  any  part,  all  the  nerves  are  immediately  powerless 
below  the  injury;  the  sense  of  feeling  and  motion  are  stopped. 
If  the  cord  is  injured  at  its  upper  part,  death  at  once  ensues. 

Concussion  of  the  spine  is  sometimes  a consequence  of  coming 
too  suddenly  and  heavily  on  the  feet,  especially  on  the  heels. 
It  is  followed  by  a want  of  nervous  energy,  and  a depressed  state 
of  the  system  altogether ; there  is  a loss  of  sensation  and  motion 
in  the  lower  part  of  the  body,  and  frequently  inability  to  pass 
the  urine,  there  being,  in  fact,  partial  or  entire  paralysis. 

Sometimes  there  is  acute  pain  in  the  lower  limbs,  and 
symptoms  of  active  inflammation  may  set  in,  which  will  require 
hot  fomentations  and  other  energetic  measures.  In  such  a case, 
pending  the  arrival  of  the  medical  man,  little  can  be  done  beyond 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


253 


placing  the  patient  in  as  easy  a position  as  possible,  and  applying 
moist  heat  to  the  lower  part  of  the  spine ; an  active  purgative 
may  be  administered.  Should  the  shock  be  slight,  the  effects 
will  probably  soon  pass  off ; but  it  is  necessary  to  be  cautious, 
and  avoid  any  violent  exertion,  especially  such  as  jumping,  for 
a time. 

Often  these  cases  are  very  tedious ; the  lost  powers  are 
recovered  slowly,  if  at  all.  Friction  with  stimulating  liniments, 
salt  water  bathing,  the  douche  bath,  gentle  exercise,  and  nour- 
ishing diet  are  the  means  to  be  pursued.  When  there  is  dis- 
placement of  the  vertebrae,  which  can  only  be  caused  by  extreme 
violence,  and  in  which  case  there  is  also  generally  fracture  of 
the  bone,  there  must  be  injury  of  the  spinal  cord,  and,  if  at  all 
high  up,  instant  or  speedy  death  is  the  result ; if  low  down, 
permanent  paralysis  of  the  lower  limbs  most  likely  ensues.  (For 
treatment,  see  Paralysis.) 

Apoplexy  of  the  spinal  cord  is  not  an  unfrequent  concomitant 
of  epilepsy.  With  this  we  have  convulsive  twitchings,  pain,  and 
imperfect  performance  of  the  functions  of  motion  and  sensation. 
Soothing,  palliative  measures  are  the  only  ones  to  be  adopted 
in  this  case.  Hot  bran  poultices,  and  opiates,  if  there  is  severe 
pain ; but  these  should  be  cautiously  given,  and  not  carried  to 
any  great  extent  without  professional  advice. 

STIFF  NECK. 

A complaint  brought  on  by  sitting  or  sleeping  in  a draught, 
at  an  open  window,  etc. 

Treatment. — Rub  the  neck  well  with  hartshorn  and  sweet 
oil  two  or  three  times  a day ; and  wear  around  the  neck  a piece 
of  new  flannel  moistened  with  the  liniment. 

SORE  THROAT. 

This  is  commonly  a symptom  of  inflammatory  fever,  and  is 
often  the  result  of  a simple  cold.  Some  persons  are  peculiarly 
liable  to  it,  and  experience  great  difficulty  in  swallowing.  The 
juice  from  a pineapple  has  been  used  with  very  beneficial  re- 
sults. Sometimes  in  sore  throat  there  is  simply  inflammation  of 
the  mucous  membrane ; and  when  this  is  the  case  it  will  prob- 
ably pass  away  in  a day  or  two,  with  a little  careful  nursing  and 
aperient  medicines.  Should  it  extend  into  the  air  passages, 
causing  cough  and  catarrhal  symptoms,  it  becomes  a more  serious 
matter,  and  medical  advice  should  at  once  be  sought.  Hot  bran 


254 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


poultices  may  be  placed  about  the  throat,  and  later  it  may  be 
rubbed  with  a liniment  of  oil  and  hartshorn,  or  camphorated  oil. 

There  is  an  erysipelatous  form  of  sore  throat  which  is  highly 
dangerous,  and  requires  very  active  treatment.  A strong  gar- 
gle of  lunar  caustic  should  be  used  in  this  case,  or  the  inflamed 
part  must  be  penciled  with  the  caustic  in  the  stick.  If  it  ex- 
tends to  the  larynx  and  air  passages  this  frequently  proves  fatal. 
This  is  a distinct  disease  from  diphtheria. 

STIFFNESS  OF  JOINTS. 

(. Anchylosis .) 

This  may  be  caused  by  the  introduction  of  the  larva  of  an 
insect,  or  from  a violent  blow  or  fall,  either  of  which  will  often 
bring  on  an  inflammatory  action,  with  an  exudation  and  deposit 
of  gritty  matter,  which  settles  between  the  bones  forming  the 
joints,  and  thus  prevents  their  free  movement. 

Treatment . — Take  a vessel  sufficiently  deep  to  admit  of 
the  immersion  of  the  leg  up  to  above  the  knee.  Nearly  fill  it 
with  water  of  the  temperature  of  ninety-eight  degrees,  and  pour 
in  a strong  decoction  of  elder  flowers  and  tar.  Take  this  bath 
night  and  morning  ; and  apply  to  the  affected  part,  three  times  a 
day,  compresses  saturated  with  the  following  lotion : Liquor  of 
ammonia,  two  and  one-half  ounces ; camphorated  alcohol,  three 
drams  ; bay  salt,  one  and  one-quarter  ounces  ; water,  one  quart. 
Mix.  The  compresses  should  remain  on  for  ten  minutes  at 
a time.  Afterwards  apply  a plaster  made  as  follows : Lard,  ten 
ounces  ; yellow  wax,  three  ounces.  Mix  these  over  the  fire, 
with  just  sufficient  hot  water  to  form  a mass  ; and  add  grated 
camphor,  three  ounces.  Remove  from  the  fire,  and  let  it  cool. 
When  sufficiently  congealed,  spread  it  with  the  blade  of  a knife 
or  the  handle  of  a spoon,  upon  a piece  of  linen  of  the  size  re- 
quired ; and  cover  the  whole  with  oilskin.  Or,  bathe  the  part 
night  and  morning  with  warm  salt  and  water  ; rub  well  in,  two  or 
three  times  a day,  almond  oil ; and,  at  the  same  time,  endeavor 
by  gentle  movement  to  loosen  the  joint. 

STITCH  IN  THE  SIDE. 

Stitch  in  the  side,  or  spurious  pleurisy,  is  a spasmodic  affec- 
tion of  the  muscles  of  the  chest,  and  is  neuralgic  in  its  origin. 
With  this  there  are  not  the  symptoms  of  inflammation  nor  the 
difficulty  of  breathing,  except  that  caused  by  the  pain  or  stitch 
in  the  side.  Exposure  to  cold  or  violent  exercise  will  also  cause 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


255 


this.  It  generally  yields  to  warm  applications,  mustard  poul- 
tices, or  stimulating  liniments.  The  best  medicines  in  this  case 
will  be  pills  of  colocynth  three  grains,  with  extract  of  colchicum 
one-quarter  of  a grain  in  each,  taken  every  night ; and  three 
times  a day  a seidlitz  draught,  with  fifteen  grains  of  wine  of 
colchicum  and  six  of  laudanum  in  each. 

ST.  VITUS’S  DANCE. 

( Chorea.') 

This  disease  is  more  common  in  females  than  in  males,  and 
usually  occurs  in  children  from  eight  to  fourteen  years  of  age. 

Causes . — The  predisposing  cause  of  this  disease  is  un- 
doubtedly debility,  generally  dependent  upon  too  rapid  growth. 
The  approach  of  puberty  has  been  considered  a predisposing 
cause  of  chorea ; and  so  far  as  the  changes  then  affected  are 
causes  of  general  weakness  the  idea  may  be  correct,  but  their 
farther  influence  may  well  be  doubted.  In  boys,  however,  sex- 
ual excitement,  and  particularly  certain  indulgences,  not  un- 
common at  this  age,  should  be  suspected,  when  symptoms  of 
chorea  begin  to  manifest  themselves.  The  too  frequent  use  of 
vegetables,  and  the  presence  of  worms,  are  also  regarded  as 
common  causes. 

Symptoms. — The  premonitory  symptoms  are  variable 
appetite,  sometimes  ravenous  and  sometimes  wanting,  a degree 
of  listlessness  and  inactivity.  There  is  usually  constipation, 
and  slight,  irregular  convulsive  motions  of  the  muscles  of  the 
face.  As  the  disease  advances,  the  muscles  of  the  extremities, 
of  the  lower  jaw,  the  head,  and  the  trunk,  are  in  various  degrees 
affected.  In  this  state  the  patient  is  unable  to  walk  steadily, 
his  only  movement  being  a kind  of  jumping  or  springing ; or, 
perhaps,  he  is  compelled  to  run  in  order  to  make  any  progress. 
To  whatever  set  of  muscles  it  is  attempted  to  communicate 
motion,  these  immediately  become  affected  with  the  diseased 
action,  and  either  refuse  to  obey  the  will,  or  obey  it  imperfectly, 
and  by  jerks  in  uncertain  directions.  Even  if  speech  be  at- 
tempted, articulation  is  found  impossible,  or  the  words  are 
uttered  with  embarrassment  and  difficulty.  In  the  progress  of 
the  disease,  the  eye  loses  its  brightness  and  intelligence, 
and  the  countenance  becomes  pale  and  vacant.  In  some  cases 
actual  loss  of  mental  power  seems  to  follow. 

The  whole  muscular  system  is  never  simultaneously  affected  ; 
and,  in  some  igst^pce^  the  perfect  control  which  is  retained 


256 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


over  a part,  compared  with  the  mutinous  state  of  the  remainder, 
is  very  remarkable.  Sometimes,  though  the  gesticulations  are 
most  absurd,  the  speech  is  easy  and  fluent;  and  sometimes, 
when  unable  to  walk  with  any  approach  to  regularity,  the 
patient  can  sing  and  play  with  the  most  perfect  correctness. 

Treatment • — Good  strengthening  diet,  nerve  tonics,  open 
air  exercise,  and  Fowler’s  solution,  beginning  with  doses  of  three 
drops  and  increasing  to  ten.  Sea  air  and  sea  bathing  are  beneficial. 

A complete  cure  has  been  effected  by  giving  two  drams  of 
carbonate  of  iron  in  molasses  every  six  hours.  To  allay  the 
nervous  irritation,  give  Indian  hemp  root  tea.  An  occasional 
tepid  footbath  will  be  found  useful. 

STRUMOUS  OR  SCROFULOUS  OPHTHALMIA. 

The  strumous  form  of  ophthalmia  is  occasionally  met  with  in 
persons  of  all  ages,  but  it  more  especially  attacks  weakly  and 
scrofulous  children  who  are  under  eight  or  ten  years  of  age. 

Symptoms . — A peculiar  intolerance  of  light  is  one  of  its 
most  marked  symptoms.  A spasmodic  closure  of  the  lids  takes 
place  whenever  much  light  is  presented  to  the  eye.  On  forcing 
them  open,  the  conjunctiva  will  generally  be  found  universally 
inflamed,  but  sometimes  only  partially  so  ; but  that  which  espe- 
cially distinguishes  this  form  of  ophthalmic  disease  is  the  presence 
of — it  may  be  one,  or  two,  or  several — little  bright  red  pustules, 
each  terminating  a vein  of  the  same  color,  and  the  parts  on  which 
they  exist  are  the  most  inflamed. 

Treatment. — Local  applications  will  do  little  or  nothing 
for  the  cure  of  this  disease.  The  treatment  must  be  general  and 
generous.  The  cause  is  usually  obstructed  or  unhealthy  secre- 
tions, and  if  these  are  rectified  the  effect  will  soon  disappear. 
Attention  must  be  first  paid  to  the  state  of  the  liver  and  kidneys. 
If  these  are  deficient  in  action — if  there  is  anything  wrong  with 
the  bile  or  the  urine — administer  the  appropriate  remedies. 
After  this,  administer  tonics  in  combination  with  sedatives — say 
quinine  and  digitalis  ; or,  if  this  affects  the  action  of  the  heart 
too  much,  hemlock.  They  may  be  given  in  the  form  of  pills, 
one  grain  of  the  first  and  one-third  of  a grain  of  the  second  or 
third,  three  times  a day.  With  some  constitutions,  the  iodide  of 
potassium  acts  best ; therefore,  if  the  above  does  not  succeed, 
take  the  following : Iodide  of  potassium,  two  scruples ; com- 
pound essence  of  sarsaparilla,  four  drams  ; tincture  of  digitalis 
or  hemlock,  one  dram  ; cinnamon  or  mint  water,  eight  ounces. 
It  is  sometimes  advisable  to  add  to  this  sweet  spirits  of  niter 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


257 


about  a dram.  In  obstinate  cases  the  pustules  may  be  touched 
with  nitrate  of  silver,  but  this  should  be  left  to  a competent 
surgeon. 

STYES. 

Styes  are  little  inflammatory  tumors  which  frequently  make 
their  appearance  on  the  edges  of  the  eyelids  of  children.  They 
rarely  affect  grown  persons;  and,  although  troublesome,  are  not 
at  all  dangerous.  They  run  the  same  course  as  boils,  which  in 
reality  they  are. 

Treatment . — Generally  they  require  no  medical  treat- 
ment, but,  when  very  large  and  painful,  a hot  water  fomentation 
will  prove  beneficial.  When  once  the  matter  has  escaped,  they 
heal  very  quickly.  A simple  dressing  of  spermaceti  ointment  is 
sometimes  required,  but  not  often. 

SQUINTING. 

(Strabismus.') 

Squinting  is  a disease  of  the  eyes  in  which  they  do  not 
move  in  harmony  with  each  other.  Squinting  may  be  confined 
to  one  eye,  or  it  may  affect  both  and  it  may  be  in  any  direction. 
If  the  sight  of  both  eyes  is  equally  good,  or  nearly  so,  then  all 
objects  are  seen  double  ; but  if  the  sight  of  one  is  much  better 
than  that  of  the  other,  the  mind  only  attends  to  the  more  vivid 
impression,  and  disregards  the  weaker.  Squinting  is  owing  to 
some  affection  of  the  nerves  or  muscles  of  the  eye.  In  most  cases 
it  admits  of  cure  by  the  operation  of  dividing  the  muscle  by 
which  the  distortion  is  produced. 

SUPPRESSION  OF  URINE. 

If  there  is  a frequent  desire  to  pass  water,  attended  with 
much  difficulty,  it  is  called  Strangury.  If  none  is  made  it  is 
called  suppression  of  urine. 

Causes . — Inflammation  of  the  urethra;  a lodgment  of  hard, 
faecal  matter  in  the  rectum,  spasm  at  the  neck  of  the  bladder, 
exposure  to  cold,  intemperance,  stone  in  the  kidneys  or  bladder, 
and  enlargement  of  the  prostate  glands. 

Symptoms. — A constant  desire,  or  feeling  of  necessity  to 
pass  water,  with  pain  and  difficulty  in  passing  it ; and  much 
enlargement  of  the  bladder.  If  stone  in  the  kidney  be  the  cause, 
there  is  often  nausea,  vomiting,  and  acute  pain  in  the  loins  ; if 
stone  in  the  bladder,  the  stream  of  water  will  be  divided  into 
two  or  suddenly  checked. 


258 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


Treatment. — If  much  inflammation  and  irritation  exist, 
all  straining  to  expel  the  urine  should  be  avoided,  and  a catheter 
should  be  introduced  every  six  hours,  to  draw  it.  The  follow- 
ing will  be  found  very  useful  remedies:  Anodyne  diuretic 
draught : Mucilage  of  gum  acacia,  six  ounces ; olive  oil,  one 
and  one-half  ounces  ; mix  well  in  a marble  mortar,  then  add  six 
drams  of  sweet  spirits  of  niter;  laudanum,  one  and  a half  drams  ; 
fennel  water,  three  ounces ; mix,  and  take  three  tablespoonfuls 
every  three  hours  ; or  this  : Demulcent  diuretic  draught : Acetate 
of  potash,  two  drams  ; laudanum,  one  and  a half  drams ; syrup  of 
marshmallows,  one  and  a half  ounces ; fennel  water,  eight  ounces; 
mix,  take  three  tablespoonfuls  every  three  hours. 

The  bowels  may  be  kept  free  by  using  the  following  emol- 
lient clyster : Balsam  of  copaiba,  two  drams  ; the  yolk  of  an  egg ; 
rub  this  and  the  balsam  together ; then  add  castor  oil,  half  an 
ounce  ; laudanum,  one  dram ; compound  decoction  of  marsh- 
mallows, eleven  ounces ; mix,  inject  up  the  rectum ; this  soothes 
the  parts. 

SYPHILIS,  OR  POX. 

This  is  usually  accompanied  by  three  distinct  characters  of 
sores  or  ulcers:  first,  the  common  primary  venereal  sore ; sec- 
ondly, the  phagedenic  or  sloughing  sore ; and  thirdly,  the  true 
syphilitic  or  Hunterian  chancre.  The  common  venereal  sore 
usually  appears  in  three  or  four  days  after  connection ; the 
patient  feels  an  itching  about  the  tip  of  the  penis,  finds  either 
a pustule  or  an  ulcer,  situated  either  upon  the  prepuce  exter- 
nally or  internally,  or  at  the  orifice  of  the  urethra  at  its  union 
with  the  bridle  or  frsenum. 

The  form  of  this  ulcer  is  generally  round  or  circular,  and  is 
hollowed  out,  presenting  a dirty  brown  surface,  which  secretes 
a thin  matter.  When  this  ulcer  is  situated  on  the  prepuce,  it 
becomes  raised,  particularly  at  its  edges ; and  is  ragged.  Its 
progress  is  first  destructive  and  then  suppurative  ; and,  if  not 
interfered  with,  usually  runs  its  course  in  about  twenty  days — 
the  destructive  or  ulcerative  stage  lasting  about  ten  days,  and 
the  granulating  or  healing  stage  lasting  the  remaining  ten.  This 
sore  is  frequently  productive  of  swelling  and  inflammation  in  the 
groin,  and  is  followed  by  warts  and  growths  of  an  unhealthy 
character. 

Treatment • — In  the  first  stage — that  is,  before  the  crust 
falls  off,  or  where  the  ulcer  is  very  small — the  sore  should  be 
touched  with  strong  nitric  acid  ; this  frequently  stops  the  ulcer- 
ative stage,  and  causes  it  to  take  on  a new  action  by  which  it 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


259 


heals  ; the  same  application,  but  weaker,  will  be  necessary  if  the 
sore  becomes  indolent.  During  the  ulcerative  stage,  or  that 
stage  in  which  the  ulcer  increases  instead  of  diminishes,  great 
attention  must  be  paid  to  cleanliness  ; the  sore  should  be  washed 
three  or  four  times  a day  with  warm  water,  a piece  of  lint  or 
fine  linen,  covered  with  spermaceti  ointment,  or  wet  with 
black  wash,  should  be  applied  to  it  after  every  washing.  The 
bowels  should  be  kept  open,  and  five  grains  of  blue  pill  adminis- 
tered night  and  morning,  taking  care  not  to  produce  salivation. 
When 'the  sore  assumes  an  indolent  character,  great  benefit  will 
be  derived  from  the  application  of  the  following  wash : Lunar 
caustic,  five  grains ; distilled  water,  one  and  one  half  ounces. 
Mix.  A piece  of  lint  or  linen,  wet  in  this  lotion,  to  be  applied 
to  the  sore  three  or  four  times  a day. 

Black  wash  is  the  best  application  for  those  warts  and 
growths  'which  spring  up  about  the  anus  and  buttocks.  The 
swelling  in  the  groin,  arising  from  the  common  venereal  sore, 
seldom  requires  any  treatment ; but  if  it  should  prove  trouble- 
some and  painful,  spirits  of  camphor  may  be  applied,  followed 
by  fomentations  and  poultices.  The  patient  should  rest  as  much 
as  possible,  and  make  use  of  a plain,  unstimulating  diet.  We 
advise  in  all  severe  cases  of  this  disease  consulting  an  intelligent 
physician  and  following  his  directions. 

STAMMERING. 

This  defect  of  speech  sometimes  proceeds  from  functional 
disorder,  sometimes  from  nervousness,  sometimes  it  is  the  result 
of  irritation.  From  whatever  cause  it  originates,  it  is  in  the  ma- 
jority of  cases  to  be  cured  by  an  exertion  of  the  will. 

Treatment. — Stammerers,  although  they  cannot  speak  a 
single  sentence  without  hesitation,  can  sing  a song  of  many 
verses  as  fluently  as  any  person ; and  it  is  almost  as  true  that 
stammerers  can  read  with  equal  ease.  It  is  therefore  to  be 
recommended  that  those  who  stammer  should  begin  with  a set  of 
exercises  of  commonplace  sentences,  chant  to  the  first  bars  of 
the  simplest  melody,  such  as  “ My  Country,”  and  from  that, 
practice  those  sentences  upon  one  note  ending  a note  lower  or 
higher,  slowly  at  first,  but  gradually  increased  to  rapidity. 

ECZEMA,  HERPES,  OR  TETTER. 

After  a slight  feverish  attack,  lasting  two  or  three  days, 
clusters  of  small,  transparent  pimples,  filled  sometimes  with  a 


260 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


colorless,  sometimes  with  a brownish  lymph,  appear  on  the  cheeks 
or  forehead,  or  on  the  extremities,  and  at  times  on  the  body. 

The  pimples  are  about  the  size  of  a pea,  and  break  after  a 
few  days,  when  a brown  or  yellow  crust  is  formed  over  them, 
which  falls  off  about  the  tenth  day,  leaving  the  skin  red  and 
irritable.  The  eruption  is  attended  with  heat,  itching,  tingling, 
fever,  and  restlessness,  especially  at  night.  Ringworm  is  a curious 
form  of  tetter,  in  which  the  inflamed  patches  assume  the  form 
of  a ring. 

Treatment . — The  treatment  should  consist  of  light  diet 
and  gentle  laxatives.  If  the  patient  be  advanced  in  life,  and 
feeble,  a tonic  will  be  desirable.  For  a wash,  white  vitriol,  one 
dram  ; rosewater,  three  ounces,  mixed  ; or  an  ointment  made  of 
elder  flower  ointment,  one  ounce ; oxide  of  zinc,  one  dram. 

MOIST  ECZEMA. 

This  is  an  eruption  of  minute,  round  pimples,  about  the 
size  of  a pin’s  head,  filled  with  colorless  fluid,  and  terminating  in 
scurf.  It  is  preceded  by  languor,  faintness,  perspiration,  and  a 
pricking  of  the  skin.  Another  species  of  this  disease  is  called 
sun-heat,  which  is  an  eruption  of  a white  or  brownish  color, 
which  generally  terminates  in  yellow  scabs.  It  occurs  only  in 
summer,  and  affects  those  parts  which  are  uncovered. 

In  still  another  species,  the  eruption  is  attended  with  pain, 
heat,  itching,  intense  smarting,  and  a swelling  of  the  affected 
part.  When  the  blisters  break,  the  water  runs  out,  irritates  and 
inflames  the  skin. 

Treatment . — Spare  diet,  cooling  drinks,  gentle  purga- 
tives, and  warm  baths.  In  old,  chronic  cases,  apply  externally 
either  limewater  or  corrosive  sublimate  in  a wash  proportioned 
of  five  grains  to  one  pint  of  soft  water.  In  the  last  two  forms 
of  the  affection,  apply  nitrate  of  silver  in  solution  to  the  parts. 

MILK  CRUST  ECZEMA. 

This  eruption  consists  at  first  of  slightly  elevated  pustules 
or  pimples,  closely  congregated,  with  an  inflamed  border.  These 
break,  and  the  surface  becomes  red,  excoriated,  shining,  and  full 
of  pores,  through  which  a thin,  unhealthy  fluid  is  poured  out, 
which  gradually  hardens  into  dark,  yellowish-green  scabs.  When 
this  tetter  invades  the  head  or  scalp,  it  causes  the  hair  to  fall  off 
and  is  termed  a scall. 

Treatment . — Vapor  bath  and  water  dressing.  The  crusts 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


261 


should  be  removed  by  a weak  lye,  made  from  hard  wood  ashes  or 
potash ; then  an  ointment  should  be  applied,  made  of  mild 
nitrate  of  mercury  ointment,  three  drams;  sugar  of  lead,  sixteen 
grains  ; rosewater  ointment,  one  ounce. 

TOOTHACHE. 

For  this  distressing  and  very  common  malady  almost  every 
one  has  a “sure  cure,”  the  peculiarity  of  which  is,  that  it  does 
little  or  nothing  to  mitigate  the  anguish  of  the  sufferer  to  whom 
it  is  recommended.  Among  the  remedies  which  we  have  to  sug- 
gest, as  having  found  them  pretty  generally  successful,  are  creo- 
sote, chloroform,  and  laudanum.  Separately  or  in  combination 
they  may  be  tried  all  ways.  The  mode  of  application  is  to  sat- 
urate a small  piece  of  lint  or  wadding,  and  introduce  it  into  the 
hollow  of  the  tooth,  keeping  it  there  as  long  as  may  be  necessary. 
Other  remedies  are,  apply  a drop  or  two  of  the  oil  of  loves  or 
cinnamon  on  lint;  or,  introduce  into  the  hollow  tooth  piece  of 
wire  previously  dipped  in  strong  nitric  acid, — this  application,  if 
properly  made,  destroys  the  nerve,  but  it  must  be  very  carefully 
done,  so  that  the  acid  does  not  touch  the  other  teeth  or  the 
mouth.  An  aching  tooth  may  oftentimes  be  stopped,  and  remain 
serviceable  for  years  ; but  this  must  not  be  done  while  the  nerve 
is  in  an  inflamed  state,  as  in  this  case  the  pressure  will  but  in- 
crease the  anguish.  Where  a tooth  is  so  far  gone  as  to  be  very 
troublesome,  it  is  best  to  have  it  out. 

ULCERATION  OF  THE  BONES. 

( Caries.') 

This  is  a disease  of  the  bones  analogous  to  ulceration  of  the 
soft  parts.  It  most  frequently  attacks  the  bones  of  the  spine ; 
but  it  may  affect  any  of  the  bones,  especially  such  as  are  of 
a spongy  texture. 

Causes . — The  young,  of  a scrofulous  habit  of  body,  are 
most  subject  to  this  disease.  It  sometimes  appears  sponta- 
neously ; at  others,  as  the  result  of  an  injury,  as  :j  blow  or  fall. 

Symptoms. — It  begins  with  inflammation,  usually  at- 
tended with  a dull,  heavy  pain,  and  weakness  in  the  part 
affected.  In  course  of  time  an  abscess  forms,  which,  if  not 
arrested,  at  length  bursts  and  discharges  a thin  fluid  containing 
particles  of  the  bone.  In  caries  of  the  vertebrae,  curvature 
of  the  spine  takes  place. 

Treatment. — Much  may  be  done  in  arresting  the  progress 


262 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


of  this  disease  in  its  earlier  stages.  The  patient  should  be 
strengthened  by  good  air  and  nourishing  diet,  tonic  and  strength- 
ening remedies,  at  the  same  time'that  rest  is  enjoined.  The  state 
of  the  stomach  and  bowels  should  also  have  careful  attention. 

ULCERATED  OR  PUTRID  SORE  THROAT. 

This  sort  of  sore  throat  shows  itself  by  white  specks, 
covering  ulcers,  appearing  in  the  throat,  together  with  great 
debility,  and  an  eruption  on  the  skin.  (See  Diphtheria.) 

ULCERS. 

These  generally  proceed  from  some  external  injury,  suet 
as  a wound  or  a bruise  ; or  they  arise  in  consequence  of  some 
other  disease.  There  are  several  kinds,  as  healthy,  irritable* 
indolent,  inflamed,  sloughing,  and  gangrenous. 

Causes. — Wounds,  injuries,  bruises,  inflammations,  and 
abscesses. 

Symptoms. — A running  sore,  with  acrid  humors ; hard- 
ness of  the  edges  around  the  sore,  and  difficulty  of  healing. 

Treatment. — Iodoform,  one  dram  ; vaseline,  one  ounce ; 
or  oxide  of  zinc  ointment,  or  aristol. 

VOMITING. 

This  may  arise  from  various  causes,  as  excess  in  eating  and 
drinking,  and  foulness  or  weakness  of  the  stomach. 

Treatment. — When  vomiting  proceeds  from  foul  stomach 
or  indigestion,  it  is  not  to  be  considered  as  a disease,  bu"  as  the 
cure  of  a disease.  It  ought,  therefore,  to  be  promoted  by  drink- 
ing lukewarm  water.  If  this  does  not  put  a stop  to  the 
vomiting,  a dose  of  ipecacuanha  may  be  taken,  and  worked  off 
with  weak  camomile  tea.  If  vomiting  proceed  from  weakness 
of  the  stomach,  bitters  will  be  of  service.  Peruvian  bark  in- 
fused in  wine  or  brandy,  with  as  much  rhubarb  as  will  open  the 
body  gently,  is  an  excellent  remedy  in  this  case.  It  has  been 
said  that  habitual  vomitings  are  alleviated  by  making  oysters  a 
principal  part  of  diet.  A vomiting  which  proceeds  from  acidity 
of  the  stomach  is  relieved  by  alkaline  purges.  The  best  med- 
icine is  magnesia,  a teaspoonful  of  which  may  be  taken  in  a 
cupful  of  tea  or  a little  milk,  three  or  four  times  a day,  or 
oftener,  if  necessary,  to  keep  the  body  open.  When  vomiting 
proceeds  from  violent  passions  or  affections  of  the  mind,  all  such 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


263 


causes  must  be  carefully  avoided.  The  patient  in  this  case 
ought  to  be  kept  perfectly  easy  and  quiet,  to  have  the  mind 
soothed,  and  to  take  some  gentle  cordial,  as  a little  brandy  and 
water,  to  which  a few  drops  of  laudanum  may  be  occasionally 
added. 

When  vomiting  proceeds  from  spasmodic  affections  of  the 
stomach,  the  application  of  a warm  plaster  to  the  pit  of  the 
stomach  will  afford  relief.  Any  aromatic  medicines  may  like- 
wise be  taken  internally,  as  cinnamon  or  mint  tea,  wine  with 
spices  boiled  in  it,  etc. 


WARTS. 

The  wart  is  an  excrescence  from  the  cutis  or  outer  skin — a 
horny  tumor  formed  upon  it ; it  is  not  generally  so  painful  as  it 
is  disagreeable  and  unsightly,  coming  nearly  always  upon  the 
hands,  or  some  other  conspicuous  place.  The  best  treatment  is 
to  touch  it  with  some  caustic.  Nitrate  of  silver  is  the  most 
effectual,  but  this  turns  the  skin  black,  which  is  in  many  cases 
very  objectionable.  Caustic  potash  will  answer  the  purpose,  so 
will  acetic  acid,  if  of  extra  strength,  nitric  acid  or  chromic  acid. 
The  application  should  be  made  daily,  and  the  decayed  part 
pared  off,  or  cut  with  scissors.  If  it  can  be  conveniently 
done,  a ligature  of  silk  tied  tightly  round  the  base  of  the 
wart  will  cause  it  to  decay,  and  eventually  drop  off. 

WASTING. 

(. Emaciation — Atrophy .) 

The  rapid  or  gradual  reduction  of  the  size  of  the  whole  body, 
or  of  parts  thereof,  frequently  comes  on  without  any  evident 
cause.  It  is  seldom  accompanied  by  pain,  difficulty  of  breathing, 
cough,  or  fever ; but  is  usually  attended  with  loss  of  appetite 
and  impaired  digestion,  depression  of  spirits,  and  general  languor. 

Cause. — Due  to  some  failure  of  the  nerves  of  nutrition. 

Treatment. — This  disease  is  very  difficult  of  cure,  and  for 
its  treatment  we  must  endeavor  to  find  out  the  cause,  and,  if 
possible,  remove  it.  If  due  to  excess  of  any  kind,  it  must  be 
wholly  discontinued ; if  to  a scrofulous  disposition,  tonic  medi- 
cines must  be  resorted  to.  The  diet  should  be  nutritious,  gen- 
erous, and  such  as  is  easy  of  digestion.  Regular  walking  exercise 
should  be  taken  in  the  open  air.  The  surface  of  the  body  should 
be  well  rubbed,  and  change  of  scene  and  sea  bathing  may  be 
resorted  to.  Of  medicines,  cod-liver  oil  is  likely  to  prove  effec- 


264 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


tual,  also  nerve  tonics  as  phosphate  of  iron  and  strychnia. 
Electricity  is  also  recommended  for  some  cases. 

WATER  BRASH. 

Water  brash  consists  in  a discharge  from  the  stomach,  gen- 
erally in  the  morning,  of  a thin  fluid,  sometimes  insipid.  A 
burning  heat  ^r  pain  of  the  stomach  attends  it,  and  seems  to 
cause  the  discharge.  The  amount  thrown  up  varies  from  a 
spoonful  to  a pint. 

Cause . — The  cause  is  obscure,  it  may  be  due  to  indiges- 
tion. 

Treatment . — Ten  or  fifteen  drops  of  ammonia  water  in 
half  a tumblerful  of  cold  water  will  quiet  the  distress  and  stop 
the  discharge.  The  best  remedy  for  this  discharge  is  the  sub- 
nitrate of  bismuth,  taken  at  meal  times,  three  times  a day,  in 
thirty-grain  doses.  The  tincture  of  nux  vomica  in  five-drop 
doses  is  good.  The  blood  should  be  improved  by  tonics  contain- 
ing iron,  and  the  food  should  be  nourishing  and  digestible. 

WATERY  EYE. 

If  we  look  closely  at  the  inner  corner  of  the  eyelids,  we  may 
perceive  a -little  point  at  each,  which  is  the  opening  of  a duct 
that  runs  into  the  nose.  These  openings  convey  the  tears  from 
the  eye  ; every  time  the  eye  is  shut  in  winking,  the  fluid  is 
forced  into  those  pipes.  Now,  when  either  or  both  become  so 
thickened  as  to  be  stopped  up,  the  tears  of  necessity  fall  over  the 
cheek ; this  is  called  a watery  eye. 

Cause . — Usually  caused  by  taking  cold. 

Treatment . — As  the  cause  of  this  disease  is  most  com- 
monly inflammation,  it  may  be  relieved  in  its  early  stages  by  a 
plan  directed  towards  the  lessening  of  that  inflammation,  and 
the  best  is  as  follows : Take  of  pure  water,  two  ounces  ; sulphate 
of  zinc,  four  grains ; laudanum,  half  a dram ; mix  and  apply 
frequently.  Cold  must  be  strictly  avoided.  If  the  trouble  does 
not  yield  to  this  remedy  consult  a physician  or  oculist. 

WEAKNESS  OF  THE  EYES. 

We  give  below  some  excellent  washes  for  ordinary  weakness 
of  the  eyes : Sulphate  of  copper,  fifteen  grains ; camphor,  four 

grains ; boiling  water,  four  ounces.  Mix ; strain,  and  when 
cold,  make  up  to  four  pints  with  water.  Bathe  the  eye  night 
and  morning  with  a portion  of  the  mixture.  Or  the  following: 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


265 


Spirit  of  mindererus,  one  ounce  ; rosewater,  seven  ounces.  Mix, 
and  use  occasionally ; or  this : White  vitriol,  ten  grains  ; elder 
flower  water,  eight  ounces.  Mix  and  apply  as  occasion  may 
demand. 

WHITE  SWELLING. 

This  is  a disease  of  one  of  the  larger  joints.  It  is  mostly  of 
a slow  or  chronic  character,  and  occurs  chiefly  in  the  knee, 
although  the  elbow  joint,  hip  joint,  and  even  ankle  joint  are  not 
unfrequently  the  seat  of  it. 

Cause . — This  complaint  may  result  from  blows,  falls, 
bruises,  cold,  fevers,  and  constitutional  disorders. 

Treatment • — Early  attention  to  this  disease  will  prevent, 
in  almost  every  case,  its  dreadful  consequences.  When  the 
pain  commences  in  the  knee,  a blister  should  be  put  on,  and 
perfect  rest  strictly  observed.  If  the  pain  continue  after  the 
blister  is  healed,  the  mere  application  of  caustic  has  been  known 
to  cure  the  disease,  but  it  is  indispensable  that  the  patient  should 
not  stand  a moment  on  the  limb.  Or,  in  the  early  stage  apply 
leeches  and  warm  fomentations.  If  not  reduced,  put  on  a 
plaster  made  as  follows : Reduce  to  a fine  powder  two  ounces  of 
gum-ammoniac,  and  then  add  as  much  vinegar  of  squills  to  it  as 
will  form  it  into  a paste,  and  spread  it  on  a piece  of  leather  and 
apply. 

WAX  IN  THE  EAR. 

When  this  substance  becomes  too  hard  or  abundant,  there 
will  be  cracking  or  hissing  noises,  and  generally  deafness  to  a 
considerable  extent.  In  this  case  the  ear  should  be  syringed 
with  warm  soapsuds.  If  this  does  not  soften  the  wax,  put  two 
or  three  drops  of  glycerine  in  the  ear  at  night  and  syringe  again 
in  the  morning.  Repeat  until  the  wax  is  removed. 

WORMS. 

Worms  are  parasites  which  infest  the  intestinal  canal  of 
children  principally. 

Symptoms . — Fetid  breath,  grinding  of  the  teeth  during 
sleep,  picking  the  nose,  paleness  of  the  face,  irritableness,  and 
itching  of  the  lower  parts  of  the  body. 

Round  or  Stomach  Worm. — The  best  remedy  is  santonin  ; 
the  usual  method  is  to  give  it  in  a powder  combined  with  the 
same  amount  of  calomel,  and  a little  pulverized  sugar  added. 


266 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  REMEDIES. 


One  grain  of  santonin  and  one  of  calomel  would  be  sufficient 
for  a child  three  years  old. 

One-sixteenth  to  one-fourth  of  a grain  of  podophyllin  may 
be  substituted  for  the  calomel,  given  in  syrup  or  molasses,  or  the 
santonin  given  alone  can  be  followed  with  a dose  of  oil ; there  is 
no  better  method  of  expelling  stomach  worms.  Santonin  colors 
the  urine,  and  may  produce  nervous  symptoms,  hence  give  only 
me  powder  each  night  and  morning  for  two  days,  follow  with  a 
mild  purge  if  needed,  wait  two  days,  and  administer  again  in  the 
same  way. 

Tape  Worm,  least  common  of  the  usual  varieties,  is  the 
most  troublesome  and  difficult  to  remove  on  account  of  a strong 
hold  by  little  hooks  upon  the  mucous  coat  of  the  intestines. 
Before  giving  medicine  to  expel  a tapeworm,  preparatory  treat- 
ment should  be  used  as  follows : The  diet  should  be  light  for 

two  days,  and  the  bowels  cleansed  of  mucus  by  physic.  Medi- 
cine to  remove  the  entire  worm  must  be  efficient.  The  follow- 
ing harmless  treatment  can  be  used.  After  a day  or  two  of 
fasting,  take  two  ounces  of  pumpkin  seed,  remove  the  outside 
husks,  beat  fine,  add  a little  sugar  and  water,  and  drink  the 
whole  at  once.  One  hour  and  a half  later  take  an  ounce  of 
castor  oil.  The  following,  though  not  as  simple,  is  efficient: 
Croton  oil,  one  drop ; chloroform,  one  dram  ; glycerine,  one 
ounce  ; mix  thoroughly,  take  in  the  morning,  omitting  food  ; 
this  acts  promptly. 

Thread  or  Seat  Worm. — Proceed  precisely  as  for  round 
worms,  which  will  remove  them,  but  as  they  multiply  from  eggs 
deposited  in  the  folds  about  the  rectal  orifice,  it  is  necessary  to 
inject  a decoction  of  quassia,  or  apply  carbolized  vaseline,  for 
several  nights,  to  prevent  their  further  multiplication ; the 
strength  of  the  carbolic  salve  is,  carbolic  acid,  fifteen  grains, 
vaseline,  one  ounce  ; mix  thoroughly  and  apply  faithfully. 


Womanhood  * Motherhood. 


COUNSEL  AND  TREATMENT. 


Women,  in  addition  to  the  diseases  incidental  to  both  sexes, 
are  subject  to  a number  of  complaints. 

We  shall  treat  the  principal  forms  of  disease  and  suffering 
that  commonly  affect  the  women  of  civilized  life. 

MENSTRUATION. 

Menstruation  or  the  monthly  flow  takes  place,  generally, 
between  the  fourteenth  and  sixteenth  years  of  age,  sometimes  as 
early  as  eleven  or  twelve.  A considerable  period  may  elapse 
between  the  first  and  second  appearance  ; but,  when  they 
are  properly  established,  their  recurrence  at  regular  periods  may 
be  calculated  on  with  great  certainty,  unless  some  functional 
derangement  of  the  system  interferes  with  them.  Ordinarily,  a 
lunar  month  of  twenty-eight  days  is  the  intervening  period ; 
but  with  some  women  the  discharge  occurs  every  third  week. 
The  discharge  resembles  blood  in  color,  but  it  does  not  coagu- 
late. The  quantity  is  from  three  to  five  ounces,  and  the  process 
occupies  from  three  to  seven  days. 

The  cause  of  this  monthly  flow  is  the  ripening  and  expul- 
sion of  the  egg  from  the  ovaries. 

“ Omne  vivum  ex  ovo ” (every  living  thing  comes  from  an  egg 
or  germ)  is  the  universal  law  of  reproduction.  This  can  be 
shown  as  well  in  the  vegetable  as  in  the  animal  kingdom.  The 
oak  from  the  acorn,  the  ear  of  corn  from  the  grain  planted  by 
the  farmer,  the  robin  and  the  elephant,  all  springing  from  germs, 
go  to  prove  the  truthfulness  of  this  law.  Every  seed,  every  egg, 
contains  a germ,  which,  when  brought  under  proper  influences, 
will  produce  its  own  kind.  Thus  far  all  is  plain  enough,  but 
where  do  these  germs  originate  ? It  has  been  ascertained  that 
each  animal,  as  well  as  each  plant,  is  provided  with  an  organ  for 
the  production  of  these  cells  or  germs.  In  the  female,  this  organ 
is  the  ovary.  The  ovaries  are  two  in  number — small,  oval  bodies, 
about  one  inch  in  length,  a little  more  than  half  an  inch  in 

267 


268 


DISEASES  OF  WOMEN. 


breadth,  and  a third  of  an  inch  in  thickness.  Each  ovary  is 
attached  to  an  angle  of  the  womb,  about  one  inch  from  its  upper 
portion,  by  a ligament.  The  whole  physiological  function  or 
duty  of  the  ovary  is  to  mature  and  deposit  its  ovum  or  egg 
every  twenty-eighth  day,  from  the  age  of  fifteen  to  that  of  forty- 
five,  or  for  about  thirty  years.  This  function  is  suspended  only 
during  pregnancy  and  nursing,  but  sometimes  not  even  then. 
There  are  cases  on  record  where  the  woman  has  had  her  courses 
regularly  during  the  time  she  was  pregnant,  and  there  are  many 
with  whom  lactation  does  not  at  all  interfere.  During  the 
ripening  and  discharge  of  the  ovum  into  the  canal  or  tube  which 
conveys  it  into  the  womb,  the  generative  organs  become  very 
much  congested,  looking  almost  as  if  inflamed.  This  congestion 
at  last  reaches  such  a height  that  it  overflows,  and  produces  a 
discharge  of  blood.  As  soon  as  the  flow  commences,  the  heat 
and  aching  in  the  region  of  the  ovaries,  and  the  weight  and 
dragging  sensation,  diminish  and  gradually  disappear.  Men- 
struation consists  merely  in  the  ripening  and  discharge  of  an 
ovum  which,  when  not  impregnated,  is  washed  away  by  the 
menstrual  blood.  It  will  be  seen  that  a woman  can  become 
pregnant  only  at  or  near  the  time  of  her  menses.  The  marvel- 
ous regularity  of  menstruation  has  always  excited  great  wonder. 
When  we  look  around,  we  see  that  both  animal  and  vegetable 
life  have  stated  and  regular  times  at  which  germ  production 
takes  place.  Fruits  and  vegetables  ripen,  and  animals  produce 
their  young,  at  certain  periods.  It  is  a law  of  nature.  Now, 
since  we  have  shown  that  menstruation  consists  in  the  ripening 
and  regular  deposit  of  an  egg — the  flow  being  but  the  outward 
visible  sign  of  such  an  act — it  is  possible  that  a woman  may 
menstruate  without  having  any  show.  To  prove  this,  there  are 
many  cases  on  record  where  a woman  has  married  and  become 
pregnant  without  having  had  the  least  show,  which  would  be 
impossible  if  she  did  not  menstruate.  Again,  a woman  who  has 
always  been  regular  may  have  several  children,  without  in  the 
mean  time  having  had  any  sign.  This  may  be  explained  by  her 
becoming  pregnant  during  the  time  she  was  nursing  her  first 
child,  carrying  it  to  the  full  term,  again  becoming  pregnant,  and 
so  on,  until,  being  no  longer  impregnated,  her  courses  return,  and 
are  regular  thereafter. 

Menstruation  commences  at  about  the  age  of  fourteen  or 
fifteen  in  this  country.  In  warmer  climates  it  appears  earlier, 
and  in  colder  ones  later.  Menstruation,  menses,  courses,  cata- 
menia, monthly  periods,  and  “ being  unwell,”  are  some  of  the 


DISEASES  OF  WOMEN. 


269 


terms  by  which  this  function  is  designated.  Those  who  are 
brought  up  and  live  luxuriously,  and  whose  moral  and  physical 
training  has  been  such  as  to  make  their  nervous  systems  more 
susceptible,  have  their  courses  at  a much  earlier  period  than 
those  who  have  been  accustomed  to  coarse  food  and  laborious  em- 
ployment. The  appearance  of  the  menses  before  the  fourteenth 
year  is  regarded  as  unfortunate,  indicating  a premature  develop- 
ment of  the  organs  ; while  their  postponement  until  after  the 
sixteenth  year  is  generally  an  evidence  of  weakness,  or  of  some 
disorder  of  the  generative  apparatus.  If,  however,  the  person 
has  good  health,  and  all  her  functions  are  regular ; if  her  spirits 
are  not  clouded,  nor  her  mind  dull  and  weak,  it  should  not  be 
considered  necessary  to  interfere  to  bring  them  on,  for  irrepar- 
able injury  may  be  done.  The  first  appearance  of  the  menses 
is  generally  preceded  by  the  following  symptoms : Headache, 
heaviness,  languor,  pains  in  the  back,  loins,  and  down  the 
thighs,  and  an  indisposition  to  exertion.  There  is  a peculiar 
dark  tint  of  the  countenance,  particularly  under  the  eyes,  and 
occasionally  uneasiness  and  a sense  of  constriction  in  the  throat. 
The  perspiration  has  often  a faint  or  sickly  odor,  and  the  smell 
of  the  breath  is  peculiar.  The  breasts  are  enlarged  and  tender. 
The  appetite  is  fastidious  and  capricious,  and  digestion  is  im- 
paired. These  symptoms  continue  one,  two,  or  three  days,  and 
subside  as  the  menses  appear.  The  menses  continue  three, 
five,  or  seven  days,  according  to  the  peculiar  constitution  of  the 
woman.  The  quantity  discharged  varies  in  different  individ- 
uals. Some  are  obliged  to  make  but  one  change  during  the 
period,  but  they  generally  average  from  ten  to  fifteen. 

It  is  during  the  menstrual  period  that  the  system,  especially 
of  young  persons,  is  more  susceptible  to  both  mental  and  phys- 
ical influences.  Very  much  depends  upon  the  regular  and 
healthy  action  of  the  discharge,  for  to  it  woman  owes  her  beauty 
and  perfection.  Great  care  should  therefore  be  used  to  guard 
against  any  influences  that  may  tend  to  derange  the  menses. 
A sudden  suppression  is  always  dangerous;  and  among  the 
causes  which  may  produce  it  may  be  mentioned  sudden  flights, 
fits  of  anger,  great  anxiety,  and  powerful  mental  emotions. 
Excessive  exertions  of  every  kind,  long  walks  or  rides,  especially 
over  rough  roads,  dancing,  frequent  running  up  and  down  stairs, 
have  a tendency  not  only  to  increase  the  discharge,  but  may 
produce  falling  of  the  womb. 

The  quantity  and  duration  of  the  monthly  flow  varies 
greatly  in  different  women,  but  the  regular  recurrence  of  the 


270 


DISEASES  OF  WOMEN. 


flow  is  important  to  health.  This  should  be  borne  in  mind,  and 
due  care  taken  not  to  suppress  the  discharge  by  exposure  to 
cold  or  wet,  or  by  violent  exertion  of  any  kind  about  the  time 
when  it  may  be  expected.  It  is  desirable  that  young  females 
should  be  properly  informed  by  their  mothers,  or  those  under 
whose  care  they  are  placed,  of  what  may  be  expected  at  a cer- 
tain age,  or  they  may  be  alarmed  at  the  first  appearance  of  the 
menses,  taking  it  to  be  some  indication  of  a dangerous  disease 
or  injury,  and  perhaps,  by  mental  agitation,  or  a resort  to  strong 
medicines,  do  mischief  to  themselves. 

Belayed  or  Obstructed  Menstruation. — If  the  menses  do  not 
appear  at  the  usual  age  or  for  some  years  after,  no  alarm  need 
be  felt,  provided  there  are  no  constitutional  derangements  which 
can  be  attributed  to  this  cause.  If  the  girl  has  not  developed 
about  the  hips  and  breast,  and  feels  not  the  changes  peculiar  to 
this  period,  it  would  be  very  injuiious  to  attempt  to  force  nature. 
If,  however,  she  is  fully  developed,  and  her  general  health  suffers, 
a course  of  treatment  will  be  necessary. 

Causes. — An  undeveloped  state  of  the  ovaries  ; an  im- 
poverished condition  of  the  blood;  or  the  womb  may  be  closed. 

Symptoms. — Discharges  of  blood  sometimes  occur  from 
the  nose,  mouth,  and  gums,  or  from  the  stomach  and  bowels. 
Unnatural  heats  and  flushings,  headache,  tendency  to  faint,  and 
hysterical  symptoms  are  common. 

Treatment. — The  patient  must  be  very  attentive  to 
her  diet.  Much  exercise  should  be  taken  in  the  open  air. 
Avoid  late  hours,  rich  food,  and  exciting  pursuits.  If  the  re- 
tention is  caused  by  some  special  condition  of  the  sj^stem,  use 
the  means  directed  under  the  several  heads.  If  from  a me- 
chanical cause,  a physician  must  be  consulted.  Where  it  re- 
stilts  from  defective  action  of  the  ovaries,  give  the  following : 
Carbonate  of  iron,  one  dram  ; extract  of  gentian,  one  dram. 
Mix  and  make  into  thirty  pills.  Dose,  one  pill  two  or  three 
times  a day. 

Suppressed  Menstruation  (Amenorrhcea') . — Suppression  is 
the  stoppage  of  the  menses  after  they  have  been  once  established. 
It  may  be  either  acute  or  chronic. 

Causes. — Sudden  cold,  wet  feet  during  the  flow,  fear, 
strong  emotions,  anxiety,  or  any  cause  that  affects  the  general 
health.  Chronic  suppression  may  result  from  the  acute,  or  from 
defective  nutrition  of  the  organs;  from  the  early  termination  of 
menstrual  functions,  or  from  weakness  occasioned  by  leucor- 
rtioea. 


DISEASES  OF  WOMEN. 


271 


Symptoms. — The  symptoms  usually  present  are  those  men- 
tioned in  delayed  menstruation,  but  in  a more  aggravated  form. 
In  chronic  suppression,  failure  of  the  general  health,  loss  of  ap- 
petite, pains  in  the  head,  back,  and  side,  and  constipation,  are 
the  usual  symptoms.  At  the  regular  periods  when  the  menses 
ought  to  appear,  there  will  be  great  excitability,  and  an  aggra- 
vation of  the  above  symptoms.  With  those  of  full  habit,  there 
will  be  a strong,  bounding  pulse,  with  acute  pain  in  the  head, 
back,  and  limbs;  with  the  feeble,  extreme  languor,  trembling, 
shivering,  and  pale  visage. 

Treatment . — Care  must  be  taken  when  pregnancy  is 
not  the  cause  of  the  stoppage,  or  the  health  may  be  seriously 
injured  by  treatment.  Where  the  flow  has  stopped  suddenly 
from  exposure,  the  patient  may  take  warm  drinks,  salient  aperi- 
ents, till  the  bowels  are  opened  ; have  hot  bran  poultices  applied 
to  the  lower  part  of  the  abdomen  ; immerse  the  feet  and  legs  in 
hot  mustard  water.  If  the  pain  is  extreme,  take  an  opiate 
draught  every  four  hours.  The  patient  must  be  kept  as  quiet 
as  possible.  If  the  flow  fails  to  appear,  wait  until  the  next 
period  and  use  the  hip  bath  a few  days  before  the  period.  The 
bath  should  be  made  more  stimulant  by  the  addition  of  a 
little  mustard  ; and,  on  every  occasion,  active  friction  with  dry 
coarse  towels  should  be  used.  Also  give  the  following,  which 
seldom  fails  if  persisted  in  : Barbadoes  aloes,  one  dram;  sulphate 
of  iron,  one  dram  ; powdered  cayenne,  one-half  dram  ; extract 
of  gentian,  one-half  dram ; simple  syrup,  sufficient  quantity. 
Mix  and  make  into  sixty  pills.  Dose,  one  pill  night  and  morn- 
ing. 

The  warm  hip  bath  should  be  used  about  the  proper  period 
of  menstruation;  and  it  would  be  well  to  give  some  uterine 
stimulant,  such  as  a mixture  composed  of  spirits  of  turpentine, 
made  into  an  emulsion  with  yolk  of  an  egg,  sugar,  and  essence 
of  juniper,  about  six  drams  of  the  first  and  one  of  the  last,  in 
a six-ounce  mixture,  one  ounce  to  be  taken  three  times  a day. 
Attempts  to  promote  the  discharge  in  any  case  must  not  be 
prolonged  much  beyond  the  menstrual  periods,  between  which 
all  possible  means  must  be  taken  to  strengthen  the  system, — 
good  diet,  plenty  of  active  exercise,  the  use  of  the  shower  bath, 
or  cold  or  tepid  sponging  are  proper  remedies. 

If  the  amenorrhcea  proceeds  from  a want  of  energy  in  the 
uterine  organs  as  is  often  the  case  after  frequent  miscarriages, 
childbearing,  inflammation,  leucorrhoea  or  “ whites,”  there  will 
probably  be  the  usual  signs  of  menstruation,  followed  by  a 


272 


DISEASES  OF  WOMEN, 


white  discharge  only,  and  accompanied  by  acute  pain  at  the 
bottom  of  the  back,  vertigo,  and  hysteria.  Weakly  young 
women,  before  the  appearance  of  the  menses,  and  elderly  ones, 
at  the  time  of  cessation  or  “ change  of  life,”  as  it  is  commonly 
called,  are  often  so  affected.  In  such  a case  we  prescribe  hot 
baths  and  tepid  injections,  pills  of  sulphate  of  iron  and  aloes ; 
or  powdered  cubebs,  from  a scruple  to  half  a dram ; good 
diet  and  a recumbent  position  as  much  as  possible  during  the 
periods. 

Painful  Menstruation  (fDysmenorrhoea).  This  is  the  rule 
with  a few  females.  It  does  not  seem  to  be  in  any  way  con- 
nected with  the  quantity  of  the  discharge,  and  continues  during 
the  whole  process.  The  discharge  is  often  thick  and  membra- 
nous, and  sometimes  has  in  it  clots  of  blood. 

Treatment. — Use  the  warm  hip  bath  and  friction  ; fomen- 
tation of  the  parts  with  warm  water ; diluent  drinks,  saline 
aperients,  and  a spare  diet ; also,  injection  of  warm  water  high 
up  into  the  vagina ; and  take  the  following  remedy : Sweet 

spirits  of  niter,  one  ounce ; morphia,  three  grains ; simple  syrup, 
four  ounces.  Mix.  Dose,  one  teaspoonful  every  half  hour  till 
relieved. 

Profuse  Menstruation  ( Menorrhagia ). — This  appears  either 
in  the  too  frequent  return  or  too  long  continuance  of  the 
periods. 

Causes. — This  is  in  consequence  of  overexertion,  lux- 
urious living,  insufficient  exercise,  or  excesses  of  any  kind, 
weakness,  frequent  miscarriages,  sexual  excesses,  protracted 
lactation,  or  anything  which  will  produce  a condition  of  con- 
gestion. 

Symptoms. — It  is  generally  accompanied  by  pain  across 
the  loins,  great  languor  and  debility,  throbbing  of  the  temples, 
headache,  and  vertigo.  When  there  is  much  hemorrhage,  there 
is  an  aggravation  of  these  symptoms. 

Treatment. — Sponge  the  loins  with  vinegar  and  water, 
use  the  hip  bath,  with  a little  salt  in  it,  to  strengthen  the  system 
and  avoid  all  enervating  influences.  Use  cold  vaginal  injections, 
between  the  periods,  with  alum  or  opium  in  them,  or  the  latter 
with  gallic  acid,  about  a dram  of  each  to  a quart  of  water. 
Keep  the  feet  warm,  but  let  the  loins  be  lightly  covered;  take 
gentle  exercise,  bitter  ale,  and  tonics,  especially  iron.  To  check 
profuse  hemorrhage  use  the  fluid  extract  of  ergot  in  half 
dram  doses  every  two  or  three  hours  till  relieved,  and  keep 
quiet. 


DISEASES  OF  WOMEN. 


273 


Cessation  of  Menstruation. — Cessation  gives  notice  that  the 
period  of  childbearing  is  past.  With  females  of  our  age  and 
country,  the  courses  commonly  continue  up  to  the  age  of  from 
forty  to  fifty ; sometimes  they  cease  at  about  thirty-five,  and  in 
a few  instances  have  been  known  to  continue  up  to  the  age  of 
sixty.  This  cessation  marks  what  is  commonly  termed  the 
change  of  life  in  women,  and  with  those  of  average  health  it 
occasions  little  or  no  disturbance  of  the  general  svstem.  There 
may  be  flushings  of  the  face,  and  a sense  of  fullness  in  the 
head,  with  occasional  giddiness ; but  with  those  who  are  weak 
and  nervous,  or  suffering  from  organic  disease,  we  generally  see 
a marked  change  at  this  period.  With  most  persons  the  stoppage 
of  the  menses  is  a gradual  process, — the  quantity  decreases,  or 
the  intervals  become  protracted,  and  by  and  by  disappear ; with 
some  the  cessation  is  sudden  and  complete. 

Women  generally  consider  this  an  eventful  period  of  their 
lives,  and  attribute  all  sorts  of  wonderful  effects  to  it ; but  we 
cannot  learn  that  a sickly  constitution  was  ever  renovated,  or  a 
strong  one  ever  broken  down,  in  consequence  of  the  change  ; 
indeed,  fewer  women  than  men  die  at  the  age  when  it  usually 
takes  place.  Diseases  of  the  genital  organs,  and  of  the  breasts, 
which  are  sympathetically  associated  with  them,  require  special 
attention  at  this  time,  as  they  are  likely  to  be  stimulated  into 
activity.  When  there  are  no  complications  of  disease  connected 
with  the  change,  little  or  no  medical  treatment  is  required.  It 
is  best  to  observe  an  abstemious  diet,  and  to  keep  the  bowels 
open.  Dissolve  two  ounces  of  Epsom  salts  in  a pint  of  warm 
water,  add  one  dram  of  essence  of  peppermint,  and  take  a wine- 
glassful  every  morning,  or  twice  a day  if  required.  If  there  is 
flatulency  or  hysteria,  add  to  each  dose  twenty  drops  of  the 
fetid  spirits  of  ammonia,  or  the  same  of  ether. 

Eclectic  Treatment . 

The  general  treatment  is  the  same  as  before  mentioned. 
On  the  first  appearances  of  the  menses,  let  the  greatest  care  be 
exercised  over  the  health ; let  nothing  check  the  natural  flow. 
Colds  taken  at  this  time  are  very  dangerous,  and  may  result  in 
delicate  health,  barrenness,  and  even  death. 

For  suppressed  menstruation,  as  soon  as  possible  use  the 
tepid  footbath.  Then  retire  to  a warm  bed,  and  take  every 
hour  or  two  a teacupful  of  warm  herb  tea  made  from  the  root  of 
bervine.  If  this  is  not  successful,  give  a little  pulverized  man- 


274 


DISEASES  OF  WOMEN. 


drake  root,  with  a little  cream  of  tartar,  on  an  empty  stomach ; 
after  which  pennyroyal  or  motherwort  tea  may  be  drunk  freely. 
For  profuse  menstruation,  the  patient  should  assume  the  recum- 
bent position,  with  the  hips  elevated  as  much  as  possible,  on  a 
hard  bed,  in  a cool  room.  Bathe  well  the  lower  part  of  the 
abdomen  with  cold  water  or  vinegar.  From  thirty  to  forty 
drops  of  elixir  of  vitriol  may  be  taken,  in  a glass  of  water,  two  oi 
three  times  a day. 

In  painful  menstruation,  great  benefit  is  received  from  the 
use  of  the  warm  bath  ; and  apply  hot  water  in  bottles  to  the 
whole  surface  of  the  abdomen,  with  hot  bricks  to  the  feet ; or 
apply  a hot  poultice  or  fomentation  of  hops,  and  take  the  follow- 
ing: Pulverized  camphor,  twenty -five  grains  ; macrotin,  twenty- 

five  grains;  ipecac,  eight  grains;  cayenne,  three  grains  ; opium, 
twelve  grains.  Mix,  and  make  into  twenty-four  pills,  and  take 
one  pill  every  two,  three,  or  four  hours,  according  to  the  urgency 
of  the  case. 

THE  WOMB. 

This  important  organ  is  situated  in  the  cavity  of  the  pelvis, 
— from  whence,  when  distended  in  pregnancy,  it  rises  into  the 
abdomen.  It  is  of  a flattened  pear  shape,  and  is  held  in  its  place 
by  elastic  ligaments.  In  its  natural  state  it  is  about  three  inches 
in  length  by  two  in  breadth  across  the  broadest  part,  and  one 
in  thickness.  At  the  period  of  puberty  it  weighs  about  one  and 
a half  ounces ; after  parturition,  from  two  to  three  ounces  ; and 
in  the  ninth  month  of  utero-gestation,  from  two  to  four 
pounds.  It  is  supplied  with  glands,  vessels,  and  nerves,  the 
latter  of  which  constitute  an  extensive  network  over  its  entire 
surface. 

The  ovaries  are  two  in  number  — one  on  each  side  of  the 
uterus.  They  are  nearly  as  large  as  the  male  testicles,  and  per- 
form a corresponding  function.  When  the  egg  (or  ovum)  has 
been  perfected  in  the  ovary,  it  is  seized  by  the  extremity  of  one 
of  the  Fallopian  tubes,  and  conducted  to  the  uterus. 

Falling  of  the  Womb  ( Prolapsus  Uteri'). — This  is  the  falling 
of  the  womb  from  the  weakening  of  its  membranous  supports, 
and  the  pressure  of  the  viscera  above,  generally  increased  by 
tight  lacing  and  the  pressure  of  the  clothing  sustained  by  the 
abdomen.  Constipation,  and  the  daily  effort  to  expel  the  contents 
of  the  rectum  and  straining,  aid  in  the  production  of  this  trouble. 
These  causes,  all  acting  together,  press  the  uterus  down  until  it 
sometimes  comes  out  externally.  Even  young  girls,  from 


DISEASES  OF  WOMEN. 


275 


eighteen  to  twenty  years  old,  may  have  falling  of  the  womb  from 
these  causes. 

Treatment. — Avoid  tight  corsets  and  heavy  skirts ; sus- 
pend the  undergarments  from  the  shoulders  and  not  from  the 
waist,  as  is  usually  done  ; avoid  fatigue ; use  the  cold  hip  bath; 
use  plain  vegetable  diet,  and  avoid  tea  and  coffee,  spirituous 
drinks,  etc.  If  the  womb  has  descended  to  the  external  orifice, 
it  is  often  necessary  to  restore  it  to  its  natural  situation  by  press- 
ing it  upward  and  backward. 

When  the  womb  has  passed  completely  out  of  the  vagina, 
the  parts  sometimes  become  suddenly  so  swelled  that  it  would 
be  impossible,  as  well  as  improper,  to  return  them  before  the 
inflammation  is  reduced.  Ice  water,  or  warm  fomenting  poultices 
of  hops  and  flaxseed,  may  be  applied  until  the  swelling  and  pain 
subside  ; tht  a,  with  the  hand  well  oiled,  and  the  patient’s  hips 
well  elevated  upon  a cushion  or  pillow  at  the  edge  of  the  bed, 
the  organ  is  to  be  passed  carefully  within  the  vagina,  and  re- 
stored to  its  natural  situation.  The  bowels  and  bladder  must  be 
regularly  evacuated ; but  the  patient  should  not  be  allowed  to 
rise  for  several  days,  and  should  even  then  ; assume  the  upright 
position  very  gradually  and  cautiously.  Injections  composed  of 
the  following  ingredients  may  be  used: — 

Take  one  dram  of  alum,  and  dissolve  it  in  half  a pint  of 
clear  water ; two  ounces  may  be  injected  into  the  vagina  by 
means  of  a syringe.  This  operation  should  be  repeated  daily  for 
a week  or  more, — the  syringe  being  always  well  lubricated  with 
lard  or  sweet  oil,  and  introduced  without  pain. 

If  there  is  much  sensibility  use  from  thirty  to  forty  drops  of 
laudanum  in  the  injection,  and  repeat  the  operation  daily  till  it  is 
removed.  If  there  are  frequent  relapses,  a pessary  must  be  worn. 

The  womb  is  also  liable  to  fall  either  backwards  ( Retrover- 
sion) or  forwards  (Ant eversion),  but  the  treatment  of  these  con- 
ditions must  be  confided  to  an  experienced  physician. 

Inflammation  of  the  Ovaries  (Ovaritis). — This  disease  is 
characterized  by  pain,  heat,  swelling,  perhaps  redness,  in  one  or 
both  groins.  It  is  to  be  treated  as  any  other  inflammation — 
sitz-baths,  with  rest,  and  a strict  diet.  The  bowels  must  be 
occasionally  opened  by  a gentle  aperient,  as  castor  oil.  Injections 
of  tincture  of  belladonna  and  hyoscyamus  are  very  useful  and 
soothing. 

Inflammation  of  the  Womb. — The  treatment  is  the  same,  with 
the  addition  of  injections,  both  to  the  rectum  and  vagina,  cold  if 
they  can  be  borne,  or  with  the  chill  off.  ~ 


276 


DISEASES  OF  WOMEN. 


The  ovaries,  uterus,  and  Fallopian  tubes  are  so  closely  con- 
nected in  situation  and  function  that  they  are  generally  inflamed 
together.  The  cause  may  be  weakness,  causing  a local  determi- 
nation of  some  general  disturbance,  such  as  cold  or  irritation  of 
these  organs.  It  usually  follows  childbirth,  abortion,  or  excess- 
ive and  violent  sexual  intercourse. 

Ulceration  of  the  Neck  of  the  Womb. — Ulceration  of  the  neck 
of  the  womb  is  produced  by  corroding  discharges  and  the  irrita- 
tion of  continual  sexual  intercourse.  It  is  readily  cured  by  ab- 
stinence, vaginal  injections,  and  direct  application  to  the  parts 
of  a strong  solution  of  nitrate  of  silver  once  in  five  or  six  days  ; 
or  by  the  ulcers  being  touched  with  solid  nitrate  of  silver  once 
in  five  days. 

Flooding  ( Uterine  Hemorrhage'). — This  commonly  occurs 
after  abortion  or  labor,  or  it  may  be  occasioned  1 y disease  of 
the  womb.  Immoderate  flow  of  the  menses  is  also  called 
flooding,  and  to  this  some  women  are  very  subject.  It  is  ex- 
tremely weakening  to  the  system  and  therefore  should  be 
checked  as  soon  as  possible. 

Treatment.*^ The  best  treatment  is  perfect  quiet,  and 
astringent  and  tonic  medicines  like  the  following : Tincture  of 
the  sesquichloride  of  iron,  two  drams ; infusion  of  quassia,  six 
drams.  Mix,  and  take  a tablespoonful  every  four  hours.  If 
there  is  much  pain  and  irritation,  add  tincture  of  conium,  or 
hyoscyamus,  two  drams.  (See  treatment  of  Profuse  Menstru- 
ation.) Should  this  not  have  the  desired  effect,  consult  an 
experienced  physician,  as  there  is  reason  to  fear  disease  of  the 
womb. 

Cancer  of  the  Womb.— -Symptoms. — Sudden,  shooting  pain 
through  the  abdomen,  which  disappears  entirely,  or  leaves  after 
it  a dull  aching  or  gnawing  sensation,  accompanied  by  discharge 
of  a fluid  which  is  sometimes  pale  and  thin,  but  soon  becomes 
thicker,  yellower,  perhaps  streaked  with  blood,  and  very  offen- 
sive, is  suggestive  of  cancer.  This  pain  is  gradually  rendered 
more  severe  and  almost  constant,  and  an  exhausting  hemorrhage 
sets  in,  perhaps  continuing  until  checked  by  fainting.  In 
other  cases,  a burning  heat,  followed  by  a fetid  discharge 
of  matter  which  is  mixed  with  streaks  or  spots  of  blood,  is 
experienced. 

Treatment. — Cleanliness,  fresh  air,  plain,  nutritious  diet, 
regulation  of  the  bowels,  and  tranquillity  of  mind,  are  all  that 
can  be  recommended  in  a work  like  this.  The  woman  who  has 
the  misfortune  t.n  he  visited  with  this  affection,  must  resolutely 


DISEASES  OF  WOMEN. 


277 


determine  to  retire  from  the  active  duties  of  life,  and  abstain 
from  indulgences  which  would  excite  her  passions  and  increase 
the  circulation  of  blood.  Bland,  soothing  nourishment,  and  local 
applications,  are  all  that  can  be  administered  until  she  can  have 
judicious  and  experienced  medical  assistance.  Her  bowels 
should  be  kept  open  ; the  fetid  and  erosive  discharges  should  be 
washed  away  by  antiseptic  injections  as  carbolic  acid  water  or  a 
solution  of  chloride  of  lime. 

Polypus  of  the  Womb. — When  a woman  has  been  wasting 
away  for  some  time  with  copious  hemorrhages,  and  the  remedies 
recommended  under  the  head  of  Flooding  have  been  faithfully 
but  unsuccessfully  tried,  there  is  great  reason  to  suppose  that 
she  has  a polypus,  and  medical  advice  should  be  at  once  procured. 
Formidable  as  the  last  two  diseases  are,  they  are  not  always 
beyond  the  reach  of  surgery. 

Whites  ( Leucorrhoea ).  There  is  no  disease  so  common  among 
women  as  this  complaint.  Few  married  women,  particularly  if 
they  are  mothers,  escape  its  attacks.  Very  generally  this  trouble- 
some discharge  is  associated  with  general  debility,  especially  if 
profuse  for  any  length  of  time.  Hence  it  is  very  desirable  that 
attention  should  be  paid  to  it  at  the  commencement ; for,  if 
neglected,  it  may  seriously  impair  the  constitution. 

Causes . — Overexertion  and  irritation  of  the  uterine  organs. 
It  may  also  be  brought  on  by  diarrhoea,  piles,  worms,  irritation 
of  the  bladder  or  of  the  nervous  system,  excessive  sexual  inter- 
course, miscarriage,  abortion,  and  displacement  of  the  womb. 
Weakness,  too,  is  a cause  as  well  as  a consequence  of  this  affec- 
tion ; confinement  in  a warm  atmosphere  and  luxurious  living 
must  likewise  be  numbered  among  its  exciting  causes. 

Symptoms. — In  leucorrhoea  the  discharge  is  commonly 
white  and  thick.  After  a while  the  color  will  perhaps  change  ; 
sometimes  the  discharge  will  become  very  acrid,  causing  abrasion 
and  smarting.  In  this  stage  it  is  apt  to  cause  a gleety  discharge 
from  the  urethra  of  one  having  sexual  intercourse  with  the 
patient.  Ere  long  if  the  disease  is  not  checked,  we  get  great 
local  irritation  and  constitutional  disturbances : there  will  be 
costive  bowels,  pains  in  the  loins  and  back,  great  lassitude,  with 
nervous  and  hysterical  affections.  Menstruation,  too,  will  be 
irregular,  at  one  time  being  altogether  suspended,  and  at  another 
too  abundant. 

Treatment . — If  the  patient  is  of  full  habit,  saline  aperi- 
ents should  be  taken,  and  a spare  diet  observed ; local  ablutions 
should  be  practiced  three  or  four  times  a day,  using  occasionally 


278 


DISEASES  OF  WOMEN. 


a decoction  of  poppies  for  the  purpose  ; the  hip  bath,  and  an 
injection  of  alum  and  water,  with  a scruple  of  powdered  opium 
in  each  pint,  will  also  be  found  serviceable.  The  recumbent 
position  should  be  preserved  as  much  as  possible,  and  the  parts 
kept  cool.  Local  treatment  will  be  of  little  avail  in  cases  of 
long  standing  unless  the  general  health  be  attended  to.  To 
keep  the  bowels  open,  take  five  grains  of  compound  rhubarb  pill 
as  often  as  required  ; and  to  strengthen  and  cool  the  system  the 
following  mixture  : Sulphate  of  iron,  twelve  grains  ; diluted  sul- 
phuric acid,  one  dram  ; sulphate  of  magnesia,  three  drams ; cin- 
namon water,  twelve  ounces.  Mix,  and  take  two  tablespoonfuls 
twTo  or  three  times  a day.  In  obstinate  cases  there  should  be  an 
injection  into  the  vagina,  of  a solution  of  alum  and  sulphate  of 
zinc,  three  drams  of  the  former  to  one  of  the  latter  to  a pint  of 
water ; three  or  four  ounces  to  be  thrown  up  while  the  patient 
lies  with  the  hips  rather  elevated ; this  position  to  be  retained 
for  some  time,  with  the  parts  covered  by  a cloth  or  sponge,  so 
that  the  fluid  may  be  kept  in.  If  there  is  itching  and  irritation 
of  the  parts,  it  may  be  allayed  by  an  injection  composed  of  car- 
bonate of  soda,  two  drams,  in  a quart  of  water.  If  the  simple 
alum  and  zinc  injection  proves  ineffectual,  add  a dram  of 
powdered  catechu  to  each  pint,  or  use  decoction  of  oak  bark  as 
a vehicle  for  the  above  salts. 

Women  who  have  leucorrhoea  should  avoid  all  predisposing 
causes,  such  as  wines  and  other  stimulants,  luxurious  living,  and 
sensual  indulgences  of  all  kinds,  especially,  and  anything  which 
has  a tendency  to  enervate  and  enfeeble  the  frame.  Early  rising 
and  regular  open-air  exercise,  warm  and  comfortable  clothing, 
good  food  and  tonic  medicine,  with  the  use  of  the  shower  bath 
and  bathing  — these  will  prove  the  best  preventives. 

Eclectic  Treatment  for  Womb  Diseases. 

Use  every  means  to  improve  the  general  health.  Avoid  hot 
rooms,  excessive  exertion,  and  strong  tea  and  coffee.  A decoc- 
tion of  the  roots  of  comfrey  boiled  in  milk,  is  highly  recom- 
mended. Take  a teacupful  three  or  four  times  a day.  In- 
jections of  alum  water  or  decoction  of  oak  bark  are  very  good. 
A preparation  of  one  ounce  of  tincture  of  aloes,  and  two  drams 
of  muriated  tincture  of  iron,  wrell  mixed,  and  forty  drops  taken 
three  times  a day  in  a little  water,  has  been  found  of  great 
advantage. 

For  falling  of  the  womb,  an  infusion  of  white-oak  bark,  or 
an  infusion  of  equal  parts  of  peach  leaves,  Solomon’s  seal,  and 


DISEASES  OF  WOMEN. 


279 


hops,  as  an  injection,  will  produce  excellent  results.  Where 
heat  and  difficulty  in  passing  water  exists,  give  a drink  of  infu- 
sion of  marshmallow  and  spearmint. 

PREGNANCY. 

Utero-gestation,  or  the  period  from  the  time  of  concep- 
tion to  that  of  delivery,  extends  over  a space  of  forty  weeks, 
or  two  hundred  and  eighty  days.  In  making  the  necessary 
provision  for  the  coming  on  of  labor,  it  is  best  to  calculate 
from  midway  between  the  last  occurrence  of  menstruation  and 
the  one  which  would  have  followed  if  conception  had  not 
taken  place,  and  allow  nine  calendar  months  from  that  time. 
Thus,  if  menstruation  had  taken  place  on  the  first  of  January, 
labor  might  be  expected  some  time  about  the  middle  of  October. 

The  Signs  of  Pregnancy . — The  chief  signs  of  pregnancy  are 
as  follows : — 

1.  The  Cessation  of  the  Menses.  — This  is  by  no  means  an 
unfailing  sign,  for  sometimes  this  discharge  will  cease  from 
other  causes,  and  sometimes  it  will  continue  after  conception  has 
taken  place. 

2.  Morning  Sickness . — This  generally  commences  about  the 
fourth  or  fifth  week  and  lasts  to  about  the  fourth  month.  With 
some  this  is  but  slight,  and  causes  little  inconvenience ; but 
with  others  it  is  more  continuous  and  serious,  sometimes  causing 
the  rejection  of  nearly  all  food  for  a very  considerable  period. 
This  symptom,  again,  cannot  be  taken  as  a proof  of  pregnancy  ; 
it  is  merely  a suspicious  circumstance,  to  be  watched  in  connec- 
tion with  others. 

3.  Enlargement  of  the  Breasts. — They  generally  increase  in 
size  about  two  months  after  conception.  They  also  become  ten- 
der and  sore ; they  throb  and  burn,  and,  when  pressed  by  the 
hand,  have  a hard,  knotty  feeling,  in  consequence  of  the  swelling 
of  the  glands  by  which  the  lacteal  fluid  is  secreted.  The  nipple, 
also,  becomes  more  prominent,  and  increases  in  diameter,  while 
the  areola  around  it  assumes  a purplish  tinge,  and  has  on  it  sev- 
eral little  raised  pimples  of  a yellowish  white  color. 

4.  Enlargement  of  the  Womb  and  Abdomen . — In  the  fourth 
month,  this  becomes  very  perceptible, — the  womb,  which  may 
now  be  felt  in  a firm,  rounded  body,  having  .ascended  above  the 
pubes,  and  pushed  the  bowels  up  into  the  abdomen. 

5.  A Tendency  to  Flatulency. 

6.  “ Quickening .” — This  is  the  mother’s  first  perception  of 
the  second  life  within  her.  There  is  at  first,  probably,  a very 


280 


DISEASES  OE  WOMEN. 


slight  tremulous  motion,  like  a mere  pulsation.  This,  day  by 
day,  grows  stronger,  until  it  becomes  quite  distinct,  often  pain- 
fully so.  It  is  as  though  the  child,  to  use  a scripture  phrase, 
“leaped  in  the  womb.”  These  movements  can  be  distinctly  felt 
by  the  hand  placed  upon  the  abdomen. 

There  are  other  and  less  obvious  signs  which  only  the  pro- 
fessional man  would  be  likely  to  detect.  All  may  notice,  how- 
ever, the  change  which  generally  takes  place  in  the  countenance. 
The  mouth  and  eyes  seem  to  enlarge,  and  the  nose  becomes  what 
is  generally  termed  more  or  less  “pinched  up.”  There  is  an  alter- 
ation, too,  in  the  color  of  the  eyes,  which  become  somewhat  paler, 
— especially  is  this  perceptible  if  they  are  blue  eyes.  Then  the 
patient  is  generally  fidgety,  peevish,  and  restless,  exhibiting  a high 
degree  of  nervous  irritation  ; she  has  odd  fancies,  and  longings 
after  out-of-the-way  things  and  articles  of  diet,  which  should  be 
procured  for  her  if  possible.  At  such  a time  she  requires  sooth- 
ing and  humoring ; harsh  and  unkind  treatment  will  be  likely 
to  have  a most  injurious  effect,  both  upon  her  and  her  offspring. 

Conduct  during  Pregnancy. — A pregnant  woman  should  be 
aware  that  the  advantages  obtained  by  well-regulated  habits 
are  by  no  means  exclusively  conferred  on  her,  but  that  others 
equally  important  are  likewise  conferred  on  the  child,  for 
whom  a larger  supply  of  nutrition,  and  of  a better  quality,  will 
thus  be  provided ; and  so  its  career  of  life  will  commence  strong, 
vigorous,  and  less  liable  to  those  morbid  debilities  and  derange- 
ments which  affect  the  children  of  the  indolent,  the  pampered,  or 
the  debauched. 

From  the  moment,  therefore,  that  conception  has  taken 
place,  a new  and  most  sacred  duty  devolves  upon  the  female. 
She  is  bound  by  all  the  ties  of  maternal  sentiment,  of  humanity, 
and  of  moral  and  religious  obligations,  to  protect  the  being  in 
her  womb  against  every  circumstance,  under  her  control,  which 
might  have  an  unfavorable  influence  on  its  delicate  organization. 

Diet  during  Pregnancy. — The  peculiar  tendency  to  irritation 
in  pregnancy  renders  it  especially  proper  to  avoid  undue  excite- 
ment. Moderation  and  simplicity  of  food  is  especially  proper 
in  this  case.  As  the  appetite  is  frequently  very  craving  during 
this  period,  an  inordinate  indulgence  in  rich  and  high-seasoned 
food  is  among  the  most  common  errors  ; and  this  mistake  is  the 
more  readily  fallen  into  from  the  erroneous  idea  which  many 
entertain,  that,  as  the  foetus  draws  its  nourishment  from  the  ma- 
ternal system,  a greater  quantity  of  aliment  is  required  in  preg- 
nancy. The  exercise  of  caution  in  the  selection  of  proper  food 


DISEASES  OF  WOMEN. 


281 


appears  to  be  particularly  important  towards  the  termination  of 
gestation.  When  the  stomach  is  in  a weak  and  irritable  state, 
oatmeal,  the  lean  part  of  mutton,  tender  beef,  soft-boiled  eggs, 
and  stewed  apples  constitute  appropriate  articles  of  nourishment. 
But  it  is  always  to  be  recollected  that  the  temperate  use  of  food 
is  of  more  consequence  than  the  selection.  Coffee  and  tea  may 
be  moderately  used  ; but  alcoholic  drinks  should  be  studiously 
avoided.  The  temptation  to  indulge  in  small  potions  of  cor- 
dial, or  brandy,  in  the  early  months  of  gestation,  is  often  very 
strong ; but  it  ought  to  be  firmly  checked,  or  the  deplorable 
habit  of  solitary  dram  drinking  may  be  the  result  of  indulgence. 

The  sensibilities  of  the  stomach,  in  some  instances,  undergo 
extraordinary  derangement,  especially  in  weak  and  delicate 
women.  Articles  of  food  which,  previous  to  pregnancy,  were 
very  grateful  and  congenial,  become  highly  disagreeable,  and  an 
almost  irresistible  craving  for  singular  and  even  disgusting  sub- 
stances is  experienced.  This  remarkable  irregularity  of  the 
appetite  is  usually  called  a longing.  If  the  substances  longed 
for  be  not  evidently  of  an  injurious  character,  they  should  not 
be  withheld ; in  some  instances,  these  longings  may  be  regarded 
as  instinctive  calls  of  the  stomach  for  articles  favorable  to  the 
health  of  the  individual.  Thus,  when  a strong  desire  for  eating 
chalk,  charcoal,  or  clay  is  manifested,  we  are  admonished  that 
the  digestive  powers  are  feeble  and  that  there  is  a tendency  to 
acidity  in  the  stomach.  In  such  cases  the  means  of  relief  are 
alkalines,  mild  laxatives,  and  tonic  vegetable  bitters. 

Dress  and  Exercise. — The  custom  of  wearing  corsets  during 
gestation  cannot  be  too  severely  censured.  It  gives  rise  to 
functional  disorder  of  the  stomach  and  liver,  as  well  as  to  uterine 
hemorrhage  and  abortion  in  the  mother ; it  likewise  impedes  the 
regular  nourishment  of  the  foetus  in  the  womb.  The  clothing 
should  always  be  sufficient  to  protect  the  body  against  the  inju- 
rious influence  of  cold ; the  abdomen  and  feet  especially  should 
be  guarded  against  injury  from  these  causes.  In  winter,  or  cold 
and  damp  seasons,  the  use  of  a flannel  bandage  or  roller  around 
the  abdomen  will  be  found  very  beneficial  and  comfortable. 
All  kinds  of  agitating  exercise,  such  as  riding  in  carriages  with 
rapidity  over  rough  roads,  dancing,  lifting  or  carrying  heavy 
loads, — in  short,  all  masculine  and  fatiguing  employments  what- 
ever, ought  to  be  avoided  by  pregnant  women ; and  the  more  so 
as  gestation  approaches  the  term  of  its  regular  completion. 
During  the  eighth  and  ninth  months  of  pregnancy  unusual  exer- 
tion or  fatigue  is  particularly  apt  to  excite  premature  labor. 


282 


DISEASES  OF  WOMEN. 


Riding  in  an  easy  carriage  on  even  roads,  or  moderate  walking, 
may  be  enjoyed  with  great  propriety,  and  usually  with  obvious 
advantage  during  gestation. 

Moral  Influences. — Tranquillity  and  cheerfulness  of  mind 
are  of  prime  importance  during  pregnancy.  Convulsions,  severe 
hysteria,  spasms,  syncope,  hemorrhage,  and  abortion  may  be 
produced  by  violent  anger,  terror,  or  jealousy,  during  pregnancy. 
Intense  grief  will  occasion  debility,  indigestion,  jaundice,  and 
various  other  functional  disorders.  A strong  excitement  of  the 
imagination  is  supposed  by  some  to  be  capable  of  producing  im- 
pressions on  the  foetus  in  the  womb. 

The  Breasts. — The  breasts  and  nipples  should  be  particularly 
attended  to  during  the  latter  months  of  gestation,  in  order  to  pre- 
pare them  for  suckling  the  infant.  For  some  weeks  before  the 
expected  termination  of  gestation,  the  nipples  should  be  daily 
washed  with  lukewarm  water,  then  dried  by  exposing  them  to  the 
free  air,  and  afterwards  gently  rubbed  for  five  dr  six  minutes  with 
a soft  piece  of  flannel,  or  with  the  extremities  of  the  fingers. 
When  the  skin  of  the  nipples  is  very  delicate  and  sensitive,  they 
may  be  washed  with  brandy  and  water,  or  a wash  composed  of 
two  drams  of  the  tincture  of  myrrh,  one  dram  of  laudanum,  and 
two  ounces  of  water.  In  using  this,  the  nipples  should  be  first 
bathed  with  lukewarm  water,  and  dried  and  rubbed  as  before 
directed,  and  then  washed  with  the  lotion.  Compression  of  the 
breasts  by  corsets,  or  any  other  other  artificial  means,  is  carefully 
to  be  avoided.  When  the  nipples  are  very  small,  or  sunk  in 
the  breasts,  they  should  be  drawn  out  by  means  of  a suction 
pump  with  a common  clay  tobacco  pipe.  This  process  should 
be  repeated  several  times  daily,  until  they  have  acquired  a suffi- 
cient degree  of  prominency. 

DISEASES  OF  PREGNANCY. 

Morning  Sickness.  — This  complaint  is  sometimes  very 
troublesome  and  obstinate. 

Treatment. — The  patient  should  have  breakfast  in  bed, 
and  remain  in  a recumbent  position  for  some  time  after.  Small 
lumps  of  ice  put  into  the  mouth  and  allowed  to  dissolve  will 
sometimes  give  relief.  Give,  if  the  sickness  is  troublesome,  three 
times  a day,  a mixture  composed  of  one  scruple  of  bicarbonate 
of  soda,  dissolved  in  a wineglassful  of  water.  Take,  while 
effervescing,  with  a tablespoonful  of  lemon  juice. 

Constipation. — During  the  latter  months  of  pregnancy  con- 


DISEASES  OF  WOMEN. 


283 


stipation  is  nearly  always  present,  the  pressure  upon  the  lower 
bowel  being  the  cause.  Neither  aloes  nor  any  violent  cathartic 
should  be  taken.  A moderate  dose  of  castor  oil  may  be  admin- 
istered about  every  other  day,  or  as  often  as  necessary ; but  if 
the  stomach  nauseates  at  repeated  doses  of  this,  try  the  follow- 
ing mixture : Sulphate  of  magnesia,  one  ounce  ; infusion  of 
roses,  six  ounces ; cinnamon  water,  two  ounces.  Dose,  a wine- 
glassful  every  morning  early.  If,  as  is  sometimes  the  case,  diar- 
rhoea supervenes,  give  the  following  : Chalk  mixture,  six  ounces  ; 
aromatic  confection,  two  drams ; tincture  of  opium,  one-half 
dram.  Dose,  a tablespoonful  every  three  or  four  hours. 

Heartburn. — This  may  be  removed  by  moving  the  bowels 
with  a little  magnesia,  and  taking  a wineglassful  of  limewater 
in  milk  two  or  three  times  a day;  or  carbonate  of  magnesia,  ten 
grains,  in  cinnamon  water,  with  one  dram  of  tincture  of  gentian. 

Incontinence  of  Urine. — The  frequent  desire  to  make  water, 
arising  from  irritation  of  the  bladder,  should  be  attended  to,  as 
long  retention  of  urine  may  cause  retroversion  of  the  womb  and 
abortion.  An  abdominal  belt  will  be  found  of  great  service  in 
the  renal  affections  of  pregnancy. 

Cough. — If  there  is  cough,  which  frequently  attends  preg- 
nancy, give  any  soothing  cough  mixture.  If  the  cough  is 
attended  with  pains  in  the  chest,  or  headache,  apply  in  the  former 
case  mustard  poultices  over  the  sternum. 

Varicose  Veins. — For  cramps  and  pains  in  the  legs,  with 
swelling  and  varicose  veins,  sponge  the  legs  with  cold  vinegar 
and  water,  and  put  on  roller  bandages  or  elastic  stockings,  and 
rest  in  a recumbent  position. 

Itching  of  the  Private  Parts. — Itching  about  the  vagina,  with 
gleety  discharges,  call  for  the  use  of  the  hip  bath,  and  a slightly 
astringent  injection,  such  as  a weak  solution  of  alum,  or  an  infu- 
sion of  green  tea. 

Restlessness  at  Nights. — For  dreams  and  restless  nights,  ex- 
tract of  hemlock,  or  henbane,  one  grain  at  bedtime,  with  strict 
attention  to  the  condition  of  the  bowels. 

Melancholy,  Despondency , etc. — Despondency  frequently 
seizes  upon  those  who  are  about  to  become  mothers ; but  gener- 
ally, if  the  health  be  pretty  good,  it  is  shaken  off  as  the  great 
trial  approaches.  There  are  some  women  who  are  never  so  well 
and  cheerful  as  during  the  time  of  pregnancy,  but  there  are 
many  to  whom  it  is  indeed  a period  of  trial  and  suffering;  and 
especially  is  this  the  case  with  those  who  are  about  to  become 
mothers  for  the  first  time. 


284 


DISEASES  OF  WOMEN. 


False  Pregnancy. — A condition  frequently  observed  about 
the  turn  of  life.  The  catamenia  become  irregular,  previous  to 
their  final  cessation,  or  are  suppressed  for  a few  periods;  at 
the  same  time  nausea  or  vomiting  is  experienced,  the  breasts 
enlarge,  become  sensitive  or  even  slightly  painful,  the  abdomen 
grows  fuller  and  more  prominent,  distention  of  the  intestines  by 
flatus  communicates  a sensation  like  that  produced  by  the  motion 
of  a foetus  ; the  nervous  system  is  generally  much  disturbed,  and 
the  woman  feels  convinced  that  she  is  pregnant,  an  idea  which, 
at  the  time  of  life  alluded  to,  is  cherished  by  the  sex  with  an 
extraordinary  devotion,  and  relinquished  with  proportionate  re- 
luctance ; and  not  unfrequently  at  the  end  of  the  supposed  ges- 
tation, the  delusion  is  rendered  complete,  and  almost  assumes 
the  character  of  a reality,  by  the  occurrence  of  periodical  pains 
strongly  resembling  labor. 

THE  BREAST. 

We  use  this  term  in  its  restricted  sense,  as  applied  to  the 
glands  for  the  secretion  of  milk.  Their  full  development  de- 
pends greatly  upon  habit  and  constitution,  being  in  some  much 
more  early  prominent  than  in  others.  In  pregnancy  their  fullest 
development  commences:  the  breast  swells,  and  the  nipple  en- 
larges, and  by,  or  near,  the  time  of  delivery,  it  is  filled  with 
lacteal  fluid.  Too  frequently  the  proper  enlargement  of  the 
breast  is  retarded  by  tight  lacing.  The  consequences  are  an 
insufficient  supply  of  milk,  or  a failure  of  it  altogether ; or  a 
nipple  so  flattened  and  pressed  into  the  breast  that  it  cannot  be 
taken  hold  of  by  the  mouth  of  the  infant. 

Inflammation  of  the  Breast. — This  is  a common  affection. 
Various  causes  may  produce  it,  such  as  a blow,  exposure  to  cold 
or  wet,  and  neglect.  It  may  occur  at  any  period  between  early 
and  advanced  womanhood,  but  most  commonly  it  occurs  within 
a week  or  two  of  childbirth,  and  is  the  result  of  some  obstruc- 
tion in  the  flow  of  the  milk.  If  the  milk  is  suffered  to  remain 
too  long  in  the  breast  it  may  cause  trouble. 

A simple  and  cheap  form  of  breast-pump  is  made  with  a 
stout  elastic  bag  with  a glass  mouthpiece,  a wide-mouthed  bottle 
sufficiently  capacious  to  hold  two  quarts.  This  is  dipped  in  hot 
water,  and  the  mouth  immediately  applied  to  the  breast ; the 
heat  will  have  rarefied  the  air  within,  which,  as  it  cools,  contracts 
and  leaves  a vacuum,  causing  suction,  which  draws  the  milk 
into  the  bottle.  Some  nurses  have  the  art  of  drawing  the  breast 


DISEASES  OF  WOMEN. 


285 


with  the  mouth ; and  it  is  well  to  let  them  do  so,  as  no  instru- 
ment can  effect  the  object  so  thoroughly. 

Abscess  in  the  Breast . — When  there  is  an  inflamed  state  of 
the  tissues  of  the  breast,  there  are  shooting  pains,  and  often 
febrile  symptoms.  Great  care  must  be  exercised  to  avoid  an 
abscess;  they  are  very  painful  and  the  result  of  carelessness.  The 
part  will  become  hard  and  knotty,  indicating  the  formation  of 
an  abscess. 

Treatment . — When  the  premonitory  symptoms  of  mam- 
mary abscess  are  observed,  recourse  should  at  once  be  had  to 
preventive  measures.  Let  the  breast  be  well  yet  gently  rubbed 
with  a soft  hand,  into  the  palm  of  which  is  poured  fresh  olive  or 
almond  oil;  the  friction  should  be  continued  for  about  ten 
minutes,  and  repeated  every  four  hours  or  so.  Between  the 
intervals  of  this  the  breast  should  be  kept  covered  with  a tepid 
water  dressing, — having  over  it  oiled  silk  to  prevent  evaporation. 
Care  must  be  taken  during  this  treatment  to  keep  the  bowels 
open,  and  to  keep  under  the  febrile  symptoms. 

The  breast  during  all  this  time  should  be  supported  by  a 
soft  handkerchief  tied  round  the  neck.  An  application  of  collo- 
dion all  over  the  part  has  sometimes  been  used ; it  forms  a thin 
coat  which,  contracting  as  it  dries,  affords  the  necessary  sup- 
port, if  the  breast  is  not  very  large  and  heavy.  If  some 
amount  of  pressure  is  required,  strips  of  strapping  crossing  each 
other  will  effect  this  object.  After  all  danger  of  inflammation 
is  over,  a more  generous  diet  may  be  allowed.  Should  the  breast 
remain  hard,  friction  with  soap  liniment  should  be  resorted  to. 
A dram  of  compound  tincture  of  iodine  to  each  ounce  will  render 
it  more  effectual. 

Sore  Nipples. — These  frequently  occur  after  childbirth. 
Nipple  shields  may  be  readily  procured,  and  should  be  used 
when  the  nipples  are  too  sore  and  tender  to  bear  the  application 
of  the  infant’s  mouth. 

Glycerine,  in  which  has  been  dissolved  a little  tannin,  has 
been  found  a good  application.  It  should  be  applied  with  a 
camel’s-hair  brush,  first  wiping  the  part  drjr  with  a soft  piece  of 
linen.  It  must  be  washed  off  before  the  child  nurses  and  again 
washed  and  the  remedy  applied  again.  Collodion  is  also  useful, 
but  it  causes  considerable  smarting. 

Milk  Fever. — An  aggravated  form  of  the  excitement  which 
takes  place  at  the  onset  of  lactation. 

Causes . — The  cause  may  be  a cold,  or  any  obstruction  to 
the  flow  of  milk  from  the  breast. 


286 


DISEASES  OF  WOMEN. 


Symptoms. — Its  first  symptoms  are  increased  heat  of  the 
system,  preceded  by  shivering,  and  sometimes  accompanied  with 
vertigo  and  slight  delirium.  These  are  followed  by  severe  head- 
ache, thirst,  dry  tongue,  quick  pulse,  throbbing  of  the  temples, 
and  intolerance  of  light. 

Treatment . — Spare  diet,  perfect  tranquillity,  cooling 
drinks,  and  saline  medicines  ; the  head  should  be  kept  somewhat 
elevated,  and  bathed  with  cold  water  or  evaporating  lotions.  If 
the  symptoms  should  become  worse  in  spite  of  this,  apply!  fre- 
quent cooling  lotions  to  the  head,  and  put  the  feet  in  a warm 
mustard  bath.  Most  lying-in  women  have  more  or  less  of  this 
fever,  which  is  no  doubt  an  effort  of  nature  to  rouse  the  hitherto 
dormant  mammary  organs  to  secrete  a proper  quantity  of  milk. 

CONFINEMENT. 

( Parturition .) 

Few  women  who  are  near  their  confinement  are  sufficiently 
cautious  of  exposing  themselves  to  unnecessary  fatigue  and  at- 
mospheric changes.  Take  only  gentle  exercise,  and  avoid  get- 
ting wet,  chilled,  or  heated  in  crowded  assemblies.  Miscarriages, 
difficult  labors,  and  frequently  lasting  injury  to  mother  and  child, 
if  not  the  death  of  one  or  both,  are  not  unfrequently  the  results 
of  imprudence  at  this  critical  period.  Therefore  we  impress 
upon  all  our  readers  who  are  likely  to  become  mothers,  the  duty 
which  they  owe  to  themselves,  their  friends,  and  their  future 
offspring,  and  advise  them  to  restrain  from  the  exciting  pleas- 
ures and  laborious  occupations  of  life. 

Let  all  the  preparations  for  the  little  stranger  be  made  in 
time,  and  the  services  of  an  experienced  nurse  engaged.  Let  the 
mother,  or  some  female,  be  at  hand  to  aid,  counsel,  cheer,  and  en- 
courage, not  only  at  the  actual  period  of  the  labor,  but  for  some 
time  previously.  And  let  the  mother  in  expectancy  be  treated 
with  all  possible  love  and  gentleness.  She  may  be  fidgety  and 
whimsical, — let  her  whims  be  indulged.  She  is  frequently  in  a 
state  of  great  nervous  excitement, — let  her  be  soothed  and  dealt 
with  tenderly. 

We  will  suppose  that  the  inevitable  hour  has  come,  and  that 
the  labor-pains  are  regular,  and  that  delivery  proceeds  properly, 
although  perhaps  slowly.  If  she  be  a strong,  healthy  woman, 
and  no  unusual  complications  arise  to  disturb  the  natural  process, 
but  little  aid  or  interference  may  be  required.  There  will  be 
the  usual  warning  symptoms : intermitting  pains  in  the  back, 


DISEASES  OF  WOMEN. 


287 


slight  at  first,  but  increasing  in  intensity.  There  will  probably 
be  a slight  discharge  of  mucus,  stained  with  blood,  and  perhaps 
also  a considerable  discharge  of  a clear  fluid,  popularly  called 
“ the  waters.”  This  is  an  albuminous  liquid  filling  up  the 
membrane  in  which  the  foetus  floats,  and  so  preventing  pressure. 
It  sometimes  does  not  escape  until  labor  has  actually  commenced 
by  the  falling  down  of  the  child  into  the  pelvis.  When  this 
takes  place,  the  recumbent  position  should  be  assumed.  Previ- 
ous to  this,  it  is  best  for  the  patient  to  sit  upright  or  walk  gently 
about,  and  so  assist  the  action  of  the  uterus. 

When  the  labor  pains  become  very  great,  the  patient 
should  be  placed  on  the  bed,  previously  guarded  by  some  water- 
proof material,  on  her  left  side,  and  not  far  from  the  edge,  so 
that  needful  assistance  can  be  easily  rendered.  She  should  have 
a tightly-rolled  pillow  placed  between  her  knees.  If  there  is  no 
unnatural  obstruction  to  the  delivery,  it  is  best  left  to  nature. 
Should  the  patient  in  the  struggle  become  very  faint  and  weak, 
a little  brandy  and  water  may  be  administered  at  short  intervals, 
but  this  must  be  stopped  as  soon  as  the  labor  is  over,  or  inflam- 
matory action  may  ensue. 

In  due  time — it  may  be  in  two  hours,  or  four,  or  six,  or  even, 
in  the  case  of  a first  child,  twenty-four  hours — the  infant  is  born, 
and  treated  according  to  the  directions  given  in  the  management 
of  infants. 

As  soon  as  the  child  is  born,  and  the  navel-string  has  been 
cut  and  tied  (see  management  of  newborn,  p.  296),  a broad  band- 
age or  towel  may  be  passed  around  the  body  of  the  mother,  so  as 
to  cover  the  hips,  drawn  tightly,  and  pinned  or  tied,  so  as  to  sus- 
tain a pressure  upon  the  womb,  and  stimulate  the  vessels  to 
return  to  their  normal  condition.  Before  this  is  done,  however, 
it  will  be  best  to  grasp  the  uterus  with  the  hand  and  with  gen- 
tle pressure  force  the  removal  of  the  placenta,  commonly  called 
the  afterbirth. 

For  a few  hours  after  labor,  the  patient  should  be  disturbed 
as  little  as  may  be.  If  the  pulse  is  thin  and  feeble,  and  the  cheeks 
colorless,  put  a very  little  brandy  and  water  between  her 
lips  now  and  then ; but  stop  instantly  if  it  produces  flushing  or 
restlessness ; and  do  not  give  it  at  ali  unless  there  seems  urgent 
necessity  for  a stimulant.  Soiled  bedclothes  and  body  linen  may 
be  changed  as  soon  as  the  condition  of  the  patient  will  permit ; 
but  all  this  should  be  done  very  carefully  and  gently  to  prevent 
fatigue.  If  the  afterpains  are  severe  an  anodyne  draught  may 
be  given.  It  may  be  composed  of  from  twenty  to  thirty  drops 


288 


DISEASES  OF  WOMEN. 


of  tincture  of  opium,  or  one-eighth  of  a grain  of  morphine,  in  an 
ounce  of  water. 

For  eight  or  more  days  after  labor,  the  recumbent  position 
should  be  strictly  maintained ; and  the  same  rule  holds  good 
after  a miscarriage.  Some  women  feel  so  well  and  strong  in  a 
day  or  two,  that  they  will  sit  up,  and  sometimes  even  get  out  of 
bed,  and  make  themselves  useful  in  the  house.  We  have  seen 
a woman  at  the  washtub  three  days  after  she  had  been  confined ; 
and  we  have  heard  of  females  undergoing  the  pains  of  labor 
under  a hedge  by  the  roadside,  and  in  a few  hours  proceeding 
on  their  journey  with  their  babes  at  their  breasts.  But  these 
women  were  semi  or  entire  barbarians ; they  had  not  been  deli- 
cately nurtured.  With  the  immense  advantages,  we  must  also 
take  some  of  the  disadvantages  of  civilization,  and  those  who 
give  birth  to  children  surrounded  by  all  its  comforts  and  lux- 
uries, must  not  attempt  to  emulate  the  Indian  squaw.  If  they 
do,  they  will  inevitably  suffer  for  their  temerity.  Getting  about 
too  early  after  confinement  is,  perhaps,  the  most  fruitful  of  all 
sources  of  uterine  disease.  If  there  is  a necessity  for  getting 
about  early,  of  course  it  must  be  done,  for  necessity  has  no 
law  ; but  unless  there  is,  the  risk  should  not  be  run.  Delicate 
women,  especially,  do  wrong  to  attempt  it,  and  the  strong  will  be 
likely  to  render  themselves  weak  by  the  practice. 

ABORTION  OR  MISCARRIAGE. 

The  premature  expulsion  of  the  foetus  from  the  womb, — that 
is,  before  the  seventh  month.  After  that  period,  if  delivery 
occurs  before  the  ninth  month,  it  is  called  premature  labor. 

Causes . — A sudden  shock  to  the  system  by  a fall  or  a 
fright ; straining,  or  overreaching  ; the  administration  of  strong 
purgatives  or  emetics;  sexual  indulgence,  or  aught  which  may 
tend  to  debilitate  the  system ; malformation  of  the  generative 
organs ; fevers  and  severe  inflammations ; syphilis  or  constitu- 
tional disease  of  any  kind ; the  growth  of  polypi  or  tumors  in 
the  cavity  of  the  uterus,  or  adhesion  to  the  surrounding  viscera; 
too  great  contractibility  of  the  uterine  fibers  and  blood-vessels 
may  cause  miscarriage.  Frequently  a diseased  condition  of  the 
foetus  itself  causes  miscarriage.  Two  classes  of  females,  very 
different  in  constitution  and  appearance,  are  liable  to  abortion, 
namely,  those  of  a plethoric  habit,  and  those  in  a weak  and 
irritable  condition.  Those  who  continue  to  suckle  after  con- 
ception has  again  taken  place  render  themselves  liable  to  it, 


DISEASES  OF  WOMEN. 


289 


because  a certain  amount  of  nutriment  required  by  the  foetus 
goes  to  the  formation  of  the  lacteal  fluid. 

Miscarriage  is  generally  attended  with  much  pain.  It 
weakens  the  system,  and  often  severely  tries  the  constitution  of 
the  sufferer,  whose  liability  to  the  accident  increases  with  each 
occurrence.  The  periods  at  which  it  is  most  likely  to  take  place 
are  said  to  be  about  a month  after  conception,  again  in  twelve 
weeks,  and  again  in  the  seventh  month, — the  liability  increasing 
in  those  stages  which  correspond  with  the  periods  of  menstrua- 
tion. Some  women  invariably  miscarry  at  a certain  stage ; and 
thus,  although  often  in  the  way  to  become  mothers,  are  never 
blessed  with  offspring. 

By  this  it  will  be  sufficiently  plain  that  pregnant  women 
ought  to  avoid  all  violent  exercises  of  the  body,  strong  mental  ex- 
citement, over  indulgence  of  sensual  appetites,  exposure  to  wet,  or 
any  extremes  of  weather,  or  aught  which  may  tend  to  constitu- 
tional derangement  of  whatever  kind  ; and  those  who  have  once 
aborted  should  be  doubly  careful  on  account  of  their  greater 
liability. 

Symptoms, — These  vary  considerably,  according  to  the 
stage  of  pregnancy,  but  usually  there  are  slight  pains  in  the 
loins  and  parts  about  the  womb.  There  is  a sense  of  bearing 
down,  a frequent  desire  to  make  water  or  to  evacuate  the  bowels, 
and  a feverish  state  of  the  system  generally.  A discharge  of 
blood  commonly  follows,  sometimes  in  clots,  at  others  in  gushes  ; 
and  this  will  continue  until  the  foetus  is  expelled.  As  the  patient 
cannot  be  considered  out  of  danger  until  relieved  of  the  ovum, 
the  discharge  ought  to  be  carefully  watched,  and  preserved  for 
the  examination  of  the  medical  man,  should  he  not  be  present 
during  its  progress,  which  is  much  to  be  preferred. 

Treatment . — The  first  object  when  the  premonitory 
symptoms  above  mentioned  set  in,  is,  if  possible,  to  prevent  abor- 
tion. To  this  end  the  patient  must  at  once  assume  a recumbent 
position,  and  on  no  account  be  suffered  to  move  more  than  may 
be  absolutely  necessary.  For  a few  days  use  only  cold  drinks, 
and  at  bedtime  take  a pill  composed  of  one  grain  of  opium  and 
two  grains  of  sugar  of  lead. 

If  there  is  much  heat  in  the  abdomen,  cloths  wet  with  vine- 
gar and  water,  in  equal  proportions,  should  be  applied  thereto, 
and  removed  as  often  as  they  get  warm.  When  the  hemorrhage 
becomes  at  all  profuse,  all  hopes  of  prevention  are  at  an  end, 
and  the  efforts  should  be  directed  to  relieve  pain,  prevent  ex- 
haustion of  strength,  and  finally  to  remove,  as  quickly  as  may 


290 


DISEASES  OF  WOMEN. 


be,  the  ovum  from  the  womb.  To  effect  the  latter  object,  me- 
chanical means  are  sometimes  resorted  to,  but  only  one  thor- 
oughly acquainted  with  the  anatomy  of  the  parts  should  attempt 
this.  As  the  flooding  proceeds,  the  patient  should  be  kept  as 
cool  as  possible  ; she  should  be  exposed  to  and  suffered  to  breathe 
cold  air ; acidulated  drinks  should  be  administered  ; if  ice  can 
be  obtained,  let  it  be  used  to  lower  the  temperature.  Should 
fainting  ensue  from  loss  of  blood,  cordials  may  be  given,  but  not 
hastily  or  frequently  ; a teaspoonful  of  brandy,  or  fifteen  drops 
of  aromatic  spirits  of  ammonia,  in  half  a wineglassful  of  cold 
water  is  the  best  stimulant  for  the  purpose.  When  the  dis- 
charge is  very  profuse,  lint,  wadding,  or  a piece  of  sponge,  dipped 
in  a solution  of  alum,  and  then  in  olive  oil,  may  be  introduced 
into  the  vagina,  or  an  injection  of  the  same  gently  thrown  up  by 
means  of  a syringe  ; or  a decoction  of  oak  bark  may  be  used  for 
the  same  purpose. 

Should  these  means  fail  to  check  the  hemorrhage,  give  dilute 
sulphuric  acid,  fifteen  drops  in  half  a wineglassful  of  water  being 
a sufficient  dose.  Opiates  may  be  given  with  advantage  when  the 
pain  is  very  severe,  especially  before  the  flooding  comes  on,  or 
after  it  has  continued  too  long.  Suppositories,  consisting  of 
about  a grain  of  powdered  opium,  made  up  into  a softish  mass, 
with  a few  grains  of  powdered  gum,  or  extract  of  henbane,  are 
also  useful.  These  latter  may  be  introduced  when  miscarriage 
is  likely  to  ensue.  With  rest  and  proper  care  they  will  some- 
times prevent  it. 

The  best  preventives  of  miscarriage  are  the  frequent  use 
of  the  cold  hip  bath,  and  sponging  the  lower  part  with  cold 
vinegar  and  water ; strict  attention  to  diet,  and  avoiding  all  vio- 
lent purging  medicines  ; moderate,  gentle  exercise,  and  entire 
abstinence  from  sexual  intercourse  during  the  first  months  of 
pregnancy. 

About  abortions  voluntarily  produced,  we  can  only  warn 
women  of  the  folly  and  danger  of  resorting  to  unprincipled 
empirics,  or  the  use  of  powerful  drugs.  Death  frequently  re- 
sults from  the  employment  of  such  means  as  are  necessary  to 
produce  abortion,  and  it  is  far  more  honorable  to  bear  the  shame 
and  disgrace  of  being  the  mother  of  illegitimate  offspring  than 
to  incur  the  risk  and  sin  of  destroying  your  own  and  another 
life. 

Women  in  wedlock  have  positively  no  excuse  for  vio- 
lating the  parental  instinct  or  wishing  to  commit  so  base  a 
crime. 


DISEASES  OF  WOMEN. 


291 


ANAEMIA. 

This  is  a condition  of  the  constitution  in  which  there  is  a 
deficiency  of  red  globules,  or  coloring  matter,  in  the  blood.  It  is 
marked  by  extreme  pallor  of  the  face  and  lips ; and  it  is  not  un- 
common in  young  females  of  a weak  or  scrofulous  habit.  It 
appears  to  arise  from  a deficiency  of  vital  energy  in  the  system, 
either  constitutional  or  brought  on  by  want  of  nourishment, 
breathing  impure  air,  or  great  loss  of  blood.  In  any  case  a cure 
may  be  effected  by  good,  generous  diet,  pure  air,  moderate  exer- 
cise, and  strengthening  medicines. 

Treatment . — Any  of  the  various  preparations  of  iron  may 
be  taken,  if  the  appetite  is  poor,  in  conjunction  with  some  bitter 
tonic,  such  as  infusion  of  gentian,  with  a little  quinine.  Should 
there  be  much  emaciation,  cod-liver  oil,  taken  in  orange  wine, 
will  be  of  service.  The  pores  of  the  skin  should  be  kept  open 
by  tepid  sponging,  and  the  bowels  moderately  so  by  a rhubarb 
or  colocynth  pill  now  and  then.  Strong  purgatives  should  be 
avoided,  and  especially  salines.  In  young  females  the  absence 
of  the  monthly  discharge  need  cause  no  uneasiness.  Should  the 
pallor,  languor,  sleeplessness,  headache,  confined  bowels,  and 
swelling  of  the  feet  continue,  a phvsician  ought  to  be  consulted, 
as  it  is  likely  there  may  be  consumption  or  other  organic  disease 
at  the  root  of  the  mischief. 

BARRENNESS. 

Barrenness  is  the  defect  of  power  in  the  female  to  produce 
offspring. 

Causes. — It  is  caused  sometimes  by  want  of  tone  or 
strength  in  the  system  ; nervous  debility ; sometimes  the  result 
of  malformation  of  structure  in  some  part  of  the  generative 
organs ; and  sometimes  by  functional  disorders  from  local  or 
constitutional  causes.  The  following  means  are  beneficial. 

Treatment. — Cold  bathing,  general  tonics  or  strengthen- 
ed to  the  system,  electricity  applied  locally.  A milk  and  vege- 
table diet  is  recommended,  and  abstinence  from  sexual  indul- 
gence for  a time.  Take  plenty  of  exercise  early  in  the  morning 
in  the  open  air,  and  take  one  scruple  each  of  compound  aloetic 
pill,  compound  rhubarb  pill,  sulphate  of  iron,  extract  of  henbane. 
Mix  and  divide  into  thirty-two  pills.  Take  one  every  night  and 
the  following  in  the  daytime  : Compound  tincture  of  valerian, 
one-half  ounce  ; compound  tincture  of  lavender,  one  ounce  ; aro- 
matic spirits  of  ammonia,  one-half  ounce.  Mix,  and  take  a tea- 


292 


DISEASES  OF  WOMEN. 


spoonful  twice  a day  in  two  tablespoonfuls  of  infusion  of  casca- 
rilla. 


GREEN  SICKNESS. 


This  disease  has  obtained  its  name  from  the  pale  and  green- 
ish cast  of  the  skin  of  the  patient.  It  is  one  of  the  forms  of 
anaemia,  and  chiefly  affects  young  girls,  although  adult  and  even 
married  women,  and  young  delicate  males,  are  subject  to  it. 

Causes. — The  disease  appears  to  arise  from  a deficiency  in 
the  blood  of  red  particles,  and  other  constituents,  and  this  is 
caused  by  defective  assimilation.  Young  persons  of  sedentary 
habits,  or  those  who  work  in  crowded  factories  or  shops,  or  who 
live  in  underground  kitchens  and  like  places,  are  particularly 
subject  to  it. 

Symptoms. — In  addition  to  the  pallor  of  the  skin,  which 
is  common  to  the  forms  of  anaemia,  this  has  some  peculiar  symp- 
toms, such  as  hysterical  paroxysms,  and  extreme  nervousness, 
pain  in  the  side,  swelling  of  the  ankles,  headache  recurring  at 
certain  periods  ; there  is  also  frequently  depraved  appetite  and 
a disinclination  for  wholesome  food  altogether. 

Treatment. — Change  of  air,  tonics,  and  the  course  of 
treatment  prescribed  under  the  head  of  Anaemia,  is  the  best  in 
such  cases.  Exercise,  fresh  air,  and  nourishing  diet  are  the  great 
restoratives.  Iron  is  the  best  tonic,  alone  or  in  combination  with 
quinine.  It  should  be  given  in  the  least  nauseous  form,  and  at 
least  one  hour  before  meals. 


HYSTERICS. 

( Hysteria .) 


A nervous  affection,  chiefly  of  females,  and  often  connected 
with  uterine  irregularities.  The  age  at  which  there  is  the  great- 
est proneness  to  hysteria  is  from  that  of  pub^Hy  to  the  fiftieth 
year.  Single  women,  and  the  married  who  do  not  bear  chil- 
dren, are  most  subject  to  it,  although  it  sometimes  occurs  at 
the  early  period  of  pregnancy  and  immediately  after  childbirth. 
Persons  of  studious  and  sedentary  habits,  and  of  scrofulous  and 
weakly  constitutions,  are  especially  subject  to  hysteria,  as  are 
indolent  and  plethoric  persons,  and  those  debilitated  by  disease 
or  excesses  of  any  kind.  It  is  a curious  circumstance  connected 
with  this  affection  that  it  simulates  almost  every  disease  to  which 
humanity  is  liable. 

Symptoms. — An  attack  generally  comes  on  with  a sen- 
sation of  choking.  It  seems  as  if  a ball  were  rising  in  the  throat, 


DISEASES  OF  WOMEN. 


293 


and  threatening  to  stop  the  passage  of  the  air ; then  the  patient 
becomes  convulsed,  so  that  a feeble  woman  will  require  three  or 
four  strong  persons  to  restrain  her  from  injuring  herself ; then 
follows  the  hysterical  sobbing  and  crying,  with  alternate  fits  of 
laughter.  Generally  the  head  is  thrown  back,  the  face  is  flushed, 
the  eyelids  closed  and  tremulous ; the  nostrils  distended,  and 
the  mouth  firmly  shut.  There  is  a strong  movement  in  the 
throat,  which  is  projected  forward,  and  a wild  throwing  about  of 
the  arms  and  hands,  with  sometimes  a tearing  of  the  hair,  rend- 
ing of  the  clothes,  catching  at  the  throat,  and  attempts  to  bite 
those  who  impose  a necessary  restraint. 

A fit  of  hysteria  may  last  for  a few  minutes  only,  or  for 
days.  It  may  generally  be  distinguished  from  epilepsy  by  the 
absence  of  foaming  at  the  mouth,  which  is  nearly  always  present 
in  that  disease,  and  also  by  the  peculiar  twinkling  of  the  eyelids, 
which  is  a distinguishing  symptom  of  great  value,  and  a sign  of 
safety.  In  epilepsy,  too,  there  is  a complete  insensibility.  Not 
so  in  hysteria  ; the  patient  retains  partial  consciousness ; hence 
it  behooves  those  about  her  to  be  cautious  what  they  say.  If 
any  remedies  are  suggested  of  which  she  is  likely  to  have  a 
dread,  her  recovery  may  be  greatly  retarded  thereby.  In  epi- 
lepsy there  is  laborious  or  suspended  respiration,  a dark,  livid 
complexion,  a protruding  and  bleeding  tongue ; rolling  or  star- 
ing and  projected  eyeballs,  and  a frightful  expression  of  the 
countenance.  Not  so  in  hysteria ; the  cheeks  are  usually  red, 
and  the  eyes,  if  not  hidden  by  the  closed  eyelids,  are  bright 
and  at  rest ; the  sobbing,  sighing,  short  cries,  and  laughter,  too, 
are  characteristic  of  the  latter  affection.  We  point  out  these 
distinctions  that  no  unnecessary  alarm  may  be  felt  during  a fit 
of  hysteria,  which  is  seldom  attended  with  ultimate  danger  either 
to  mind  or  body,  although  the  symptoms  are  sufficiently  dis- 
tressing to  cause  some  anxiety. 

Treatment . — First  prevent  the  patient  from  injuring  her- 
self. Confine  her  hands  by  wrapping  tightly  round  her  a sheet 
or  blanket.  The  dress  should  be  loosened,  especially  round  the 
throat;  and  the  face  freely  exposed  to  fresh  air.  If  she  can 
swallow,  an  ounce  of  camphor  mixture,  with  a teaspoonful  of 
ether,  sal  volatile,  tincture  of  assafoetida,  or  valerian,  may  be 
administered.  Ammonia  may  be  applied  cautiously  to  the  nos- 
trils ; and  if  the  fit  is  of  long  duration  an  enema  injected,  con- 
sisting of  spirits  of  turpentine,  castor  oil,  and  tincture  of  assa- 
foetida, of  each  half  an  ounce,  in  a half  pint  of  gruel.  What  is 
required  is  a strong  stimulus  to  the  nervous  system  ; therefore,  . 


294 


DISEASES  OF  WOMEN. 


dashing  cold  water  on  the  face,  and  hot  applications  to  the  spine, 
are  likely  to  be  of  service.  Carlisle  recommends  that  a polished 
piece  of  steel,  held  in  boiling  water  for  a minute  or  two,  be 
passed  down  the  back  over  a silk  handkerchief.  This  has  been 
found  to  prevent  the  recurrence  of  the  paroxysm,  which  has 
before  been  periodic. 

The  patient’s  mind,  during  the  intermissions  of  the  attack, 
should  be  kept  as  tranquil  as  possible,  and  a tendency  to  all 
irregular  habits  or  excesses  held  in  check.  If  plethoric,  there 
should  be  spare  diet ; if  scrofulous  and  weakly,  good  nourishing 
food  and  tonic  medicines,  particularly  some  form  of  iron,  the 
shower  bath,  regular  exercise,  and  cheerful  company.  Anti- 
spasmodics,  and  remedies  which  have  a gently  stimulating 
effect,  will  frequently  relieve  the  sleeplessness  complained  of 
by  hysterical  patients  better  than  opiates  and  other  narcotics. 
In  such  cases  Dr.  Graves  recommends  pills  composed  of  a grain 
of  musk  and  two  or  three  grains  of  assafoetida,  to  be  taken  two 
or  three  times  a day. 

PREMATURE  BIRTH. 

A birth  which  occurs  between  the  seventh  and  ninth  month 
of  pregnancy  is  called  premature.  It  is  a contingency  to  be  most 
carefully  guarded  against,  for  a child  born  before  its  regular 
time  can  scarcely  be  expected  to  have  the  strength  and  vigor  of 
one  who  attains  its  full  development  in  the  womb.  Neverthe- 
less cases  have  been  known  in  which  the  early-born  child  has 
grown  up  hearty  and  strong,  and  there  are  also  cases  in  which, 
for  the  mother’s  sake,  a premature  labor  is  desirable,  as  giving 
the  only  possible  chance  of  producing  living  offspring  at  all. 
Of  course,  none  but  a physician  should  be  intrusted  with  the 
delicate  task  of  bringing  about  a premature  labor,  and  only  the 
malformation  of  the  pelvis  or  some  deformity  should  cause  him 
to  attempt  it. 

PUERPERAL  CONVULSIONS. 

These  sometimes  come  on  during  labor,  or  immediately 
after  its  completion,  while  the  patient  is  in  a state  of  prostration. 
The  hysterical  form  is  the  most  easily  dealt  with, — merely  dash 
a little  cold  water  in  the  face,  and  give  a teaspoonful  of  sal  vola- 
tile in  water  as  in  common  hysteria. 

This  complication  of  labor  is  extremely  dangerous.  A phy- 
sician should  be  present  at  such  a crisis ; if  not,  summon  him 
instantly. 


DISEASES  OP  WOMEN. 


295 


PUERPERAL  MANIA  OR  NERVOUSNESS. 

This  disease  frequently  attacks  women  either  a little  before, 
during,  or  shortly  after  childbirth,  and  sometimes  during  nurs- 
ing. 

Symptoms. — Great  nervous  irritation ; the  face  is  com- 
monly pallid,  the  eye  troubled,  the  tongue  white,  and  skin  hot ; 
the  mind  wanders  and  conduct  very  irregular. 

Treatment. — Give  a purge  of  senna  and  salts,  and  keep 
the  bowels  regular  by  the  compound  rhubarb  pill.  Keep  the 
room  darkened  and  let  the  patient  be  kept  quiet,  and  free  from 
the  interruption  of  friends.  If  she  is  restless  at  night,  give  her 
an  anodyne,  such  as  twenty  drops  of  hartshorn,  or  one  grain  of 
opium  in  a solid  pill. 


/ 


Gibier’s  Diphtheria  Antitoxine. 

Formula  of  Dr.  Roux ; made  in  New  York  at  the  Pasteur  Institute. 

* 

The  following  is  furnished  by  Dr.  Paul  Gibier,  Director  of  the  New  York 
Pasteur  Institute : — 

The  Serum* — It  is  obtained  according  to  the  method  of 
Dr.  Roux  from  the  blood  taken  from  horses  which  have  been  made 
immune  by  being  injected  with  the  toxine  of  diphtheria  for  at  least 
three  months.  It  is  transparent,  yellow  or  reddish  in  color,  and  is 
undiluted.  It  is  supplied  in  bottles  containing  25  c.c.  each,  a quan- 
tity sufficient  for  an  ordinary  case  of  diphtheria  at  its  incipient  stage, 
and  in  bottles  containing  7 c.c.,  which  is  sufficient  to  protect  at  least 
three  adults  and  five  children  exposed  to  infection.  The  immunizing 
power  of  the  serum  exceeds  the  proportion  of  1 to  50,000,  the  stand- 
ard thus  far  achieved  by  Roux  and  others  ; this  signifies  that  1 ccm. 
of  antitoxine  serum  will  immunize  a body  weighing  up  to  50  kilo,  or 
110  pounds.  Owing  to  the  precautions  observed  in  obtaining  the 
blood,  preparing  the  serum,  and  introducing  it  into  sterilized  vials 
in  which  are  placed  small  pieces  of  camphor  to  prevent  deterioration, 
the  serum  can  be  preserved  for  several  weeks  in  a cool  and  dark 
place,  as  in  the  ice  chest. 

The  Dose. — In  ordinary  cases  a dose  of  15  c.c.  is  injected 
when  the  disease  is  suspected  and  before  the  diagnosis  is  absolute, 
and  after  a period  of  twelve  hours  the  remaining  10  c.c.  are  injected. 
Adults  require  larger  doses.  In  serious  cases  the  quantity  should 
be  larger  : 25  c.c.  at  first,  25  c.c.  more  within  twenty-four  hours,  and 
even  100  c.c.  can  be  injected  within  a few  days,  the  serum  being 
wholly  innocuous.  The  injections  are  given  subcutaneously,  prefer- 
ably in  the  lateral  part  of  the  abdomen,  after  the  site  of  injection  has 
been  carefully  washed  with  a 4%  solution  of  carbolic  acid,  or  a 1% 
solution  of  lysol.  The  injections  are  almost  painless,  and  massage  is 
unnecessary,  as  the  swelling  caused  by  the  fluid  disappears  quickly. 
In  a family  in  which  a case  of  diphtheria  occurs,  it  is  recommended 
to  immunity  the  other  members,  especially  the  children,  with  a small 
quantity  of  serum. 

The  Syringe . — The  instrument  made  according  to  our  direc- 
tions has  a capacity  of  25  c.c.  It  can  be  thoroughly  disinfected  by 
washing  it  and  the  needle  carefully  in  the  following  manner  : before 
the  injection , first  with  a 4%  solution  of  carbolic  acid  or  a 1 °J0  solution 
of  lysol,  and  then  two  or  three  times  with  cool  water  previously  steril- 

295a 


gibier’s  diphtheria  antitoxine. 


2956 

ized  by  ebullition.  After  the  injection  the  syringe  must  be  washed 
at  once  with  sterilized  water  in  order  to  prevent  the  coagulation  of 
the  serum  by  contact  with  the  disinfectant  which  has  to  be  used  again. 

The  JPatient, — Although  the  serum  is  the  essential  agent  in 
the  treatment  of  diphtheria,  the  throat  and  the  nares  should  be  fre- 
quently irrigated  with  a sterilized  solution  of  boracic  acid.  No 
local  reaction  follows  the  injection  of  antitoxine  ; general  reaction 
frequently  appears  within  twenty-four  hours,  sometimes  accom- 
panied by  erythema.  The  temperature  rises  only  one  or  two  degrees 
and  the  pulse  in  children  may  attain  120  and  130.  These  phenomena 
are  more  apparent  in  patients  who  have  been  treated  preventively 
with  the  antitoxine.  The  reaction  rarely  lasts  more  than  twenty- 
four  hours.  A period  of  twenty-four  hours  generally  elapses  before 
a favorable  result  follows  the  injection,  but  in  mild  cases  the  improve- 
ment may  appear  within  twelve  hours,  and  in  serious  cases  it  may  be 
delayed  for  thirty-six  hours.  It  must  be  understood  that  if  in  the 
last  mentioned  class  the  treatment  be  postponed  too  long,  instead  of 
improving,  the  patient  may  not  be  benefited.  In  twenty-four  hours 
after  the  injection  the  false  membranes  lose  their  gray  appearance  and 
become  white.  This  decoloration  is  a good  indication.  Shortly  after 
this  change  the  false  membranes  become  detached,  a simple  irrigation 
causes  them  to  be  expelled,  and  generally  they  do  not  reappear. 

It  is  expedient  to  watch  for  the  modification  of  the  respiration 
caused  by  the  sudden  detachment  of  the  false  membranes,  as  they 
may  cause  obstruction  of  the  air  passages,  and  intubation  or  trache- 
otomy may  be  necessary.  In  those  cases  of  croup  in  which  opera- 
tive treatment  has  been  resorted  to,  the  general  and  local  improve- 
ment following  the  exhibition  of  the  serum  is  rapid. 

If  engaged,  the  glands  undergo  a simultaneous  improvement ; 
instead  of  forming  one  solid  mass  they  become  distinct,  and  the 
oedema  which  surrounds  them  disappears. 

The  albuminuria  so  prevalent  in  diphtheria  is  prevented  or  much 
less  marked  when  the  treatment  is  adopted  promptly. 

The  persistence  of  this  symptom  is  a manifestation  of  the  general 
systemic  intoxication  by  the  products  of  the  bacillus  diphtheria?, 
and  is  an  indication  for  the  continuance  of  the  injections  with  the 
object  of  preventing  further  complications. 

The  latest  statistics  of  the  Paris  hospitals,  collected  since  the 
new  treatment  has  been  better  understood  and  applied  earlier,  show 
that  the  death  rate  of  diphtheria  has  been  decreased  from  50%  and 
60%  to  12%. 


CHILDREN. 



Care,  Diseases  and  Treatment. 


In  most  cases,  the  child  begins  to  breathe  and  cry  as  soon 
as  it  is  ushered  into  the  world.  This,  however,  is  not  always 
the  case.  Many  children  manifest  no  signs  of  animation  when 
born,  who  may,  nevertheless,  be  re-animated  by  prompt  and 
judicious  management.  When  this  state  of  apparent  death 
depends  on  lack  of  oxygen,  the  infant’s  countenance  exhibits  a 
livid  or  deep  red  and  bloated  appearance ; the  eyes  are  promi- 
nent, and  the  surface  of  the  body  warm  and  reddish  ; sometimes 
the  body  is  flaccid,  and  the  navel-string  has  ceased  to  pulsate. 
Everything  depends  on  the  speedy  re-animation  of  the  child. 
When  the  cord  pulsates  vigorously,  little  effort  is  generally 
required  for  setting  the  vital  functions  in  operation.  An  effort 
may  be  necessary  to  excite  the  respiratory  functions  by  artificial 
inflation  of  the  lungs  and  compression  of  the  thorax  with  the 
hands.  In  inflating  the  lungs,  a silk  handkerchief  folded  double, 
or  a fine  napkin,  should  be  laid  over  the  mouth  of  the  infant ; 
the  nurse  should  then  apply  her  mouth  to  that  of  the  babe,  at 
the  same  time  closing  its  nostrils,  and  endeavor,  by  a moderate 
but  uniform  force  of  insufflation,  to  fill  its  lungs  with  air.  The 
covering  of  the  mouth  is  recommended  as  a means  of  avoiding 
rupture  of  the  pulmonary  air-cells. 

Some  infants  remain  for  a minute  or  two  after  birth  without 
any  or  but  a few  respiratory  efforts,  although  they  will  open 
their  eyes  and  move  their  extremities  with  sufficient  activity. 
A few  drops  of  cold  water  sprinkled  on  the  chest  or  abdomen 
will  instantly  cause  them  to  breathe  and  cry  out  lustily.  The 
main  point  of  caution,  in  cases  of  this  kind,  is  to  avoid  tying  the 
cord  until  its  pulsation  has  ceased,  or  has  become  quite  feeble. 
In  all  instances  where  respiration  does  not  ensue  immediately 
after  birth,  or  is  any  wise  embarrassed,  prompt  attention  should 
be  paid  to  the  removal  of  the  mucus  which  is  usually  lodged  in 
the  mouth  and  larynx  of  newborn  infants.  A finger  surrounded 
with  a piece  of  soft  linen  should  be  carefully  introduced  into  the 
mouth,  and  the  tenacious  slime  brought  away. 

296 


CHILDREN  AND  THEIR  DISEASES. 


297 


Infants  are  sometimes  born  in  a state  of  asphyxia.  If,  in 
such  cases,  the  cord  continues  to  pulsate,  it  must  on  no  account 
be  divided  until  pulsation  has  ceased.  The  mouth  should  be 
immediately  cleared  in  the  manner  just  mentioned,  and  a little 
cold  spirits,  or  water,  dashed  on  the  pit  of  the  stomach.  So 
long  as  the  cord  beats,  some  stimulant,  such  as  brandy,  spirits 
of  camphor,  or  ether,  may  be  applied  to  the  lips  and  nostrils.  It 
will  also  be  proper  to  rub  the  body  and  extremities,  gently,  with 
dry  warm  flannels.  When  the  pulsation  of  the  cord  has  ceased, 
and  the  child  still  continues  in  this  state,  the  cord  must  be  divided, 
and  the  infant  wrapped  in  dry  and  heated  flannel,  which  is  bet- 
ter than  the  use  of  the  warm  bath.  Infants  in  this  condition 
should  not  be  hastily  abandoned.  Thirty  minutes  and  even  a 
longer  period  may  elapse  before  the  child  begins  to  respire. 

In  all  instances  where  resuscitation  has  been  effected  from 
a state  of  asphyxia,  it  is  of  the  utmost  consequence  to  suffer  the 
infant  to  lie  perfectly  at  rest,  for  several  hours,  before  it  is  sub- 
jocted  to  the  agitation  and  fatigue  of  washing  and  dressing. 
Infants  born  between  the  seventh  and  eighth  months  generally 
remain  in  a somnolent  state  for  several  weeks,  and  ought  to  be 
as  little  disturbed  by  washing  and  dressing,  or  feeding,  as 
possible. 

Occasionally  feeble  infants  suddenly  sink  into  a state  of 
syncope,  or  apparent  death,  after  everything  seemed  going  on 
well.  This  deathlike  condition  usually  continues  a few  minutes, 
and  then  gradually  passes  off,  leaving  the  infant  in  a languid 
and  fretful  state.  This  affection  is  probably  the  result  of  some 
intestinal  irritation.  During  the  paroxysm,  efforts  must  be  made 
to  re-excite  the  vital  power  by  wrapping  the  child’s  body  in  a 
piece  of  thick  flannel  wrung  out  of  hot  whisky.  A drop  of 
ether,  or  spirits  of  camphor,  should  be  applied  to  the  nostrils 
and  lips  ; and  weak  sinapisms  laid  to  the  soles  of  the  feet. 

The  general  rule  as  to  tying  the  cord,  with  the  exceptions 
above  noticed,  is,  that  it  is  the  safest  to  delay  the  tying  of  it, 
until  it  has  entirely  ceased  to  pulsate. 

THE  MECONIUM. 

The  ftecal  matter  formed  in  the  bowels  of  infants,  before 
birth,  is  called  meconium . Its  timely  removal  is  an  object  of  no 
small  importance.  Nature  has  furnished  the  appropriate  purga- 
tive for  this  purpose,  in  the  first  milk,  or  colostrum , secreted  in 
the  maternal  breasts.  The  small  portion  of  fluid  which  the  child 
usually  obtains  at  the  breast,  during  the  first  nine  or  ten  hours, 


298 


CHILDREN  AND  THEIR  DISEASES. 


possesses  a decidedly  purgative  character,  and  generally  causes 
the  entire  evacuation  of  the  bowels.  But  instead  of  putting  the 
infant  early  to  the  breast,  and  waiting  for  the  operation  of  this 
congenial  laxative,  the  almost  universal  custom  is  to  introduce 
some  artificial  purgative  into  the  stomach,  such  as  castor  oil  or 
syrup  of  rhubarb,  or  sweet  oil,  or  molasses.  Nothing  can  be 
more  prejudicial  to  the  infant’s  health  than  this.  Apply  the  in- 
fant to  its  mother’s  breast  before  -the  proper  milk  is  secreted, 
and,  in  nine  cases  out  of  ten,  adequate  purgation  will  be  pro- 
duced without  any  irritation  of  the  system.  Where  there  is 
great  torpor  of  the  bowels,  an  injection  of  glycerine  and  warm 
water,  or  a glycerine  suppository,  may  be  used  each  morning 
after  the  bath.  The  warm  bath  will,  in  general,  promote  the 
operation  of  the  purge — especially  placing  the  lower  part  of  the 
body  in  warm  water,  and  making  cold  applications  to  the  head. 

WASHING  AND  DRESSING. 

When  the  infant  is  born,  and  the  function  of  breathing  is 
well  established,  it  must  be  carefully  separated  from  the  after- 
birth, wrapped  in  a soft  piece  of  flannel,  its  mouth  and  nose 
being  left  uncovered,  and  handed  to  the  nurse.  The  washing 
of  the  infant  should,  if  possible,  be  performed  in  an  adjoining 
room  to  that  in  which  the  delivery  has  taken  place,  as  nurses  in 
general  make  much  noise  and  bustle  about  it.  The  water  used  for 
washing  healthy  and  vigorous  infants  should  be  lukewarm  ; but 
•for  very  weak  ones,  water  of  a higher  temperature  will  be  neces- 
sary. The  skin  of  the  infant  at  birth  is  covered  with  a whitish, 
cheesy  kind  of  substance,  which  is  most  abundant  in  the  folds  of 
the  joints,  the  groins,  and  armpits.  It  is  particularly  important 
to  the  health  and  comfort  of  the  infant  that  every  particle  of 
this  substance  should  be  removed ; but  as  it  is  wholly  insoluble 
in  water,  and  is  but  very  slightly  acted  on  by  soap,  we  must  employ 
lard  or  vaseline  to  render  it  soluble.  Before  any  water  is  applied 
to  the  infant’s  body,  the  skin  should  be  smeared  and  gently 
rubbed  with  one  of  these  substances,  after  which  the  whole  may 
be  easily  washed  off  with  warm  water  and  mild  soap.  When  the 
infant  is  delicate  or  extremely  feeble,  the  addition  of  a teaspoon- 
ful of  wine  or  brandy  to  the  water  in  which  it  is  washed  may  be 
of  great  service;  but  unless  such  a special  reason  for  stimulating 
applications  be  present,  plain  water  is  decidedly  the  most  proper. 
After  the  child  has  been  thoroughly  washed,  it  should  be  well 
dried  and  immediately  dressed.  Throughout  the  whole  period 


CHILDREN  AND  THEIR  DISEASES. 


299 


of  infancy,  the  child’s  body  should  be  washed  daily.  On  the 
appearance  of  any  excoriations,  a finely  powdered  starch  may  be 
dusted  over  the  affected  parts  with  benefit. 

THE  DRESS. 

The  first  thing  to  be  done  in  dressing  the  infant  is  to  fix 
the  remains  of  the  navel  string,  or  umbilical  cord,  in  a proper 
manner.  The  nurse  takes  a soft  piece  of  linen,  about  two  inches 
square,  cuts  a small  circular  hole  in  its  center,  through  which  she 
brings  the  remaining  part  of  the  navel-cord,  and  then  envelops  it. 
She  next  turns  it  toward  the  chest  of  the  infant,  and  places  a small 
flannel  bandage  or  roller  over  it  and  around  the  body.  This 
bandage  should  a simple  strip  of  flannel,  about  four  inches  wide, 
which  should  be  worn  sufficiently  loose  to  admit  of  the  easy  in- 
troduction of  a finger  under  it.  Almost  every  part  of  the  infant’s 
dress  should  open  at  the  back,  and  be  fastened  by  tapes  or  but- 
tons ; pins  ought  to  be  entirely  laid  aside.  The  clothing  should 
be  warm,  light,  and  loose.  The  lightest  and  softest  kinds  of 
flannel  should  be  worn  in  winter ; in  warm  seasons  muslin  may 
be  substituted  for  the  flannel ; but  common  sense  dictates  the 
propriety  of  constantly  accommodating  the  clothing  to  the  vary- 
ing state  of  the  weather.  The  infant  should  never  be  suffered  to 
sleep  in  the  flannel  which  has  been  worn  during  the  day ; and  in 
the  morning  it  ought  to  be  again  changed.  During  the  first 
eight  or  nine  months  the  child’s  clothes  should  extend  consider- 
ably below  the  feet,  in  order  that  the  lower  parts  of  the  body 
may  be  duly  protected  against  the  cold.  After  this  age,  however, 
the  feet  should  be  entirely  unencumbered.  During  cold  weather, 
fine  woolen  stockings,  sufficiently  wide  to  be  easily  put  on,  should 
be  worn ; but  in  warm  weather  light  soft  flannel  socks  will  suffice. 
The  shoes  should  be  made  of  light,  pliable  materials,  and  suffi- 
ciently large  to  prevent  all  constraint  of  the  feet.  In  very  young 
infants,  thin  woolen  socks  will  protect  the  feet  sufficiently  dur- 
ing warm  weather  ; but  when  they  are  about  learning  to  walk, 
it  is  best  to  have  the  feet  protected  against  accidents  by  soft, 
light  shoes.  It  is  highly  important  that  the  child  should  be 
kept  as  dry  as  possible.  Its  underclothes  should  be  immediately 
removed  when  wet,  and  replaced  by  dry  and  clean  ones. 

THE  FOOD  OF  INFANTS. 

With  healthy  infants,  several  hours  at  least  should  be  suf- 
fered to  pass,  immediately  after  birth,  before  any  alimentary 


300 


CHILDREN  AND  THEIR  DISEASES. 


substances  are  introduced  into  the  stomach.  A few  teaspoon- 
fuls of  some  very  bland  and  weak  fluid  might  not  be  detrimen- 
tal, but  the  usual  practice  of  filling  the  stomach  to  distention 
with  gruel,  or  pulverized  biscuit  dissolved  in  water,  or  some 
such  preparation,  is  exceedingly  to  be  deprecated.  In  nine  cases 
out  of  ten,  perhaps,  the  gripings,  flatulency,  diarrhoea,  and  colic, 
which  so  frequently  harass  infants  during  the  first  six  months  of 
their  existence  after  birth,  are  the  results  of  indigestion,  brought 
on  by  errors  in  diet.  And  then,  to  relieve  these  symptoms,  nurses 
employ  catmint  tea,  anise  seed  tea,  paregoric,  or  some  other  nos- 
trum ; and  thus  an  additional  source  of  stomach  derangement, 
or  indigestion,  is  brought  into  operation  on  the  unfortunate 
babe.  The  infant’s  digestive  functions  are  often  injured  also  by 
the  exhibition  of  active  purgatives.  There  is  no  substance  in 
nature,  nor  can  there  be  anything  prepared  by  art,  which  forms 
so  congenial  and  wholesome  a nourishment  to  the  young  babe 
as  its  mother’s  milk.  It  is  almost  superfluous  to  remark  that 
nature  manifestly  intended  this  fluid  as  its  sole  nutriment  at 
this  early  stage  of  life,  and  until  the  primary  teeth  make  their 
appearance.  Should  there  exist  any  inability  of  suckling  the 
child,  a mixture  of  two  parts  of  fresh  cow’s  milk  and  one  part  of 
warm  water  approaches  nearer  to  the  nature  of  human  milk  than 
anything  else  that  can  conveniently  be  procured.  After  the 
first  teeth  have  come  out,  small  portions  of  barley  water,  thinly 
prepared  arrowroot,  or  a mixture  of  equal  parts  of  cow’s  milk 
and  Avater  may  be  given  two  or  three  times  daily  in  addition 
to  the  nourishment  drawn  from  the  breasts.  The  food  should 
be  introduced  into  the  stomach  as  gradually  as  possible,  and,  we 
must  again  repeat  the  caution,  care  should  be  taken  not  to  over- 
load the  stomach.  After  the  seventh  month,  small  portions  of 
the  food  just  mentioned  should  be  given  at  regular  periods, 
three  or  four  times  daily.  The  practice  of  dandling  or  jolting 
infants  soon  after  they  have  taken  nourishment  is  decidedly 
improper.  The  child  should  be  left  quiet  for  at  least  thirty  or 
forty  minutes  after  having  received  its  food. 

EMPLOYMENT  OF  NURSES. 

Mothers  are  not  always  in  a condition  which  enables  them 
to  suckle  their  own  infants.  This  is  unfortunate,  for  it  cannot 
be  doubted  that  the  mother’s  milk  is,  in  general,  better  adapted 
to  the  constitutional  temperament  of  her  offspring  than  that  fur- 
nished by  others. 


CHILDREN  AND  THEIR  DISEASES. 


301 


No  woman  who  has  led  a debauched  course  of  life,  even 
though  reformed,  can  be  regarded  as  a perfectly  safe  nurse. 
Females  of  this  description  are  apt  to  have  their  system  con- 
taminated with  some  morbid  taint  which  may  give  an  unwhole- 
some quality  to  the  milk.  The  nurse  should  be  of  sound  and 
vigorous  constitution,  and  the  age  of  the  milk  should  not  vary 
much  from  that  of  the  infant  itself,  up  to  the  fourth  month. 
After  that  period  such  a relation  between  the  ages  of  the  milk 
and  child  is  not  of  much  importance.  A nurse  who  has  but  one 
good  breast  should  never  be  selected,  for  a babe  suckled  by  one 
breast  only  is  apt  to  contract  the  habit  of  squinting.  To  avoid 
this,  the  babe  should  be  nourished  alternately  from  both  breasts. 
Particular  regard  should  be  had  to  the  temper  and  moral  habits 
of  the  nurse.  It  is  hardly  necessary  to  observe  that  an  irritable, 
passionate,  and  sour  tempered  female  is  but  ill  suited  for  the 
important  duty  of  nursing. 

ARTIFICIAL  NURSING. 

Under  judicious  management,  infants  will  experience  but 
little  inconvenience  from  a course  of  artificial  nursing ; and  this 
mode  of  nourishing  children  is  preferable  to  the  employment  of 
a wet  nurse  whose  competency  and  fitness  for  the  duty  may  be 
questionable.  Very  young  and  peculiarly  delicate  and  feeble 
infants  seldom  do  well  when  raised  by  hand  ; and  when,  upon 
trial,  the  slightest  kind  of  any  artificial  aliment  is  found  to  dis- 
order the  alimentary  canal,  the  life  of  the  infant  will  very  prob- 
ably depend  upon  a fresh  and  wholesome  breast  being  instantly 
procured  for  it.  When  artificial  nourishment  must  be  resorted 
to,  a mixture  of  two  parts  of  fresh  cow’s  milk,  and  one  part  of 
warm  water,  with  a very  small  portion  of  milk  sugar,  will,  in 
general,  answer  the  purpose.  Thin  barley  water  will  sometimes 
be  useful  as  a change  of  nourishment,  where,  from  acidity  in  the 
stomach,  the  milk  curdles  and  causes  griping.  The  nursing 
bottle  is  decidedly  the  best  mode  of  feeding  the  child,  but  par- 
ticular care  should  be  taken  to  keep  it  always  perfectly  clean 
and  sweet.  It  should  be  well  washed,  both  inside  and  outside, 
with  hot  water  every  time  used. 

There  are  several  kinds  of  artificial  foods  for  infants  which 
many  have  used  with  excellent  results. 

EXERCISE. 

It  is  of  great  importance  to  allow  the  infant  the  freest 
possible  use  of  the  limbs.  Muscular  exertion  is  indispensa- 
ble to  the  preservation  of  health,  and  it  should  be  an  especial 


302 


CHILDREN  AND  THEIR  DISEASES. 


object  of  care  to  allow  entire  freedom  of  motion  for  several  hours 
daily.  With  this  view,  the  infant  should  be  taken  from  its  bed, 
laid  upon  its  back  on  a soft  mattress  or  any  other  level  and 
slightly  resisting  surface,  and  divested  of  everything  calculated 
to  restrain  the  motion  of  its  limbs  and  body.  This  should  be 
repeated  two  or  three  times  daily,  and  in  warm  weather  the  air 
should  be  freely  admitted. 

Besides  the  exercise  which  infants  thus  obtain  by  their  own 
muscular  efforts,  passive  exercise  should  be  regularly  afforded 
them  by  carrying  in  the  arms  or  riding  in  an  easy  carriage.  The 
use  of  this  kind  of  motion  should  be  commenced  as  early  as 
the  second  or  third  day  after  birth,  provided  the  infant  be  not 
unusually  feeble.  At  first,  that  is,  a few  days  after  birth,  the 
infant  should  be  taken  from  its  cradle  two  or  three  times  daily, 
laid  on  its  back  upon  a pillow,  and  carried  gently  about  the 
chamber.  After  the  third  or  fourth  week,  the  child  may  be 
carried,  in  a reclining  posture,  on  the  arms  of  a careful  nurse,  in 
such  a way  as  to  afford  entire  support  to  the  body  and  head. 
When  the  child  has  acquired  a sufficient  degree  of  strength  to 
maintain  itself  in  a sitting  posture — which  is  seldom  before  the 
completion  of  the  third  month — it  may  be  carried  about  in  this 
posture  for  a short  time,  twice  or  thrice  daily,  provided  the 
spine  and  head  be  supported  by  the  nurse,  an  aid  which  can  sel- 
dom be  prudently  dispensed  with  before  the  child  is  six  or  seven 
months  old.  All  rapid  motions  are  calculated  to  injure  the 
delicate  organization  of  infants  ; therefore  running  or  jumping 
with  an  infant  in  the  arms,  descending  rapidly  a flight  of  stairs, 
or  whirling  round,  ought  to  be  rigidly  forbidden.  The  prac- 
tice of  supporting  very  young  infants  in  a sitting  posture  on  the 
knee,  and  jolting  them  violently,  cannot  be  too  severely  cen- 
sured. To  gentle  rocking  of  infants  in  the  cradle  there  seems 
no  great  objection,  but  rapid  or  long  continued  motion  of  this 
kind  should  be  avoided.  Riding  in  a carriage,  properly  con- 
structed, is  an  excellent  mode  of  affording  suitable  exercise  to 
infants.  The  body  of  the  carriage  should  be  long  enough  to 
permit  the  infant  to  lie  down  at  full  length,  and  the  sides  suf- 
ficiently high  to  prevent  it  falling  or  rolling  out.  Very  young 
infants  should  be  laid  down  in  the  carriage,  on  a pillow,  or  a 
small  and  soft  mattress,  with  the  head  slightly  elevated,  and 
so  confined  at  the  sides  as  to  prevent  the  body  rolling  when 
the  carriage  is  put  in  motion.  After  the  child  has  acquired 
some  degree  of  strength,  it  should  be  placed  in  a semi-recumbent 
posture,  with  its  head  and  back  well  supported  by  pillows. 


CHILDREN  AND  THEIR  DISEASES. 


80S 


AIR  AND  TEMPERATURE  OF  NURSERY. 

Pure  air  is  indispensable,  and  at  no  period  of  life  are  the 
effects  of  impure  air  more  obvious  than  during  the  feeble  and 
susceptible  age  of  childhood.  Infants  ought  to  be  accustomed 
to  the  fresh  air  as  soon  as  they  are  two  weeks  old,  and  should 
enjoy  it  daily  for  an  hour  or  two  when  the  weather  is  clear  and 
mild. 

When  the  atmosphere  is  mild,  the  external  air  ought  to  be 
freely  admitted  by  keeping  a window  open  during  the  day,  and 
at  night  the  chamber  door  should  be  left  open.  Wet  and  soiled 
articles  of  clothing  should  be  instantly  removed.  The  general 
error  is  to  keep  the  apartments  of  children  much  warmer  than 
is  consistent  either  with  their  comfort  or  health.  Warm  rooms 
principally  contribute  to  the  extraordinary  mortality  of  chil- 
dren, who  are  carried  off  by  convulsions  in  the  first  months  of 
their  lives. 

WEANING. 

The  proper  time  for  weaning  is  soon  after  all  the  incisor 
teeth  have  made  their  appearance.  This  varies  considerably  in 
different  cases,  but  will  seldom  be  delayed  beyond  the  eleventh 
month,  and,  in  the  majority  of  instances,  will  occur  between  the 
ninth  and  tenth  months.  Some  infants,  indeed,  have  teeth 
before  the  sixth  month,  and  others  not  sooner  than  the  twelfth 
or  sixteenth ; for  the  first  it  would  be  too  soon  to  advise  wean- 
ing,— for  the  latter  it  would  be  too  long  to  delay  it.  It  would 
be  injudicious  to  attempt  weaning  when  the  child’s  health  is 
bad,  while  it  is  teething,  or  while  laboring  under  disease  of  any 
kind,  as  the  breast  is  a source  of  tranquillity — a kind  of  sedative 
in  all  the  diseases  and  varieties  of  temper  of  infants.  Weaning 
ought  always  to  be  accomplished,  if  possible,  in  a gradual  man- 
ner ; as  the  period  of  weaning  approaches,  small  portions  of 
bread,  bread  and  milk,  milk  thickened  with  rice  or  flour,  or 
chicken  tea  should  be  allowed  the  child  twice  or  thrice  daily, 
while  at  the  same  time  the  intervals  of  nursing  should  be  more 
and  more  prolonged.  When  the  child  is  gradually  accustomed 
to  take  other  food,  and  very  much  amused  by  its  mother,  it  will 
easily  be  got  to  forget  the  breast,  and  seldom  require  it. 

The  process  of  weaning  will  be  helped  by  allowing  the  infant 
to  drink  liberally  from  a cup  of  milk,  with  a sixth  part  of  tepid 
water.  After  the  child  has  been  weaned,  its  principal  nourish- 
ment ought  still  to  consist  of  liquid  or  semi-fluid  substances — 
milk,  milk  boiled  with  bread  or  slightly  thickened  with  rice  or 


304 


CHILDREN  AND  THEIR  DISEASES. 


wheat  flour,  preparations  of  arrowroot,  tapioca,  or  sago,  oatmeal 
gruel,  or  hard  biscuits  finely  pulverized  and  dissolved  in  warm 
water,  with  a little  milk  and  sugar,  should  constitute  the  princi- 
pal nourishment  until  the  eye  teeth  have  made  their  appearance. 

WASHING  AND  BATHING. 

Cleanliness  is  a most  important  requisite  to  a healthy  state 
of  the  skin.  The  general  health  is  liable  to  be  impaired  by  an 
unclean  state  of  the  surface  of  the  body.  We  have  already  said 
that  infants  ought  to  be  thoroughly  washed  over  the  whole  body 
at  least  once  a day.  After  weaning  it  will  be  sufficient  to  wash 
the  child  once  every  other  day.  During  the  first  three  or  four 
months  of  the  child’s  existence,  warm  water  should  be  used ; 
after  that  period  it  should  only  be  lukewarm,  until  the  first 
teething  is  completed,  when  it  ought  to  be  still  further  reduced 
until  it  excites  a decided  sensation  of  coolness  when  applied  to 
the  body.  The  bath  should  be  given  with  a soft  sponge  or  a 
piece  of  soft  linen.  For  the  first  four  or  five  weeks,  the  infant 
should  not  be  kept  beyond  two  or  three  minutes  in  the  bath  ; the 
duration  may  be  gradually  prolonged  until  it  extends  to  twelve 
or  fifteen  minutes.  The  best  time  for  bathing  children  is  about 
two  hours  after  breakfast  or  dinner.  The  bathing  ought  to  be 
conducted  in  a room  moderately  warm ; and,  on  removing  the 
child  from  the  bath,  it  ought  to  be  instantly  wiped  perfectly  dry 
and  invested  in  warm  and  dry  linen.  Infants  may  then  be 
placed  in  bed,  which,  in  winter,  should  be  previously  warmed. 

TONGUE-TIE. 

It  frequently  happens  that  the  tongue  of  an  infant  is  so  tied 
down  and  restrained  in  its  actions,  that  nursing  is  rendered  diffi- 
cult, and  attended  with  a peculiar  “ clucking”  noise  in  the  fauces. 
It  may  be  immediately  remedied  with  a pair  of  blunt  pointed 
scissors. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  BREASTS  AND  NAVEL. 

Newborn  infants  are  liable  to  a singular  inflammation  and 
enlargement  of  the  breasts.  In  moderate  cases  of  this  kind, 
nothing  more  is  necessary  than  to  apply  a piece  of  linen  moist- 
ened with  a little  sweet  oil ; a weak  solution  of  the  muriate  of 
ammonia  in  vinegar  and  water,  in  the  proportion  of  a dram  of 
the  ammonia  to  four  ounces  of  vinegar.  The  solution  ought  to 
be  applied  warm  by  moistening  pieces  of  linen  with  it,  and  lay- 
ing them  over  the  affected  parts. 


CHILDREN  AND  THEIR  DISEASES. 


305 


Inflammation  and  consequent  ulceration  about  the  navel  is 
a frequent  occurrence  during  the  first  nine  or  ten  days  after 
birth.  The  most  common  cause  is  want  of  attention  to  cleanli- 
ness. Whatever  applications  are  made,  the  parts  should  be 
carefully  washed  with  lukewarm  carbolized  water  at  least 
daily. 


JAUNDICE  OF  INFANTS. 

In  many  instances  a yellowness  of  the  skin  comes  on  within 
three  or  four  days  after  birth,  but  soon  disappears  again,  without 
producing  any  unpleasant  consequences.  When,  however,  the 
white  of  the  eye  becomes  yellow,  the  bowels  get  costive,  and  the 
stools  are  whitish  or  clay  colored,  and  there  is  a disposition  to 
vomit,  a suitable  course  of  remedial  measures  should  be  instantly 
resorted  to. 

Treatment . — The  fourth  of  a grain  of  calomel  may  be 
given.  If  free  purging  does  not  ensue  its  operation  must  be 
aided  by  castor  oil.  In  conjunction  with  these  remedies,  the 
daily  use  of  the  warm  bath  is  beneficial ; and  gentle  friction  with 
the  bare  hand  over  the  region  of  the  liver  and  stomach,  provided 
there  is  no  inflammation  or  abdominal  tenderness. 


RETENTION  OF  URINE. 

There  may  be  little  or  no  urine  secreted  during  the  first 
fifteen  or  twenty  hours  after  birth,  and  yet  the  infant  manifest 
no  uneasiness  ; but  when  the  inactivity  is  protracted  much  be- 
yond this  period,  the  consequences  may  be  serious.  A teaspoon- 
ful of  weak  parsley  tea,  with  two  drops  of  sweet  spirits  of  niter, 
given  every  half  hour,  and  the  employment  of  the  hip  bath,  will 
generally  excite  the  proper  action  of  the  kidneys. 

When  there  is  retention  of  the  urine — it  may  be  ascertained 
by  the  increased  distress  of  the  child  upon  pressure  with  the 
hand  on  the  hypogastric  region — the  warm  bath  is  to  be  employed 
with  purgatives  and  gentle  friction  with  camphorated  oil ; but, 
if  the  symptoms  still  increase,  consult  a physician  without 
delay. 

Pain  and  difficulty  in  voiding  urine  is  a frequent  complaint 
among  infants,  particularly  during  teething.  When  an  infant  is 
observed  to  have  occasional  fits  of  violent  crying,  this  cause  may 
be  suspected.  To  ascertain  the  cause  of  the  disease,  the  urine 
must  be  examined. 


306 


CHILDREN  AND  THEIR  DISEASES. 


TEETHING. 

The  process  of  teething  is  usually  accompanied  with  gen- 
eral irritability  of  the  system  ; one  or  both  cheeks  are  often 
flushed,  and  the  infant  frequently  starts  in  his  sleep.  This 
period  is,  upon  the  whole,  one  of  the  most  perilous  of  the 
child’s  life, — as  many  complaints  which,  at  other  periods,  would 
have  terminated  favorably,  often  acquire  a fatal  violence  from 
the  irritable  condition  of  the  system.  The  occurrence  of  convul- 
sions from  difficult  dentition  is  common,  and  nothing  tends 
more  to  favor  their  occurrence  than  improper  diet  or  overload- 
ing the  stomach.  Various  eruptions  on  the  skin  are  frequently 
associated  with  teething.  Infants  are  also  liable  at  this  period 
to  a peculiar  croupy  affection,  attended  with  extremely  difficult 
respiration.  Fever  is,  upon  the  whole,  the  most  common  sym- 
pathetic affection  of  difficult  teething.  It  seldom,  however, 
assumes  a vehement  character. 

During  teething  the  diet  should  be  as  mild  and  simple  as 
possible.  If  the  nurse  has  plenty  of  milk  nothing  but  it  should 
be  allowed  until  all  the  incisors  at  least  are  protruded.  Should 
artificial  nourishment  be  necessary,  use  a simple  mixture  of  milk 
and  water  or  some  one  of  the  artificial  foods.  Regular  exercise 
in  the  open  air  is  of  great  utility  during  dentition.  The  head 
ought  to  be  kept  cool,  and,  during  warm  weather,  no  caps  should 
be  worn. 

DIABETES. 

Diabetic  affections  are  more  common  among  children  than 
is  supposed,  but  seldom  occur  after  the  second  year. 

Symptoms . — In  the  commencement  of  the  disease  the 
child  becomes  languid  and  fretful ; in  a short  time  it  begins  to 
fall  off  in  flesh,  while  the  skin  becomes  dry,  hard,  and  flabby ; as 
the  disease  advances,  the  bowels  get  disordered,  and  the  tongue 
is  covered  with  a white  fur,  or  thick,  transparent  mucus  ; the 
abdomen  also  becomes  distended  and  tense,  and,  in  the  more  ad- 
vanced stage  of  the  disease,  the  brain  is  generally  more  or  less 
affected.  The  most  remarkable  symptom,  however,  is  the  inor- 
dinate discharge  of  urine. 

Treatment . — In  treating  this  disease  the  same  principles 
are  to  be  observed  as  in  treating  adults.  (See  page  139.)  Where 
the  urine  is  clearly  saccharine,  an  animal  diet  should  be  substi- 
tuted for  the  usual  farinaceous  or  milk  diet.  If  febrile  symptoms 
are  present,  give  mild  aperients,  and  the  occasional  use  of  the 
warm  bath.  Opiates  are  often  decidedly  beneficial.  To  a child 


CHILDREN  AND  THEIR  DISEASES. 


807 


between  one  and  two  years  old,  a grain  of  Dover’s  powder  may  be 
given  two  or  three  times  daily.  In  cases  where  the  urine  is 
not  sweet,  small  doses  of  the  bicarbonate  of  soda,  in  union  with 
two  or  three  grains  of  the  bicarbonate  of  iron,  may  be  advan- 
tageously employed.  A turpentine  plaster  laid  over  the  regions 
of  the  kidneys  has  been  found  of  service  in  infantile  diabetes. 
Where  the  digestive  powers  are  good,  beef  tea,  or  weak  chicken 
broth,  mixed  with  the  usual  farinaceous  substances,  or  a portion 
of  milk,  may  be  given  for  diet.  The  state  of  the  gums  should 
be  particularly  attended  to  while  the  child  is  laboring  under 
this  affection. 

ERYSIPELAS. 

Infants  are  liable  to  this  inflammation  within  a few  days 
after  birth. 

Symptoms. — It  generally  commences  on  the  lower  parts 
of  the  body,  in  the  form  of  a small,  red  blotch,  which  gradually 
spreads  over  the  abdomen  and  the  thighs,  presenting  a swollen, 
dark  red  surface.  In  most  cases,  soon  after  inflammation  is  es- 
tablished, vesicles  make  their  appearance,  and  the  disease  soon 
reaches  a dangerous  condition,  the  tendency  to  suppuration  and 
gangrene  being  very  great. 

Treatment. — On  the  first  appearance  of  inflammation, 
wrap  up  the  affected  parts  with  cloths  saturated  with  a strong 
solution  of  the  sulphate  of  soda,  and  cover  with  oiled  silk.  The 
mucilage  of  slippery  elm  bark,  or  grated  potatoes,  applied  will 
check  the  spreading.  If  gangrene  is  indicated,  apply  a poultice 
of  indigo  weed,  or  lotions  of  the  permanganate  of  potash.  In 
inflammation,  give  teaspoonful  doses  of  the  elixir  cinchona  and 
iron,  in  addition  to  the  external  application  of  the  sulphite  of 
soda. 

THRUSH. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  common  diseases  of  infancy.  It  is 
characterized  by  a peculiar  eruption  of  minute  pustules,  and  a 
whitish  incrustation  of  the  tongue. 

Symptoms. — There  are  generally  much  thirst,  restless- 
ness, languor,  acid  and  flatulent  eructations,  loose  and  griping 
stools,  drowsiness,  pain,  difficulty  of  sucking,  and  a copious  flow 
of  saliva  from  the  mouth.  The  stomach  and  bowels  are  almost 
always  prominently  disordered,  and  the  infant  is  apt  to  vomit 
after  taking  anything  into  its  stomach.  The  abdomen  is  often 
sore  to  the  touch,  and  great  difficulty  of  swallowing  is  expo* 


308 


CHILDREN  AND  THEIR  DISEASES. 


rienced.  Feeble  and  sickly  children  scarcely  ever  escape  this 
disease ; children,  also,  who  are  kept  in  crowded  or  ill  ventilated 
apartments  are  especially  liable  to  it. 

Treatment . — The  first  object  is  to  restore  the  healthy 
condition  of  the  stomach  and  bowels.  Where  the  stomach  is 
sour,  and  the  alvine  evacuations  of  a grass-green  color,  from 
three  to  four  grains  of  magnesia  with  two  grains  of  rhubarb,  and 
one  of  powdered  valerian,  may  be  given  every  two  or  three 
hours  until  the  bowels  are  freely  evacuated.  If  there  is  much 
general  irritability  and  restlessness  after  this,  the  tepid  bath, 
followed  by  a drop  or  two  of  laudanum,  should  be  employed. 
The  mucous  membrane  of  the  intestines  is  apt  to  become  irritated 
in  severe  cases.  When  these  symptoms  are  present,  a large 
emollient  poultice  may  be  applied  over  the  abdomen  in  conjunc- 
tion with  the  internal  use  of  minute  portions  of  Dover’s  powder, 
with  a solution  of  gum  arabic  as  drink.  Borax  is  a familiar 
remedy  with  nurses  and  mothers,  as  well  as  with  the  profession. 
It  may  be  used  either  in  form  of  powder,  or  in  solution  ; if  the 
solution  be  used,  a dram  of  the  borax  should  be  dissolved  in  two 
ounces  of  water,  and  applied  to  the  mouth  with  a piece  of  soft 
linen  rag  tied  to  the  extremity  of  a pliable  piece  of  whalebone, 
or  with  a soft  feather.  The  practice  of  forcibly  rubbing  off  the 
eruption  is  extremely  reprehensible  ; for,  when  rubbed  off  in 
this  way,  the  crust  is  soon  renewed  in  an  aggravated  form. 

CANKER. 

( Ulceration  of  the  Mouth.') 

Children  are  liable  to  an  ulcerative  affection  of  the  mouth 
which  is  evidently  distinct  from  the  ordinary  aphthous  eruption. 
It  consists  in  a number  of  small,  ash  colored,  and  excavated 
ulcerations,  with  elevated  edges  situated  about  the  frsenum,  and 
along  the  inferior  margin  of  the  tongue  and  gums  and  on  the 
cheek.  They  usually  commence  in  the  form  of  small,  red, 
slightly  elevated  points,  attended  with  slight  symptoms  of  febrile 
irritation. 

Treatment . — Clean  out  the  bowels  with  a dose  of  magnesia 
and  rhubarb.  A solution  of  ten  grains  of  the  sulphate  of  copper 
in  about  three  teaspoonfuls  of  water,  to  which  four  teaspoonfuls 
of  borax  must  be  added,  may  be  applied  to  the  ulcers  once  or 
twice  daily  by  means  of  a strong  camel’s-hair  pencil.  Solid  food, 
especially  salted  meats  and  fish,  must  be  rigidly  avoided  during 
this  complaint. 


CHILDREN  AND  THEIR  DISEASES. 


309 


COLIC. 

Colic  pains  occur  often  and  with  great  severity  during  the 
first  five  or  six  months  of  infancy.  In  slight  attacks  the  infant 
suddenly  becomes  fretful,  draws  up  its  legs  towards  the  abdo- 
men, whines  or  cries  for  a few  moments,  and  then  resumes  its 
usual  quiet  condition.  After  a very  short  interval,  another 
attack  of  the  same  kind  occurs,  and  again  soon  subsides ; and 
this  goes  on  until  relief  ensues.  In  many  cases,  however,  the 
symptoms  are  much  more  violent : there  is  excessive  and  unap- 
peasable screaming,  violent  kicking,  flushing  of  the  face,  writh- 
ing of  the  body,  and  a distended  and  tense  state  of  the  abdomen. 
In  many  instances,  colic  is  caused  by  overloading  the  delicate 
stomach  of  the  infant  with  artificial  food ; sometimes  by  bad 
milk  ; sometimes  from  the  influence  of  a cold. 

Treatment. — When  there  is  reason  for  believing  that  the 
breast-milk  is  unwholesome,  a change  of  diet  is  necessary.  Using 
a mixture  of  cow’s  milk  and  water,  or  a prepared  artificial  food, 
may  be  tried.  If  the  bowels  are  clogged,  magnesia  is  a good 
remedy  ; it  is  anti-acid  and  purgative.  Use  three  grains  of  mag- 
nesia with  two  grains  of  powdered  valerian.  Give  twice  a day 
until  the  acidity  of  the  stomach  is  removed.  If  this  does  not 
keep  up  a sufficient  action  of  the  bowels,  the  proportion  of  mag- 
nesia should  be  occasionally  increased,  or  a few  grains  of  rhubarb 
added  to  the  powders. 

For  lessening  the  violence  and  duration  of  the  attacks,  the 
following  mixture  is  recommended ; Dissolve  one  dram  of  cam- 
phor in  an  ounce  of  sulphuric  ether ; take  thirty  drops  of  this 
solution,  twenty  grains  of  magnesia,  and  six  drops  of  laudanum, 
and  mix  them  together  with  an  ounce  of  fennel  seed  tea.  Of 
this  mixture,  a teaspoonful  may  be  given  to  an  infant  from  two 
to  six  weeks  old;  and,  if  sufficient  relief  be  not  obtained  in  half 
an  hour,  about  half  a teaspoonful  more  should  be  administered. 
Gentle  friction  with  dry  flannel  over  the  abdomen  is  useful  in 
aiding  the  expulsion  of  the  confined  wind. 

We  must  here  caution  mothers  and  nurses  against  the  com- 
mon but  pernicious  practice  of  administering  large  doses  of  ano- 
dynes or  carminatives  to  infants.  The  habitual  use  of  such 
substances  almost  always  leads  to  very  unfavorable  consequences. 
Under  this  treatment  the  appetite  and  digestive  powers  fail ; the 
body  becomes  emaciated,  and  the  skin  sallow  and  shriveled  ; the 
countenance  acquires  an  expression  of  languor  and  suffering ; 
and  a general  state  of  apathy,  inactivity,  and  indolence  ensues, 
which  will  probably  terminate  in  convulsions,  dropsy  of  the 


310 


CHILDREN  AND  THEIR  DISEASES. 


head,  glandular  swellings,  incurable  jaundice,  or  fatal  exhaustion 
of  the  vital  energies.  All  the  usual  soothing  mixtures  contain 
more  or  less  opium,  and  innumerable  infants  have  been  irretriev- 
ably injured  by  their  employment. 

CONSTIPATION. 

Torpor  of  the  bowels  and  consequent  costiveness  is  of  fre- 
quent occurrence  among  infants.  In  some  instances  the  bowels 
always  require  to  be  excited  by  artificial  means.  In  constitu- 
tional costiveness,  a period  of  from  two  to  four  days  may  inter- 
vene between  stools  without  the  child  receiving  any  great  injury, 
but  it  is  prudent  to  watch  such  symptoms,  especially  where  there 
is  any  tendency  to  convulsive  affections. 

Treatment, — Manna  dissolved  in  warm  water  to  the  con- 
sistency of  a thick  syrup  is  a good  laxative,  in  teaspoonful  doses. 
Cold  pressed  castor  oil  is  an  excellent  laxative  in  ordinary  cases 
of  this  kind ; if  acidity  be  present  magnesia  is  the  appropriate 
laxative.  In  moderate  cases,  the  introduction  of  a soap  sup- 
pository into  the  anus  will  be  of  service. 

VOMITING. 

Vomiting  occurs  more  frequently,  and,  in  general,  with 
much  less  unpleasant  consequences,  during  early  infancy  than 
at  any  other  period  of  life.  It  often  occurs  in  robust  infants 
who  are  over-nourished  immediately  after  they  have  nursed. 
This  is  a simple  effort  of  nature  to  relieve  itself  of  the  superabun- 
dant nourishment  with  which  the  digestive  organs  are  over- 
loaded, yet  we  should  guard  against  overloading  the  infant’s 
stomach. 

Treatment, — Vomiting  connected  with  teething  may  be 
relieved  by  lancing  the  gums,  by  purgatives,  or  by  small  doses 
of  magnesia,  as  the  case  requires.  In  cases  of  vomiting  excited 
by  acidity  of  the  stomach,  repeated  doses  of  limewater  and  milk 
will  be  found  serviceable.  When  the  vomiting  is  excited  by 
some  improper  article  of  food,  a little  warm  water  will  favor 
vomiting  and  bring  relief.  If,  after  the  stomach  has  been  freed 
of  its  offensive  contents,  the  vomiting  does  not  cease,  a few 
drops  of  camphorated  spirit  in  a little  milk  will  generally  pre- 
vent its  recurrence. 

DIARRHOEA. 

Diarrhoea  is  more  common  during  infancy  than  any  other 
period  of  life ; and  it  is  also  more  apt  to  assume  an  unmanage- 


CHILDREN  AND  THEIR  DISEASES. 


311 


able  and  dangerous  character  at  this  period  than  at  a more  ad- 
vanced stage  of  childhood  or  adult  age. 

Causes . — The  exciting  causes  of  this  disease  are  extremely 
various.  Irritating,  crude,  and  inappropriate  articles  of  food 
or  drink  are  a frequent  cause  of  diarrhoea.  Children  who  are 
entirely  nourished  at  the  breast  are  much  less  liable  to  this 
complaint  than  those  nourished  by  artificial  food.  Some  infants 
are  invariably  purged  when  fed  with  cow’s  milk,  even  when 
considerably  diluted  with  water.  Infants  who  are  fed  with 
solid  food  seldom  escape  suffering  more  or  less  diarrhoea.  The 
practice  of  allowing  them  to  eat  potatoes,  meat,  pastry,  dried 
fruit,  and  other  things  of  this  kind  is  particularly  injurious,  and 
often  produces  chronic  diarrhoea.  A high  atmospheric  tempera- 
ture is  frequently  concerned  in  the  production  of  this  complaint ; 
the  occurrence  of  bowel  complaints  among  children  is  compara- 
tively more  frequent  during  the  hot  months  of  summer  than  in 
the  colder  seasons  of  the  year. 

Treatments — Immediate  attention  must  be  paid  to  the 
diet.  Do  not  give  the  child  any  solid  food,  and  especially  keep 
from  it  pastry,  sweetmeats,  and  confectionery.  The  most  ap- 
propriate food  will  be  boiled  milk,  crackers  and  milk,  gruel,  and 
tapioca.  At  the  commencement  of  the  attack  give  a mild  purge 
of  castor  oil  or  syrup  of  rhubarb,  and  use  the  warm  bath.  If 
the  stools  are  sour,  dissolve  a teaspoonful  of  bicarbonate  of  soda 
in  half  a glass  of  water,  and  give  a teaspoonful  every  hour.  An 
excellent  remedy  for  looseness  of  the  bowels  is  tea  made  of 
ground  bayberry.  Sweeten  it  well,  and  give  a half  teaspoonful 
once  in  two  hours,  until  the  child  is  better. 

CHOLERA  INFANTUM. 

(, Summer  Complaint .) 

This  disease  is  common  to  children  of  large  cities,  and  is 
most  frequent  among  those  who  reside  in  small,  crowded,  and 
ill-ventilated  apartments.  It  is  rarely  seen  except  between  the 
ages  of  three  and  twenty-four  months,  seldom  beginning  before 
or  after  dentition. 

Symptoms. — It  usually  begins  with  vomiting  and  purging 
about  the  same  time.  The  tongue,  in  most  instances,  is  slightly 
furred  at  the  beginning  of  the  disease ; but,  after  a few  days,  it 
becomes  dry  and  brown.  The  stools  are  commonly  fluid,  inter- 
mix'ed  with  little  spots  of  green  bile  ; or  as  transparent  as  water. 
The  patient  becomes  immediately  prostrate,  and  emaciates  very 


312 


children  and  their  diseases. 


rapidly.  The  vomiting  and  purging  are  not  always  constant,  but 
sometimes  occur  in  paroxysms,  after  intervals  of  a few  hours ; 
and  in  some  fortunate  cases,  after  a duration  of  five  or  six  hours, 
they  subside  entirely.  There  is  evident  pain,  or  great  uneasiness 
in  the  stomach  and"  bowels.  The  hands  and  feet  are  cold,  the 
skin  of  the  body  and  head  is  hot  and  dry,  and  becomes  shriveled. 
The  eyes  lose  their  luster,  the  eyelids  but  half  cover  them,  the 
nose  becomes  pointed,  the  skin  contracted  upon  it,  while  the  lips 
are  thin  and  shriveled.  In  this  condition  the  child  lies  upon  the 
lap,  or  upon  the  pillow,  apparently  exhausted  and  indisposed  to 
move,  except  when  impelled  to  vomit,  or  cry  for  cold  water, — 
the  only  thing  which  it  is  willing  to  take, — and  this  is  often 
either  thrown  up  instantly  from  the  stomach,  or  suddenly  passed 
off  by  the  bowels.  From  this  state  it  frequently  sinks  into  stupor 
and  insensibility,  and  often  dies  in  convulsions. 

Treatment . — On  the  first  appearance  of  the  disease,  if  pos- 
sible, take  the  child  to  the  open  air  of  a farm  or  small  village. 
A well-ventilated  apartment  in  the  upper  story  of  a house,  if 
not  too  much  heated  by  the  roof,  will  give  children  a much  better 
chance  of  life,  than  the  ground  floor. 

For  the  prevention  of  this  disease,  we  would  urge  mothers 
to  keep  their  houses  clean  and  well  aired ; to  wash  the  whole 
bodies  of  their  children  daily,  or  more  frequently,  with  clean 
tepid  or  cool  water,  changing  their  dress  sufficiently  often  to 
keep  them  cleanly  clad ; to  abstain  from  the  use  of  unripe  or 
unwholesome  fruit  themselves,  and,  by  all  means,  to  prevent 
their  children  from  eating  it.  When  the  gums  appear  swelled, 
and  the  child  is  fretful,  let  the  gums  be  carefully  and  freely 
lanced.  Let  the  child  wear  flannel  next  its  skin,  and  worsted 
stockings  on  its  feet,  even  during  the  summer  season  ; and  when 
it  has  passed  beyond  its  first  year,  let  the  diet  be  regulated 
strictly  on  the  principles  laid  down  under  the  head  of  Weaning. 
These  measures,  if  promptly  adopted,  will  often  cure  the  disease 
without  medicines.  If  vomiting  is  severe,  give  this  mixture : 
Camphor,  one  dram  • sulphuric  ether,  one  ounce  ; mix,  and  give 
ten  drops  every  half  hour.  If  this  fails,  give  the  following: 
Sugar  of  lead,  five  grains ; vinegar,  six  drops  ; loaf  sugar,  three 
drams ; soft  water,  one  ounce.  Mix.  Dose,  a teaspoonful  every 
hour.  When  the  vomiting  has  stopped,  give  the  compound 
syrup  of  rhubarb  and  potassia,  which  will  usually  arrest  the  dis- 
charges. If  the  stools  are  sour,  dark-colored,  and  disagreeable, 
give  the  following : Pulverized  charcoal,  one  and  one-half  drams  ; 
pulverized  rhubarb,  two  scruples  ; pulverized  ipecac,  six  grains : 


CHILDREN  AND  THEIR  DISEASES. 


313 


extract  of  hyoscyamus,  twelve  grains.  Mix,  and  divide  into 
twelve  portions.  Dose,  one  in  every  three  or  four  hours. 

The  following  has  been  found  very  useful : Pulverized  rhu- 
barb, one  scruple ; leptandrin,  ten  grains ; calcined  magnesia, 
two  scruples  ; pulverized  cinnamon,  ten  grains.  Mix.  Dose, 
three  or  four  grains  every  third  hour,  to  a child  of  six  months. 

WORMS. 

Worms  often  are  present  in  early  life  without  any  indica- 
tion of  disease,  caused  mostly  by  dietetic  errors. 

Treatment. — An  injection  composed  of  a teaspoonful  of 
spirits  of  turpentine  mixed  with  a gill  of  milk  is  very  useful ; 
or  give  ten  grains  of  powder  of  pinkroot  night  and  morning. 
Flour  of  sulphur,  taken  in  the  morning  before  breakfast,  has  been 
recommended.  For  further  treatment,  see  article  on  Worms 
(p.  265). 

SORE  EYES. 

(. Purulent  Ophthalmia.') 

The  purulent  ophthalmia  of  infants  generally  commences 
between  the  fourth  and  eighth  day  after  birth.  At  first  the 
eyelids  appear  glued  together.  As  the  disease  proceeds,  the 
swelling  of  the  eyelids  increases,  and  a thick,  purulent  matter 
begins  to  issue  from  the  eyes ; the  child,  at  the  same  time,  be- 
comes very  fretful  and  uneasy,  and  keeps  it  eyes  constantly  and 
firmly  closed.  When  the  inflammation  is  confined  to  the  eye- 
lids, the  disease  seldom  occasions  any  serious  injury  to  the  eye. 
The  cause  of  this  disease  is  some  secretion  of  the  mother  which 
has  come  in  contact  with  the  infant’s  eyes  during  labor.  The  best 
way  to  prevent  this  disease  is  to  wash  the  eyes  in  the  most  care- 
ful manner  after  birth.  This  should  be  done  with  tepid  water, 
and  exercise  care  to  remove  all  the  irritating  matter  which  may 
adhere  to  them.  In  all  instances,  too,  care  should  be  taken  not 
to  expose  the  infant’s  eyes  too  suddenly  and  immediately  to  any 
strong  light. 

Treatment. — Immediate  attention  must  be  given  to  this 
disease.  If  neglected  in  its  early  stages,  the  eye  may  be  per- 
manently injured,  or  perhaps  destroyed.  Keep  the  eyes  clean, 
and  use  the  following  solution  : Alum,  one  grain  ; water,  one 

ounce  ; wash  the  eyes  several  times  a day.  To  prevent  the  eye- 
lids adhering,  rub  a little  glycerine,  or  rosewater  ointment,  along 
the  edge  of  the  lids. 


314 


CHILDREN  AND  THEIR  DISEASES. 


CROUP. 

This  is  an  inflammation  of  the  larynx  and  trachea,  charac- 
terized by  difficult  breathing,  and  a rough,  hoarse  cough,  sound- 
ing as  if  air  was  passing  through  a metallic  tube.  It  usually 
attacks  children  of  from  one  to  three  years  of  age,  and  some- 
times proves  fatal. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  are  first  those  of  a common 
cold,  or  catarrh  ; then  comes  on  a dry  cough,  with  hoarseness 
and  wheezing ; at  night  there  is  restlessness  and  rattling  in  the 
throat,  after  which  the  croupy  crow  and  sound  above  spoken  of 
give  unmistakable  warning  of  the  disease.  The  child,  after 
tossing  restlessly  about,  starts  up  with  a flushed  face,  and  a dis- 
tressing look  of  terror  and  anxiety  ; there  is  a quick  pulse,  and 
agitation  of  the  whole  frame,  which  becomes  covered  with  a pro- 
fuse perspiration.  As  the  struggle  for  breath  proceeds,  there  is 
clutching  at  the  throat,  as  though  to  force  a passage  ; the  arms 
are  thrown  wildly  about,  the  respiration  becomes  more  labored, 
the  rough  cough  more  frequent,  and  characteristic.  There  is 
expectoration  of  viscid  matter,  strangulation  threatens,  and 
eventually  the  child  falls  into  the  sleep  of  exhaustion.  It  will 
probably  wake  up  refreshed,  and  during  the  day  may  appear 
pretty  well ; but  at  night  again  there  will  be  a recurrence  of 
the  attack  with  aggravated  symptoms,  convulsions,  and  spasms 
of  the  glottis.  The  face  is  of  a pale,  leaden  hue  ; a film  comes 
over  the  eyes,  the  pulse  becomes  feeble,  the  powers  of  life  at 
length  succumb,  and  the  patient  sinks  into  a drowsy  stupor, 
which  ends  in  death.  Such  is  the  frequent  course  of  this  pain- 
ful disease,  and  the  changes  from  bad  to  worse  are  so  rapid  that 
there  is  little  time  for  the  operation  of  remedies. 

Treatment. — Confinement  to  the  house  in  case  of  threat- 
ened croup  is  always  advisable,  unless  the  weather  should  be 
very  warm  and  open,  and  then  exposure  after  sundown  should 
be  avoided.  Apply  mustard  poultices  to  the  throat.  Fill  the 
room  with  the  vapor  of  boiling  water, — a large  kettle  on  the 
stove  will  effect  this. 

In  the  paroxysms  emetics  to  cause  full  vomiting  often  have 
a most  beneficial  effect.  Should  the  child  appear  likely  to  sink 
from  exhaustion,  after  vomiting  has  been  produced,  stay  the 
emetics,  and  give  liquor  of  acetate  of  ammonia  twenty  drops, 
with  five  or  ten  drops  of  sal  volatile,  or  the  same  of  brandy  in  a 
little  water,  or  camphor  mixture ; a little  wine  may  also  be 
administered.  In  severe  cases  the  first  endeavor  should  be  to 
obtain  medical  assistance ; but  if  this  cannot  be  procured,  resort 


CHILDREN  AND  THEIR  DISEASES. 


315 


at  once  to  the  best  remedies  obtainable,  using  them  according  to 
the  best  knowledge  and  discretion  available. 

Croup  is  most  likely  to  be  fatal  when  inflammation  com- 
mences in  the  fauces  ; and  this,  if  discovered  in  time,  may  be 
stopped  by  the  application  of  a solution  of  nitrate  of  silver  to  the 
whole  surface  within  sight,  and  to  the  larynx. 

SPASM  OF  THE  GLOTTIS,  OR  CHILD  CROWING. 

This  exhibits  much  the  same  symptoms  as  croup.  It  is 
not,  however,  of  an  inflammatory  character,  but  is  symptomatic 
of  some  other  disease  commonly  coming  on,  as  a result  of  irrita- 
tion caused  by  hydrocephalus,  teething,  worms,  etc.  The  medi- 
cal man  only  can  judge  of  the  probable  cause,  and  he  will  use 
such  remedies  as  are  most  applicable  to  the  peculiarity  of  each 
case. 

Treatment . — The  following  mode  of  treatment  is  recom- 
mended: A sponge  about  the  size  of  a large  fist,  dipped  in  hot 
water,  squeezed  half  dry,  and  applied  instantly  under  the  little 
sufferer’s  chin  over  the  larynx  and  windpipe ; a second  sponge, 
heated  in  the  same  way,  should  be  used  alternately  with  the 
first.  A perseverance  in  this  plan  during  ten  to  twenty  minutes 
produces  a vivid  redness  over  the  whole  front  of  the  throat,  just 
as  if  a strong  sinapism  had  been  applied.  In  the  mean  time  the 
whole  system  feels  the  influence  of  the  treatment ; a warm  per- 
spiration breaks  out,  which  should  be  well  encouraged  by  warm 
drinks,  and  a notable  diminution  takes  place  in  the  frequency 
and  time  of  the  cough,  while  the  hoarseness  almost  disappears, 
and  the  rough,  ringing  sound  of  the  voice  subsides,  along  with 
the  difficulty  of  breathing  and  restlessness ; in  short,  all  danger 
is  over,  and  the  little  patient  again  falls  asleep,  and  awakes  in  the 
morning  without  any  appearance  of  having  suffered  from  so 
dangerous  an  attack.  This  disease  has  been  repeatedly  treated 
on  this  plan,  and  with  the  most  uniform  success.  It  is,  however, 
only  applicable  to  the  very  onset  of  the  disease ; but  it  has  the 
advantage  of  being  simple,  efficient,  and  easily  put  in  practice, 
and  its  effects  are  not  productive  of  the  least  injury  to  the  con- 
stitution. 

SNUFFLES,  OR  COLD  IN  THE  HEAD. 

Children  are  very  liable  to  this  distressing  complaint,  caused 
by  inflammation  of  the  lining  of  the  nose. 

Treatment . — Rubbing  the  nose  with  camphorated  oil, 
goose  grease,  lard,  or  tallow  will  generally  give  relief.  Keep 


316 


CHILDREN  AND  THEIR  DISEASES. 


the  bowels  open  with  a little  castor  oil ; and,  if  the  stoppage  in 
the  nose  is  obstinate,  give  warm  doses  of  catnip,  pennyroyal,  or 
balm  tea. 

WHOOPING  COUGH. 

This  well  known  disease  is  chiefly  confined  to  infancy  and 
children  ; it  occurs  but  once  in  a lifetime.  Its  severity  varies 
greatly;  sometimes  being  so  mild  as  to  be  scarcely  known  from 
a common  cough,  at  others  exhibiting  the  most  distressing  symp- 
toms, and  frequently  causing  death  by  its  violent  and  exhausting 
paroxysms. 

Symptoms. — The  first  symptoms  of  this  cough  are  those 
of  a common  cold ; there  is  restlessness  and  slight  fever,  with 
irritation  in  the  bronchial  passages  ; this  goes  on  gradually  in- 
creasing in  intensity  for  a week  or  ten  days,  and  then  it  begins 
to  assume  the  spasmodic  character.  At  first  the  paroxysms  are 
slight,  and  of  short  duration,  with  a scarcely  perceptible  “ whoop,” 
but  soon  they  become  more  frequent  and  severe ; a succession  of 
violent  expulsive  coughs  is  followed  by  a long  drawn  inspiration, 
in  the  course  of  which  the  peculiar  sound  occurs  which  gives  a 
name  to  the  disease  ; again  come  the  coughs,  and  again  the  in- 
spiration, following  each  other  in  quick  succession,  until  the 
sufferer  is  relieved  by  an  expectoration  of  phlegm  resembling 
the  white  of  an  egg,  or  by  vomiting.  When  the  paroxysm  is 
over,  the  child  generally  resumes  its  play,  or  other  occupation, 
and  frequently  complains  of  being  hungry.  As  the  disease 
proceeds,  the  expectoration  becomes  thicker,  and  is  more 
easily  raised,  and  this  is  a favorable  sign.  The  spasmodic  par- 
oxysms become  less  frequent  and  violent,  and  gradually  cease 
altogether.  The  summer  is  the  most  favorable  time  for  the 
disease.  With  a strong  healthy  child  (when  proper  care  is 
taken),  there  is  little  to  apprehend  from  this  disease,  provided 
it  be  not  complicated  with  others,  such  as  inflammation  of  the 
lungs,  or  any  head  affection  producing  convulsions.  It  then 
proves  a most  dangerous  disease.  With  children  of  full  habit, 
the  fits  of  coughing  often  cause  bleeding  at  the  nose,  but  this 
should  not  be  viewed  with  alarm.  Whooping  cough  is  a very 
serious  malady  for  weakly  children.  That  it  is  contagious  there 
can  be  no  doubt.  We  would  impress  upon  all  our  readers  who 
may  have  the  care  of  infants  that  they  should  exercise  care  to 
protect  their  children  from  this  disease. 

Treatment. — The  severity  of  the  symptoms  may  be  miti- 
gated by  treatment  and  we  may  often  prevent  those  complica- 


CHILDREN  AND  THEIR  DISEASES. 


317 


tions  which  render  it  dangerous.  The  first  effort  should  be  to 
check  any  tendency  to  inflammation  which  may  show  itself ; to 
palliate  urgent  symptoms,  and  stop  the  spasm,  which  is  the  most 
distressing  feature  of  the  disease.  Care  must  be  taken  to  keep 
the  bowels  open  with  some  gentle  aperient,  such  as  rhubarb  and 
magnesia.  An  emetic  should  be  given  about  twice  a week  to 
get  rid  of  the  phlegm.  To  relieve  the  cough,  the  following  mix- 
ture will  be  found  effective  : Tincture  hyoscyamus,  one  dram ; 
tincture  belladonna,  one-half  dram  ; syrup  of  ipecac,  one  ounce  ; 
anise  seed  water,  three  ounces.  Dose,  teaspoonful  every  four 
hours. 

For  night  restlessness,  two  or  three  grains  of  Dover’s  pow- 
ders may  be  taken  at  bedtime  ; this  is  a dose  for  a child  of  three 
years  old.  Mustard  poultices  to  the  throat,  the  chest,  and  be- 
tween the  shoulders  are  often  found  beneficial ; so  is  an  opiate 
liniment  composed  of  compound  camphor  and  soap  liniment,  of 
each  six  drams,  and  four  drams  of  laudanum.  Difficulty  of 
breathing  may  be  sometimes  relieved  by  the  vapor  of  ether  or 
turpentine  diffused  through  the  apartment.  In  the  latter  stages 
of  the  disease,  tonics  are  generally  advisable.  Cod  liver  oil  is 
excellent  after  whooping  cough  ; but  a change  of  air  or  a visit  to 
salt  water  with  a return  to  a generous  diet,  are  the  most  effec- 
tual means  of  restoration  to  health  and  strength. 

CONVULSIONS,  FITS,  AND  SPASMS. 

These  are  the  result  of  some  form  of  irritation  acting  upon 
the  brain  and  nervous  system. 

Treatment . — Domestic  treatment  should  never  be  trusted 
in  such  cases.  Not  a moment  should  be  lost  in  sending  for  a 
physician. 

If  anything  can  be  done  in  the  mean  time,  it  is,  to  evacuate 
the  bowels  by  warm  water  injection,  made  more  active  by  the 
addition  of  castile  soap  and  a pinch  of  salt,  and  to  administer 
the  warm  mustard  bath.  An  important  point,  never  to  be  for- 
gotten in  the  hurry  of  these  cases,  is  to  preserve  the  stools  for 
inspection,  otherwise  the  physician  will  be  deprived  of  a very 
important  source  of  judgment. 

In  cases  of  fits  arising  plainly  from  exhaustion,  there  need 
be  no  hesitation  in  giving  five  drops  of  sal  volatile  in  water.  It 
is  necessary  to  maintain  self-possession. 

In  all  cases,  clear  the  bowels  by  means  of  the  slow  injection 
of  from  a quarter  to  half  a pint  of  warm  soapsuds. 


318 


CHILDREN  AND  THEIR  DISEASES. 


MEASLES. 

This  is  a contagions  disease,  commonly  affecting  children 
and  the  same  individual  but  once. 

Symptoms. — The  first  symptoms  are  chills,  succeeded  by 
heat,  thirst,  and  languor ; then  follows  running  at  the  nose, 
sneezing,  and  coughing ; the  eyes  water  and  become  intolerant  of 
light,  and  the  pulse  is  quickened.  Sometimes  the  symptoms  are 
so  mild  as  to  be  scarcely  noticeable ; but  in  any  case,  at  the  end 
of  the  third  day,  or  a little  later,  an  eruption  of  a dusky  red 
color  appears  on  the  forehead  and  face,  and  then  gradually  over 
the  whole  body.  In  the  early  stage  of  this  eruption  there  is 
little  to  characterize  it,  but  after  a few  hours  it  assumes  the 
peculiar  appearance  which  once  seen  can  never  be  mistaken. 
The  little  red  spots  become  grouped,  as  it  were,  into  crescent- 
shaped patches,  which  are  slightly  elevated  above  the  surface, 
the  surrounding  skin  retaining  its  natural  color.  On  the  third 
day  of  the  eruption  it  begins  to  fade  and  disappear,  accompanied 
by  itching.  The  febrile  symptoms  abate,  leaving  a troublesome 
cough.  Between  exposure  and  the  breaking  out  of  measles, 
there  is  usually  an  interval  of  fourteen  days,  which  is  called  the 
period  of  incubation ; so  that  it  is  not  uncommon,  where  there 
are  several  children  in  a family,  for  the  cases  to  succeed  each 
other. 

This  disease  is  often  rendered  dangerous  by  complications 
with  others  ; so  that  it  frequently  leads  to  fatal  results.  Where 
there  is  a tendency  to  consumption  or  scrofula,  they  are  likely  to 
be  called  into  activity  during  the  debility  which  follows  an 
attack  of  measles. 

Treatment. — Generally  speaking,  for  simple  measles, 
little  medicine  is  required.  Let  the  patient  have  a spare  diet, 
and  a moderately  warm  and  well  ventilated  room,  excluding 
excess  of  light.  Keep  the  bowels  open  with  a dose  of  castor  oil. 
For  the  fever,  tincture  of  aconite  in  drop  doses  every  hour  is 
recommended.  Where  there  is  much  heat  of  the  skin,  sponging 
with  tepid  vinegar  and  water  will  completely  relieve  it,  and  also 
the  itching.  When  the  eruption  has  subsided,  a tepid  bath  is 
proper.  On  the  third  or  fourth  day  after  the  disappearance  of 
the  eruption,  give  a small  dose  of  castor  oil.  Care  should  be 
taken  to  protect  the  patient  against  change  of  weather,  and  to 
restore  the  strength  by  a nourishing  diet.  Attention  should  be 
paid  to  the  cough.  Give  drinks  of  flaxseed  tea  or  slippery  elm, 
made  slightly  acid  with  lemon  juice. 

Sometimes  the  eruption  of  measles  disappears  suddenly — 


CHILDREN  AND  THEIR  DISEASES. 


319 


then  there  is  cause  for  alarm  ; the  patient  should  be  directly  put 
into  a warm  mustard  bath,  and  have  hot  drinks  ; if  the  pulse 
sinks  rapidly  and  there  is  great  prostration  of  strength,  admin- 
ister the  following:  Ten  drops  of  aromatic  spirits  of  ammonia  in 
one-half  an  ounce  of  camphor  mixture  every  hour ; should  the 
prostration  be  very  great,  brandy  and  water  may  be  given. 

MALIGNANT  MEASLES. 

Malignant  measles  is  a variety  which  commences  with  the 
above  symptoms  in  an  aggravated  form  ; the  rash  quickly  assumes 
a livid  hue,  with  dark  red  spots  like  flea-bites ; in  this  form  of 
the  disease  we  have  extreme  debility.  No  time  should  be  lost 
in  procuring  medical  aid. 

Eclectic  Treatment  for  Measles. 

A strong  tea  composed  of  saffron  and  snakeroot  always 
proves  beneficial.  A decoction  of  marshmallow  is  very  good,  as 
are  infusions  of  flaxseed  or  of  elder  flowers.  Whey  and  barley 
water  are  excellent  drinks  in  these  cases.  If  the  patient  is  cos- 
tive, sweeten  with  a little  honey. 

RICKETS. 

This  affection  generally  attacks  children  between  the  ages 
of  nine  months  and  two  years,  and  is  a complaint  in  which  the 
bones  are  deficient  in  earthy  matter,  and  therefore  are  too  soft 
to  support  the  body  and  perform  the  functions  assigned  to  them. 

Treatment. — Cod  liver  oil,  good  nourishing  diet,  change 
of  air  and  sea-bathing.  If  the  season  be  cold,  the  child  ought 
to  be  kept  warm  ; if  the  weather  is  hot,  the  infant  should  be  kept 
cool,  as  sweating  is  apt  to  cause  weakness,  and  too  great  a degree 
of  cold  has  the  same  effect.  The  limbs  should  be  rubbed  fre- 
quently with  a warm  hand. 


CONTAGIOUS 

DISEASES  OF  CHILDREN. 

Signs  and  Symptoms  ok  danger.. 


Every  school  teacher  is  urged  to  give  immediate  personal 
attention  to  any  child  in  the  school  who  may  appear  ill,  or  who 
complains  of  feeling  unwell.  In  such  a case  the  teacher  should 
especially  note  if  there  is  present  any  one  or  more  of  the  follow- 
ing symptoms : — 

1.  Increased  temperature  of  the  child’s  body,  discovered  by 
the  teacher  placing  his  hand  upon  the  sick  child’s  skin,  particu- 
larly on  the  chest,  armpit,  face,  or  forehead. 

2.  Quickening  of  the  pulse,  measured  by  the  aid  of  a watch. 

3.  Shivering.  Increased  or  exaggerated  sweating,  not  being 
the  after  result  of  exercise,  etc. 

4.  Great  thirst,  with  loss  of  appetite. 

5.  Tongue  more  or  less  white,  dry,  or  red. 

6.  A flushed  or  pallid  face. 

7.  Increased  or  diminished  brilliancy  of  the  eye. 

8.  General  weariness  and  indisposition ; sense  of  fatigue 
with  aching  in  the  loins ; headache ; drowsiness  or  excitement ; 
delirium. 

The  majority  of  the  above  named  symptoms  will  almost 
invariably  indicate  the  presence  of  a febrile  state. 

INFECTIOUS  FEBRILE  DISEASES. 

Small-pox  is  rarely  found  in  those  schools  where  vaccination 
is  enforced,  as  the  majority  of  vaccinated  children  have  not  yet 
lost  the  protective  influence  of  primary  vaccination.  Whenever 
possible  all  the  children  over  ten  years  should  be  revaccinated, 
especially  in  times  of  epidemic  small-pox.  The  popular  asser- 
tion, that,  during  epidemics  of  small-pox,  revaccination  tends 
further  to  develop  small-pox,  is  absolutely  false. 

Small-pox  sets  in  with  fever,  vomiting,  and  pains  in  the  loins. 
After  not  less  than  two  days,  but  most  frequently  on  the  third 
day  of  the  illness,  there  appears — commencing  on  the  face — an 
eruption  of  raised  spots,  more  or  less  numerous,  which  pass  later 

320 


CHILDREN  AND  THEIR  DISEASES. 


321 


into  pimples  or  pustules,  having  a depressed  or  navel-like  center. 
These  spots  terminate  in  scabs,  which  should  have  completely 
disappeared  before  the  child  is  allowed  to  return  to  school. 
Before  re-admission  to  the  school  the  child  should  have  had  two 
or  three  baths. 

Chicken  Pox  is  a mild  disease,  occasionally  preceded  by  fever. 
It  is  characterized  by  successive  crops  of  blebs , preceded  by  red- 
colored  spots,  each  new  crop  being  apt  to  appear  towards  even- 
ing, and  is  generally  accompanied  with  some  accession  of  slight 
fever.  Chicken  Pox  is  characterized  by  pea-sized  blebs,  or  blisters, 
filled  with  a transparent  watery  liquid,  which  soon  becomes 
thick,  muddy,  or  bloody,  and  terminates  with  scabs.  Where 
the  spots  on  the  body  are  neither  numerous  nor  well  marked,  the 
eruption  is  invariably  observed  among  the  hair  of  the  head. 

Measles  is  ushered  in  with  general  indisposition,  fever, 
sneezing,  weeping,  and  redeyes,  loud,  noisy  cough;  occasionally 
there  may  be  bleeding  from  the  nose  and  passing  diarrhoea. 
After  three  or  four  days’  illness,  sometimes  sooner,  an  eruption 
shows  itself,  first  on  the  chin  and  face  in  small,  irregular,  rose- 
red  spots,  slightly  elevated,  which  soon  spread  over  the  surface 
of  the  body,  leaving  more  or  less  pale,  irregular  patches  of  skin 
unattacked.  The  complaint  is  highly  contagious.  Children 
with  measles,  when  kept  at  home,  and  not  exposed  to  the  chance 
of  catching  cold,  generally  do  well. 

Scarlet  Fever  commences  with  general  indisposition,  high 
fever,  a dry,  burning  skin,  pains  about  the  throat,  and  vomiting. 
Generally  toward  the  end  of  the  first  day’s  illness,  sometimes 
even  at  the  very  outset,  a child,  but  a few  minutes  before  in 
apparent  good  health,  presents  itself  with  a raspberry  red  blush 
or  rash,  which  may  either  cover  the  body  completely  or  else 
appear  here  and  there  in  patches.  The  face,  the  interior  of  the 
thighs,  the  groins,  and  the  neighborhood  of  the  joints  are  fa- 
vored situations  for  the  rash. 

Sometimes  the  disease  is  singularly  mild;  other  times  ex- 
ceedingly virulent.  Sometimes  it  is  so  mild  that  its  presence  is 
not  suspected  until  the  skin  begins  to  peel,  a process  notably 
observed  on  the  hands  and  feet.  Frequently  the  joints,  par- 
ticularly the  wrists,  suffer  pains  analogous  to  those  of  rheuma- 
tism. Scarlet  fever  is  an  extremely  contagious  disease ; and 
while  after  ten  days’  isolation  and  the  use  of  a bath  at  the  close, 
a child  convalescent  from  measles  may  be  allowed  to  associate 
with  others,  not  less  than  six  weeks’  isolation  is  required  to 
exhaust  the  communicability  of  a case  of  scarlet  fever. 


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CHILDREN  AND  THEIR  DISEASES. 


Mumps  may  come  on  suddenly,  or  else  be  preceded  by  a 
few  days  of  general  indisposition,  occasionally  high  fever.  A 
feeling  of  stiffness  about  the  jaws  is  soon  followed  by  swelling  at 
the  back  of  the  lower  jaw  or  underneath  it.  The  swelling  con- 
tains no  fluid  ; dental  pain  is  absent.  Generally  first  one  side 
of  the  jaw  is  attacked  and  then  the  other ; it  is  rare  for  both 
sides  to  suffer  simultaneously. 

Ulcerative  or  Gangrenous  Stomatitis  is  a contagious  disease. 
Its  invasion  may  be  preceded  by  general  indisposition,  usually 
unattended  with  fever.  Grayish  bleeding  ulcers,  tending  to 
spread  in  extent  and  depth,  attack  the  edge  of  the  gums,  the 
inner  side  of  the  cheeks  and  lips,  and  the  roof  of  the  hard  and 
soft  palates,  accompanied  with  an  extremely  fetid  breath. 

Diphtheritic  Sore  Throat  or  Croup  is  eminently  contagious. 
Its  approach  is  insidious,  often  commencing  with  some  difficulty 
in  swallowing  and  slight  hoarseness.  Possibly  the  glands  at  the 
back  of  the  angle  of  the  jaw  swell,  which  in  serious  cases  ex- 
tends to  the  neighboring  structures  of  the  neck.  At  other 
times  these  symptoms  occur  subsequent  to  a swelling  about  the 
nostrils,  with  more  or  less  copious  discharge,  indicating  that  the 
nasal  membranes  have  been  seized  prior  to  those  in  the  throat. 
Cough,  if  any,  is  faint  and  muffled;  the  voice  is  hoarse  and 
smothered. 

With  a spoon  press  down  the  child’s  tongue,  and  note  if 
there  be  any  appearance  about  the  tonsils  and  the  soft  palate  of 
a skin  or  leather-like  membrane,  which  may  be  grayish  or 
whitish,  or  even  blackened  by  vitiated  blood.  This  false  mem- 
brane, which  characterizes  the  disease,  is  prone  to  spread  over 
the  neighboring  parts,  notably  reaching  downward  into  the 
windpipe.  This  diphtheritic  croup  must  not  be  confounded  with 
false  or  spasmodic  croup. 

False  Croup. — The  child  has  generally  been  perfectly  well 
during  the  day  preceding  the  night  on  which  it  suddenly  wakes 
up  all  at  once  ill  with  alarming  signs  of  threatening  suffocation, 
attended  with  loud  clamorous  coughing  and  a clear  voice. 
Here  no  false  membrane  is  present  in  the  throat,  nor  are  the 
glands  about  the  jaw  swollen.  False  croup  is  generally  mild, 
and  is  not  contagious. 

Dysentery  may  be  contagious.  It  is  distinguished  by  a fre- 
quent, sometimes  a continual,  desire  to  seek  relief  in  the  closet, 
where  in  spite  even  of  severe  straining  the  child  succeeds  in 
passing  only  a little  slime  or  mucus,  often  colored  by  small 
quantities  of  blood.  General  indisposition  and  colicky  pains  in 


CHILDREN  AND  THELR  DISEASES. 


323 


the  abdomen  soon  compel  the  child  with  dysentery  to  leave  the 
school.  To  stop  infection,  no  child  suffering  with  dysentery 
should  be  allowed  to  use  the  general  school  water  or  other 
closet.  Dysentery  is  not  to  be  confounded  with  diarrhoea,  where 
there  are  more  or  less  frequent  liquid  motions. 

Typhoid  Fever  is  infectious,  and  is  apt  to  set  in  with  ill- 
defined  signs.  For  some  days  the  child  may  have  lost  its  appe- 
tite and  its  general  energy.  Then  the  fever  is  next  ushered  in 
with  pain,  noises,  and  confusion  in  the  head  ; the  hearing  becomes 
obtuse ; giddiness  occurs,  with  great  difficulty  to  keep  any  up- 
right position.  There  is  often  bleeding  from  the  nose  and  swell- 
ing of  the  abdomen,  with  some  diarrhoea.  The  skin  is  dry, 
parched,  and  hot ; the  tongue  foul,  with  red  tip  and  sides.  How- 
ever, the  child  before  this  has  been  compelled  by  its  state  of 
indisposition  to  cease  attending  the  school. 

Whooping  Cough  is  eminently  contagious.  The  child  may 
be  noticed  to  have  had  during  one  or  more  weeks  occasional  but 
violent  fits  of  coughing,  which  are  most  frequent  during  the 
night.  If  no  complication  be  present,  there  is  practically  no 
cough  between  these  spasmodic  attacks.  Usually  a short  feeling 
of  general  indisposition  precedes  the  attack,  during  which  the 
child  in  vain  struggles  to  suppress  the  cough,  a violent  series  of 
successive  throbs  almost  threatening  suffocation.  At  this  epoch 
a few  deep  drawings-in  of  the  breath  are  followed  by  a whistling 
and  almost  convulsive  inspiration,  which  may  again  be  succeeded 
by  boisterous  coughing.  Then  in  most  cases,  after  a brief  moment’s 
repose,  a second  but  a less  severe  and  a shorter  onslaught  than 
the  first  is  noticed.  Lastly,  the  fit  is  terminated  by  the  child’s 
partly  spitting  and  partly  swallowing  some  thick  mucus,  often 
at  the  same  time  vomiting  up  any  matter  present  in  the  stomach. 

The  time  occupied  by  these  seizures  to  their  termination 
by  expectoration  varies  from  sixteen  seconds  to  a couple  of 
minutes. 

Owing  to  the  grave  and  fatal  complications  often  associated 
even  with  apparently  mild  cases  of  whooping  cough,  most  espe- 
cially in  very  young  children,  immediate  isolation  of  the  sufferer 
from  its  schoolfellows  is  necessary. 

OPHTHALMIA. 

Both  catarrhal  and  purulent  ophthalmia  are  highly  con- 
tagious at  all  ages,  but  especially  in  very  young  children,  and 
the  last  named  disease  may  cause  the  loss  of  one  or  both  eyes. 


324 


CHILDREN  AND  THEIR  DISEASES. 


The  eyes  and  their  lids  become  red,  swollen,  and  bathed 
with  a discharge  often  more  or  less  offensive. 

CONTAGIOUS  PARASITIC  DISEASES. 

Itch  is  characterized  by  the  appearance  of  minute,  transpar- 
ent vesicles,  which  occasion  the  most  lively  itching,  particularly 
at  night  time.  The  spaces  between  the  toes  and  fingers,  and  the 
wrists,  are  most  liable  to  invasion.  The  child’s  frequent  scratch- 
ing soon  converts  the  rash  into  scabs,  in  which  condition  the 
disease  will  frequently  first  be  noticed  by  the  teacher. 

The  itch  is  caused  by  an  insect  (Acarus  scabei  or  Sarcoptes ) 
which  is  nocturnal  in  its  habits  and  movements.  Though  highly 
contagious,  the  itch  can  be  cured  in  a few  hours. 

Crusted  Ringworm , or  Tinea  Favosa,  is  caused  by  a vegetable 
parasite  frequenting  the  scalp,  although  it  may  visit  other  parts 
of  the  body  which  are  covered  with  hair  or  down.  The  hair 
becomes  thin  and  fragile,  with  loss  of  its  original  color ; then 
follow  irregular,  unequal,  puckered,  crust-like,  yellowish  scabs, 
which  may  be  single  or  may  cover  the  entire  scalp.  The  scabby 
flakes  in  drying  and  dying  crumble  to  minute  fragments,  and  as 
dust,  propagate  and  disseminate  the  disease.  Itching  being  fre- 
quent in  scalp  ringworm,  the  child’s  scratching  increases  the 
destruction  and  pulverization  of  the  scab,  and  thus  increases  the 
chances  of  contagion  to  others. 

The  heads  of  such  children  as  suffer  from  the  disease  have 
a peculiar  fetid  odor.  Till  cured,  every  child  suffering  from 
favus  should  be  separated  from  its  schoolmates,  and  only  be 
readmitted  on  presenting  a proper  medical  certificate. 

Common  Ringworm  ( Tinea  Tonsurans ) is  very  contagious, 
making  itself  manifest  in  the  hair  of  the  head,  which  becomes 
thinner,  more  fragile,  less  colored  than  the  surrounding  hairs. 
The  affected  hairs  are  apt  to  turn  reddish  or  ashy-gray ; they 
seem  as  if  evenly  and  artificially  clipped  off  at  a distance  of  say 
1-14  to  & of  an  inch  above  the  level  of  the  outer  layer  of  the  skin. 
The  surface  of  the  patches  is  rough,  irregular,  shaggy,  covered 
with  a grayish,  scurfy  powder  of  a slightly  bluish  tinge.  The 
diseased  places  may  be  one  or  more  in  number ; the  form  is 
circular,  varying  in  size  from  that  of  a silver  quarter  to  a dollar. 
By  the  fusing  together  of  several  of  such  parasitically  affected 
localities,  the  greater  portion  of  the  scalp  may  become  affected. 

Ringworm  with  Baldness  of  Scalp  ( Tinea  Decalvans ). — This 
contagious  complaint  is  known  by  defined  patches  naked  of  all 
traces  of  hair,  having  a glistening  ivory  whiteness  not  unlike  a 


CHILDREN  AND  THEIR  DISEASES. 


325 


scar  without  depression.  Their  sizes  vary  from  that  of  a silver 
threepenny-piece  upward. 

Previous  to  the  loss  of  hair  there  may  have  been  consider- 
able itching.  The  eyelids  and  other  parts  of  the  body  covered 
with  hair  or  down  may  also  suffer  from  the  vegetable  parasite 
causing  the  disease.  In  children  and  adults  with  thick  hair  this 
disease  may  remain  long  undetected. 


FELONS. 

Oil  of  origanum  is  an  infallible  cure  for  a felon  in  all  of  its 
stages  ; cures  the  worst  cases. 

Apply  frequently  and  freely,  soaking  the  felon  in  it  and 
wrapping  cloths  saturated  with  the  remedy  around  the  affected 
part. 


This  remedy  has  been  in  private  use  many  years,  and  is  handed  us  by  Rev. 
J.  W.  Cole,  of  Northampton,  Mass.,  but  too  late  to  place  it  in  its  alphabetical 
place. 

/ 


KEELEY  CURE. 


THE 

BICHLORIDE  OF  GOLD  TREATMENT. 

• oa *<■» 

BY  CHAUNCEY  F.  CHAPMAN,  M.D.,  PH.G. 

CLINICAL  INSTRUCTOR  IN  MEDICINE, 
COLLEGE  OF  PHYSICIANS  AND  SURGEONS  OF  CHICAGO, 

MEMBER  CHICAGO  PATHOLOGICAL  SOCIETY. 


Within  a comparatively  short  period  of  time  a new  prophet 
has  appeared  among  us,  differing  from  the  scriptural  injunction 
in  that  he  is  without  honor  except  in  his  country,  and  the  daily 
press  has  teemed  with  fulsome  adulation  of  the  philanthropic 
gentleman  who  giving  homeopathic  doses  of  a hypothetical  com- 
pound of  gold  to  his  fatuously  deluded  patients,  extracts  from 
them  filthy  lucre  in  allopathic  masses. 

Even  from  the  pulpit  has  praise  been  declared,  and  minis- 
ters of  the  gospel  have  announced  this  new  dispensation,  a 
regeneration  neither  of  the  spirit  nor  of  water,  but  of  gold,  and 
yet  not  of  honest  gold,  but  an  illegitimate  vanity,  for  I need  not 
tell  you  that  chemically  speaking  gold  has  the  following  quantiv- 
alence,  to  wit : One  and  three,  and  therefore  while  we  can  have 
a gold  mono-  and  tri-  chloride,  a bichloride  is  an  impossibility. 

On  every  hand  men  have  been  pointed  out  to  us  as  having 
been  plucked  from  the  burning,  and  attention  has  been  called 
to  families  whose  hearthstones  have  been  saved  from  ruin,  by 
the  angel  of  the  auriferous  shrine  at  Dwight.  On  the  other  hand 
on  account  of  this  cure  being  a secret  nostrum  the  regular  med- 
ical profession  has  refused  to  recognize  it,  and  on  account  of  the 
questionable  advertising  methods  resorted  to  by  its  high  priests 
and  followers  many  of  the  laitv  have  condemned  it.  Thus  on 


THE  BICHLORIDE  OF  GOLD  TREATMENT. 


m 


the  one  hand  it  has  been  declared  miraculous  and  infallible, 
while  on  the  other  hand  it  has  been  treated  either  with  silent 
contempt  or  with  open  condemnation.  Being  determined  to  find 
out  something  definite  about  the  matter,  I obtained  a position  as 
physician  to  a gold  cure  sanitarium  at  a distance  from  Chicago, 
and  have  carefully  studied  the  cure.  As  I have  had  personal 
experience  in  treating  about  300  cases,  both  in  and  out  of  the 
aforesaid  sanitarium,  I feel  that  I am  prepared  to  give  you  the 
formulary  of  the  gold  treatment,  which  is  almost  if  not  quite 
the  same  in  all  of  these  institutes,  as  follows : — 

No.  1.  Tonic.  Known  in  the  institutes  as  the  “dope.” 


ft  Aurii  et  Sodii  chlorid gr.  xii. 

Strychnias  nitr  gr.  i. 

Atrophe  sulp gr.  ^ 

Ammonii  muriat  gr.  vi. 

Aloin gr.  i. 

Hydrastin gr.  ii. 

Glycerini § i. 

Ext.  fid.  Cinchon.  comp § iii. 

Ext.  fid.  Coca.  Erythrox § i. 

Aquae  dest 5 i. 

M.  S.  1 dram  at  7,  9,  11,  a.m.,  at  1,  3,  5,  7,  9,  p.m. 

No.  2.  The  injection  known  in  the  institutes  as  the  “ shot.” 

ft  Strychniae  nitr gr.  9 1-10 

Aquae  destill,  ad oz.  4 

Potass,  permangan.  q.  s.  to  color. 

Misce  : Sig.  Begin  with  gtt.  5,  which  equals  gr.  1-40,  and 
increase  one  drop  each  injection  until  the  physiological  effect  is 
produced.  Four  hypodermic  injections  to  be  given  daily,  beginning 
at  8 a.m.,  then  at  12  m.,  4 p.m.  and  8 p.m. 

No.  3.  Used  with  No.  2. 

ft  Aurii  et  Sodii  chlorid gr.  2)£ 

Aquae  destill ad  oz.  1 

Misce  : Sig.  gtt.  3,  every  four  hours,  in  combination  with  the 
strychnine  solution,  for  the  first  four  days. 


This  last  prescription  is  used  only  for  the  moral  effect,  which 
is  produced  in  the  following  manner:  Five  drops  of  the  strych- 

nine solution  are  drawn  into  the  syringe,  and  then  three  drops 
of  the  gold  solution  are  drawn  in  and  mixed.  This  produces  a 
golden  yellow  color,  to  which  attention  is  called,  and  the  patient 
is  farther  assured  as  to  the  reality  of  the  presence  of  the  gold  by 
the  stain  left  on  the  skin  after  the  hypodermic  needle  has  been 
removed. 


328 


THE  BICHLORIDE  OF  GOLD  TREATMENT. 


Iii  regard  to  the  disease  itself,  its  importance  as  a factor  of 
death  and  ruin  has  been  an  important  element  in  popularizing 
the  cure.  I feel  safe  in  saying  there  is  no  enemy  more  potent 
for  injury  to  the  great  superstructure  of  civilization  than  drunk- 
enness. War,  famine,  pestilence,  and  even  the  “social  evil  ” 
sink  into  comparative  insignificance  beside  the  demoniacal  power 
of  rum.  Murder,  arson,  rape,  acute  and  chronic  inflammations, 
scleroses,  ruin,  and  death  ail  follow  in  its  wake,  therefore  the 
great  mass  of  the  people  are  ready  to  hail  as  a savior  any  one 
who  would  propose  a certain  cure  for  this  dreaded  disease,  more 
potent  than  Asiatic  cholera,  more  far  reaching  than  yellow  fever, 
and  the  principal  purveyor  to  the  insane  asylums.  There  is  no 
necessity  of  entering  into  a discussion  as  regards  the  classifica- 
tion of  inebriety.  It  is  a disease,  a pathological  condition,  and 
in  the  new  psycho-neuro-pathology  is  placed  in  the  group  of  dis- 
turbances of  mental  equilibrium  known  as  “ psychokinesia,”  or 
states  of  defective  inhibition,  and  generically  termed  “ dipso- 
mania.” We  recognize  drunkenness  then  as  a disease,  an  extra 
physiological  condition  connected  with  that  wondrous  web  of 
nerve  cell  and  fiber,  wherein  take  place  those  activities  which 
underlie  the  conscious  states  we  term  mind. 

Drunkenness  then  being  a disease,  we  naturally  look  for  a 
cure  ; being  a disease  of  the  nervous  system  we  tend  our  energies 
in  that  direction,  using  specific  therapeutic  reagents ; and  as  the 
maintenance  of  the  physiological  equilibrium  of  the  nervous  sys- 
tem depends  on  a healthy  condition  of  the  gross  economy,  we 
give  general  constitutional  treatment,  improving  the  patient’s 
general  tone,  stimulating  and  strengthening  his  nervous  mechan- 
ism, and  surrounding  him  with  such  moral  influences  as  will 
tend  to  reinforce  his  enfeebled  volition.  Of  the  drugs  men- 
tioned in  the  formula  above  quoted,  I believe  strychnine  and 
atropine  are  almost  specific.  Strychnine  is  recognized  as  a most 
valuable  neurotonic,  and  atropine  seems  to  have  a special  apti- 
tude in  decreasing  the  appetite  for  alcohol.  I have  experimented 
on  my  own  person  with  atropine  alone,  and  after  getting  the 
system  under  the  effects  of  this  substance,  with  mouth,  throat, 
and  fauces  dry,  a drink  of  whisky  becomes  absolutely  unpleasant, 
nay  even  painful.  The  functions  of  the  terminal  gustatory 
bulbs  seem  to  be  perverted,  but  even  following  this,  the  second- 
ary or  systemic  effects  of  the  liquor  are  no  longer  agreeable. 

In  one  individual,  a mild  whisky-drinker,  I saw  a well-pro- 
nounced dislike  for  liquor  induced  by  the  use  of  atropine  alone. 
I have  to  sp^ak  here  of  the  fact  that  there  are  two  classes  of 


THE  BICHLORIDE  OF  GOLD  TREATMENT. 


829 


patients  who  come  for  treatment  to  these  institutes.  The  first 
class  comprises  patients  having  a strong  desire  to  be  cured,  who 
will  follow  implicitly  and  with  the  utmost  confidence  all  direc- 
tions given,  firmly  believing  in  the  efficacy  of  the  cure  ; the  sec- 
ond class  comprises  a large  number  of  patients  who  are  brought 
or  forced  to  come  for  treatment  against  their  own  will  and  in- 
clination. These  individuals  are  skeptical  and  unbelievers. 
They  will  follow  directions  given,  but  ridicule  the  idea  that  any 
treatment  can  produce  in  them  a dislike  for  liquor.  After  the 
appetite  for  liquor  in  these  cases  has  been  practically  decreased, 
they  will  however  force  themselves  to  swallow  the  now  “ fiery 
and  nauseating”  fluid  in  order  to  show  the  fallacy  of  the  cure. 
In  these  people  a positive  disgust  is  in  almost,  if  not  in  every, 
instance  produced  in  the  following  manner  : The  patient  is  given 
a drink  of  whisky,  then  the  so-called  bichloride  of  gold  solution, 
really  a solution  of  strychnine,  is  injected  in  his  arm,  but  at  the 
same  time,  and  without  his  knowledge,  he  receives  one-tenth 
grain  of  apomorphine.  It  takes  but  a comparatively  short  time 
for  the  emetic  to  produce  its  effects,  more  or  less  violent  emesis 
is  produced,  and  the  patient,  soon  associating  the  in-taking  of 
whisky  with  the  subsequent  disagreeable  and  sickening  vomiting, 
acquires  a positive  disgust  for  the  liquor  and  is  not  able  to  keep 
any  on  his  stomach.  Now  he  acknowledges  the  wonderful  power 
of  the  hypothetical  gold  compound,  and  surrenders  uncondition- 
ally. He  is  converted,  and,  from  an  unbelieving  scoffer,  he  is 
changed  into  a disciple  and  supporter  of  the  Prophet.  These  are 
the  cases  that  are  the  most  widely  advertised  and  that  have  done 
the  most  good  for  the  “ Keeley  Institute”  folks. 

In  this  connection  I would  call  your  attention  to  the  very 
large  doses  of  strychnine  employed.  I have  myself  unhesitat- 
ingly exhibited  hypodermatically  one-eighth  grain  four  times  a day, 
in  addition  to  the  one  forty-eighth  grain  given  every  two  hours, 
by  the  mouth,  until  eight  doses  have  been  given  in  the  day. 
This  maximum  dose  is  gradually  but  rapidly  reached,  beginning 
with  one-fortieth  grain  hypodermatically,  until  the  effects  of  the 
drug  become  manifest,  when  the  dose  is  gradually  decreased. 
In  a number  of  cases  I have  seen  the  effects  of  the  strychnine 
pushed  to  a remarkable  degree,  until  the  entire  muscular  system 
of  the  man  would  be  in  a continual  state  of  tremor,  until,  when 
on  putting  the  heel  rather  suddenly  and  firmly  on  the  ground, 
more  or  less  opisthotonos  would  occur,  and  in  certain  cases  I 
have  seen  this  condition  so  well  marked  that  antidotes  would 
have  to  be  exhibited,  the  drug  habitually  used  being  chloral 


330 


THE  BICHLORIDE  OF  GOLD  TREATMENT. 


hydrate.  And  here  I would  notice  certain  dangers  and  defects 
in  the  Keeley  treatment.  In  these  places  the  attending  physi- 
cians are  in  ignorance  of  the  composition  of  the  medicinal  solutions 
they  are  using,  and  all  patients  are  treated  exactly  alike  without 
regard  to  personal  or  individual  idiosyncrasies.  This  is  very 
wrong,  each  patient  must  be  carefully  studied  as  an  individual, 
his  psychical  and  physical  idiosyncrasies  and  condition  carefully 
noted,  and  both  by  day  and  by  night  he  must  be  under  the 
watchful  care  of  the  physician.  A series  of  doses  that  would 
have  but  little  or  no  effect  on  one  patient  would  almost  kill 
another,  and  then  it  will  not  do  to  depend  entirely  on  the  strych- 
nine and  atropine.  A generous  diet  must  be  given,  baths  plain, 
turkish  or  electric,  massage,  rubbing  with  flesh  brush  or  loofa 
gloves,  and  the  administration  of  maltine,  liquor  potass.,  arsen- 
itis,  combinations  of  iron,  the  hypophoshites,  etc.,  should  be 
taken  into  account.  Not  secondary  in  any  way  is  the  moral 
treatment,  the  arousing  in  him  of  a healthy,  active  interest  in 
himself  and  his  surroundings,  the  awakening  of  his  latent  or 
dormant  manliness,  the  strengthening  of  his  moral  sense,  of  his 
powers  of  volition  ; plenty  of  sleep,  rest,  and  quiet,  a sufficient 
amount  of  muscular  work  to  produce  a healthy  and  pleasant 
fatigue  at  the  close  of  the  day,  all  go  together  in  raising  the 
sick  man,  and  producing  out  of  the  wreck,  God’s  noblest  work, 
a healthy  human  being. 

I am  forced  to  believe  that  properly  used  this  mode  of  treat- 
ment is  valuable  ; that  improperly  conducted  it  is  dangerous, 
and  that  it  is  not  generally  adapted  for  private  practice.  The 
patient  should  be  in  a sanitarium  or  retreat  which  ought  to  be 
situated  in  the  country  with  pleasant  surroundings ; roomy,  airy 
bedrooms,  a good  cuisine,  and  scientific  physicians  in  attendance 
who  will  study  each  patient  as  an  individual  and  carefully  watch 
him  during  the  whole  course  of  treatment,  which  is  usually  about 
three  weeks.  There  should  be  no  secrecy  or  charlatanism  about 
the  treatment.  Each  physician  should  know  exactly  what  he  is 
administering,  and  in  what  amounts,  what  to  expect,  what  con- 
tingencies to  be  prepared  for  and  what  to  avoid.  As  regards  the 
prognosis  we  must  be  guarded. 

The  medical  man  who  will  guarantee  the  cure  of  any  patho- 
logical condition,  no  matter  how  simple,  is  a fraud  and  a quack. 
A man  may  suffer  from  pneumonia  and  recover,  but  we  cannot 
say  that  he  may  not  have  a second  attack  in  the  near  or  distant 
future.  The  patient  should  not  be  released  from  treatment  when 
he  passes  from  under  the  daily  direct  observation  and  care  of  his 


THE  BICHLORIDE  OF  GOLD  TREATMENT. 


331 


physician  when  he  leaves  the  retreat.  Tonics  must  be  contin- 
ued. I have  found  the  elixir  of  iron,  quinine,  and  strychnine 
very  useful,  as  also  the  syrup  of  the  hypophosphites,  and  the 
bitter  tonics.  He  should  receive  directions  as  to  his  daily  life, 
be  warned  to  avoid  all  dissipations  and  excesses,  to  be  regular 
and  temperate  in  all  things,  to  obtain  plenty  of  rest,  and  pay 
strict  attention  to  his  excretory  apparatus,  living  up  to  the  old 
motto,  44  Fear  the  Lord  and  keep  the  bowels  open.”  In  all  cases 
the  nisus  generativus  is  for  the  time  being  below  par.  I believe 
it  is  best  for  these  individuals  not  to  use  tobacco.  There  is 
danger  of  excess  in  the  use  of  the  weed,  its  effects  are  not  good, 
and  it  often  proves  to  be  a material  factor  in  causing  a relapse. 

I would  strongly  impress  upon  my  colleagues  in  the  medical 
profession  the  necessity  of  taking  hold  of  this  special  plan  of 
treatment,  of  studying  and  investigating  it,  and,  if  the  report  be 
favorable,  of  using  it  as  a powerful  lever  of  good,  instead  of  leav- 
ing it  as  it  is,  largely  if  not  entirely  in  the  hands  of  heedless 
empirics.  If  investigation  should  prove  it  without  value,  then 
it  should  be  condemned  and  specific  reasons  given  for  such 
action.  Poorly  educated,  incompetent,  unscientific  men  occupy 
this  field,  and  are  recklessly  and  ignorantly  using  therapeutic 
agents  of  great  strength,  with  disastrous  effects  in  a large  per- 
centage of  cases. 

Let  us  call  your  attention  for  a moment  to  some  details  of 
this  so-called  44  cure.”  In  these  44  Keeley  Institutes,”  in  the 
room  in  which  the  hypodermic  injections  are  given,  three  bottles 
stand  on  the  desk,  filled  with  different  colored  mixtures ; one 
red,  one  white,  and  one  blue.  In  the  44  red  ” bottle  is  the  nitrate 
of  strychnine  solution,  the  44 white”  bottle  contains  the  atropine 
solution,  and  in  the  44  blue  ” bottle  is  the  apomorphine  mixture. 
In  every  case  the  44  red  ” and  44  white  ” solutions  are  used,  but 
where  a patient  is  contumacious  and  refuses  to  surrender,  the 
grand  inquisitor  applies  the  “torture,”  and  in  addition  to  the 
44  red  ” and  44  white  ” liquids  he  exhibits  the  44  blue.”  According 
to  the  jargon  of  the  “graduates”  and  “undergraduates”  such 
a patient  is  described  as  having  received  the  44 barber-pole.” 
Such  a sickening  effect  is  produced  by  this  44  barber-pole,”  or  red, 
white,  and  blue  treatment,  that  after  he  has  received  it  once,  a 
patient  will  be  seized  with  absolute  terror  when  he  sees  the 
operator  reaching  for  the  44  blue  ” bottle. 

In  conclusion,  I desire  +o  state  in  a most  emphatic  manner 
that  the  Keeley  cure  is  a shameless,  barefaced,  money-making 
scheme,  as  practiced,  and  the  men  engaged  in  it  are  totally  de- 


332 


THE  BICHLORIDE  OF  GOLD  TREATMENT. 


void  of  ethical  honor.  Powerful  drugs  are  administered  by 
incompetent  men  who  are  absolutely  ignorant  of  what  materials 
are  being  used  or  in  what  amounts  these  materials  are  being 
given.  You  are  familiar  with  the  long  list  of  fatalities  that  have 
been  reported  following  the  treatment. 

I desire  here  to  reiterate  my  positive  opinion,  however, 
that  properly  and  scientifically  conducted,  good,  results  can  be 
obtained. 

The  two  following  cases  are  selected  for  report  as  being 
typical : — 

Case  I.  Mr.  Blank,  aged  thirty-nine  years,  occupation 
clothing  clerk,  weight  225  pounds.  In  splendid  physical  con- 
dition. This  case  is  one  that  might  be  termed  a periodical 
drunkard.  He  was  brought  to  me  for  treatment  against  his 
will,  by  two  policemen  and  three  hack  drivers.  He  was  very 
much  opposed  to  the  treatment  on  account  of  the  fact  that  he 
had  taken  a course  of  treatment  at  the  Keeley  Institution  at 
Dwight  without  any  benefit  whatever,  his  appetite  for  liquor 
remaining  unchanged.  He  declaimed  loudly  against  all  liquor 
cures,  stating  that  he  had  paid  a very  large  sum  of  money  to 
the  Dwight  Institute  without  receiving  anything  in  return,  and 
that  the  whole  affair  was  a fraud  on  the  face  of  it.  I may  here 
say  that  after  a patient  has  received  a course  of  treatment  in  a 
Retreat  and  has  a relapse,  subsequent  treatment  is  always  more 
difficult.  To  return  to  my  patient,  he  was  in  a drunken,  hilarious 
condition,  but  became  exceedingly  angry  when  he  discovered 
where  he  was,  and  it  took  five  men  to  hold  him  and  prevent 
him  from  injuring  himself  and  others.  I gave  him  a dose  of 
forty  grains  of  sulphonal,  and  after  the  lapse  of  fifteen  minutes 
I exhibited  one-half  a grain  of  morphia  sulphate  hypodermatically. 
This  not  producing  the  desired  effect,  in  about  thirty  minutes 
later  I gave  him  forty  grains  per  orem  of  potassium  bromide 
with  thirty  grains  of  chloral  hydrate.  His  excessively  excitable 
condition  amounting  almost  to  a maniacal  attack,  subsided,  and 
he  slept  soundly  through  the  entire  night,  watched  carefully  by  an 
attendant.  The  course  of  treatment  was  as  follows : He  was 
allowed  to  drink  all  the  whisky  he  desired,  and  a quart  of  liquor 
was  sent  to  his  room.  Beginning  with  the  tonic  at  7 A.  M.,  and 
the  hypodermic  injection  at  8 A.  M.,  he  received  one  injection 
every  four  hours  and  one  dose  of  the  tonic  mixture  every  two 
hours,  until  9 P.  M.  The  physiological  effect  of  the  treatment 
was  not  reached  until  the  end  of  one  fourth  day,  when  he  began 
to  show  unmistakable  signs  of  strychninism. 


THE  BICHLORIDE  OF  GOLD  TREATMENT. 


333 


This  was  one  of  the  cases  that  fought  strongly  against  th** 
treatment  and  forced  himself  to  drink  liquor,  in  spite  of  the  fact, 
afterwards  confessed  by  him,  that  he  had  begun  to  appreciate  a 
certain  amount  of  distaste  for  it.  I therefore  began  to  give  him, 
without  his  knowledge,  one-tenth  of  a grain  of  apomorphine  with 
each  injection,  which  had  the  desired  effect.  I gradually  de- 
creased the  amount  of  strychnine  given  with  each  injection,  but 
kept  up  the  use  of  the  tonic,  and  after  the  eighth  day  he  gave  in, 
and  said  he  could  not  drink  whisky  no  matter  how  much  he 
might  try.  For  three  weeks  I kept  him  on  small  doses  of  the 
injection  and  tonic,  and  discharged  him  recovered.  He  is  now 
under  my  observation  and  declares  he  has  no  desire  for  liquor 
whatever,  although  it  is  now  over  four  months  since  he  was  dis- 
charged from  the  institute.  I shall  continue  to  keep  him  in  view, 
and  shall  watch  his  course  with  interest. 

The  fault  in  connection  with  the  treatment  of  this  gentle- 
man at  Dwight  was  that  he  was  treated  the  same  as  every  other 
one ; he  required  a large  amount  of  strychnine  to  bring  him 
under  its  effects,  small  doses  not  having  any  influence.  This 
condition  I desire  to  accentuate,  as  in  the  next  case  I here  report, 
if  the  same  doses  of  strychnine  had  been  given,  a serious  result 
would  certainly  have  followed. 

Case  II.  Mr.  Blank,  aged  forty-four  years,  weight  125 
pounds,  occupation  hotel  keeper.  He  is  of  a very  nervous 
disposition  and  had  been  drunk  for  over  twenty  years.  He  was 
brought  for  treatment  by  a friend  of  his,  and  was  a very  willing 
patient,  stating  that  he  longed  to  be  cured  from  his  bad  habit. 
I started  him  on  the  usual  treatment,  not  giving  him  as  large 
doses  as  in  Case  I.  In  three  days  he  came  fully  under  the  influ- 
ence of  the  drugs,  and  of  his  own  free  will  stopped  drinking. 
He  was  discharged  at  about  the  same  time  as  Case  I.,  and  has 
not  in  any  way  relapsed. 

He  is  now  and  has  been  since  his  discharge  under  my 
observation,  and  I will  continue  to  watch  him.  During  the 
course  of  his  treatment  he  suffered  from  visual  and  auditory 
hallucinations,  but  these  soon  disappeared,  and  have  not  returned. 
I believe  these  delusions  were  due  to  atropine,  as,  on  reducing 
this  agent,  they  began  to  pass  off. 

Of  the  three  hundred  cases  that  have  been  under  my  care 
to  date,  I know  of  but  two  relapses,  and  I have  followed  up 
nearly  every  case,  both  by  correspondence  and  having  some 
report  to  me  at  various  intervals  of  time.  Of  the  two  relapsing 
cases  one  was  a barber  and  a persistent  gambler.  For  quite  a 


S34 


THE  BICHLORIDE  OF  GOLD  TREATMENT. 


long  time  he  remained  straight,  but  was  rendered  very  uncom- 
fortable by  the  fact  that  his  friends  were  continually  twitting 
him  on  his  being  a “ bichloride  of  gold  ” graduate.  This  annoyed 
him  so  that  he  began  drinking. 

The  second  relapsing  case  was  the  son  of  a saloon  keeper, 
and,  about  a month  after  his  leaving  the  institute,  his  father  pul 
him  attending  bar  in  his  own  saloon,  causing  the  young  fellow’s 


I am  now  treating  here  in  the  city  by  the  treatment  I have 
outlined,  a number  of  these  cases,  and  shall  be  glad  at  some 
future  time  to  report  to  you  farther  in  the  matter. 

Read  before  the  Chicago  Pathological  Society. 


fall. 


TEMPERAMENTS  AND  CONSTITUTION. 


Professor  Agassiz’s  theory  of  the  essential  diversity  of  the 
human  races  is  much  disputed,  and  against  this  doctrine  it  is 
ably  urged  that  men  who  compose  the  different  races  present  a 
complete  analogy  in  the  accomplishment  of  the  different  actions 
of  organic  and  social  life,  a singular  unanimity  existing  respect- 
ing the  principal  laws  of  the  animal  economy,  and  the  mode  of 
performing  the  physiological  functions.  For  example,  the  average 
duration  of  life  is  about  the  same  in  all  the  different  races  of 
man.  This  longevity  varies  only  in  consequence  of  external 
causes  which  bring  about  accidental  and  premature  deaths,  or  as 
a result  of  influences  which  deteriorate  the  health  and  alter  the 
organization,  affecting  thus  more  commonly  all  races  in  a par- 
ticular climate.  Again,  the  bodily  temperature  and  the  frequency 
of  the  pulse  are  about  the  same  in  all  the  various  human  races, 
and  so  are  the  establishment  of  puberty,  and  the  advent  of  the 
critical  period  of  change  of  life  in  females,  of  all  races  exposed 
to  the  same  climatic  influences. 

Some  observations  of  the  author  of  this  paper  upon  repre- 
sentatives of  fourteen  different  nationalities,  gathered  in  Philadel- 
phia at  the  Centennial  Exhibition,  demonstrated  the  curious  fact 
that  the  red  blood  corpuscles,  so  abundant  in  the  vital  fluid 
drawn  from  the  veins  of  men  of  these  different  races,  were 
almost  exactly  alike  in  size,  and  contributed  an  additional  item 
of  scientific  evidence  that  “the  Lord  created  of  one  blood  all 
the  nations  of  the  earth.” 

The  hygienic  advantages  enjoyed  by  any  long  established 
race  in  any  particular  country  are  very  important  contributors 
to  health,  and  should  not  be  lightly  thrown  away  by  removal  to 
distant  situations,  where  corresponding  disadvantages  will  prob- 
ably have  to  be  encountered.  The  indigenous  inhabitants  of  a 
country  are  physically  constituted  in  such  a way  as  to  be 
best  adapted  to  that  country,  for  the  simple  reason  that,  in  a 
long  course  of  years,  families,  the  members  of  which  are  not  so 
conformed  to  the  requirements  of  the  climate,  temperature,  soil, 
and  so  forth,  will  die  out.  Thus,  individuals  whose  ancestors 
have  for  many  generations  resided  in  a particular  region  are 

335 


336 


TEMPERAMENTS  AND  CONSTITUTION. 


born  and  develop  with  their  external  conformation,  as  well  as 
their  internal  constitution,  temperament,  idiosyncrasies,  and 
physiological  habits,  in  harmony  with  the  surroundings  among 
which  they  are  placed.  Furthermore,  the  diseases  from  which 
they  suffer,  being  the  results  of  influences  which  environ  them, 
and  to  which  they  have  inherited  a certain  amount  of  insensibility 
from  long  custom,  often  differ  in  their  character,  their  treatment, 
and  their  severity,  from  the  maladies  brought  on  by  the  same 
causes  in  persons  who  are  more  or  less  unaccustomed  to  their 
effects. 

Some  useful  suggestions  for  individuals  belonging  to  the 
different  varieties  of  the  human  family  above  mentioned,  in  re- 
gard to  their  general  tendencies  towards  disease,  may  be  drawn 
from  the  report  on  relations  of  race  and  nationality  to  mor- 
tality, furnished  by  the  census  bureau  of  the  United  States. 

NATIONAL  TENDENCIES  TO  DISEASE. 

Among  the  Irish  we  meet  with  a comparative  exemption 
from  fevers,  and  from  diseases  of  the  digestive  and  nervous  sys- 
tems, with  a marked  liability  to  constitutional  diseases,  such  as 
consumption,  and  an  extraordinary  mortality  from  Bright’s  dis- 
ease of  the  kidneys. 

Among  the  Germans  we  observe  a reduced  mortality  from 
general  diseases  of  a constitutional  type,  and  a decided  liability 
to  those  of  the  febrile  group,  especially  small-pox,  showing, 
therefore,  an  exact  reversal  of  the  relations  of  the  Irish,  to  these 
two  classes  of  maladies. 

The  English  and  Welsh  enjoy  a comparative  immunity 
from  affections  of  both  the  constitutional  and  febrile  types,  and 
a relative  liability  to  maladies  of  the  nervous,  circulatory,  and 
digestive  systems. 

The  Swedes,  Norwegians,  and  Danes  show  a marked  liabil- 
ity to  death  from  dysentery  and  diarrhoea,  and  an  extraordinary 
mortality  from  febrile  diseases,  notably  measles,  scarlet  fever, 
diphtheria,  and  typhoid  fever. 

TEMPERAMENTS,  AND  HYGIENIC  RULES  FOR  THEM. 

The  temperament  of  any  individual  has  a good  deal  to  do 
with  the  character  of  his  diseases,  and  exerts  a powerful  modify- 
ing influence  upon  the  course,  severity,  and  fatality  of  his  com- 
plaints. Hence,  the  question  of  temperament,  in  former  ages, 
attracted  much  notice,  and  is  at  the  present  day  worthy  of  far 


TEMPERAMENTS  AND  CONSTITUTION. 


337 


more  attention  than  is  usually  accorded  to  it,  from  both  a medi- 
cal and  a hygienic  point  of  view. 

The  temperaments  are  defined  to  be  those  constant  differ- 
ences between  men  which  are  compatible  with  the  retention  of 
average  life  and  health,  are  due  to  a variation  in  the  proportion 
and  activity  between  the  different  parts  of  the  body,  and  are  im- 
portant enough  to  modify  the  actions  of  the  human  system.  In  tem- 
perament, therefore,  resides  the  specific  difference  which  gives  to 
persons  or  groups  of  persons  their  individuality,  and  in  some  cases 
it  is  difficult  to  distinguish  between  temperament  and  predispo- 
sition. Nevertheless,  by  careful  observation,  we  can  often  dis- 
cover the  diseases  to  which  a man  is  especially  liable,  with  as 
much  certainty  as  we  can  indicate  the  intellectual  character  of 
an  individual  from  the  shape  of  his  features,  the  color  of  his  hair 
and  complexion,  and  the  peculiarities  of  his  pulse  and  respira- 
tion. It  cannot  be  truthfully  asserted  that  very  clearly  defined 
lines  distinguish  the  temperaments  from  each  other,  because 
they  shade  into  each  other,  as  it  were,  somewhat  as  do  the  ani- 
mal and  vegetable  kingdoms  in  nature.  In  this  way  certain 
compound  temperaments  arise,  which  exhibit  characteristics  of 
the  elementary  attributes  out  of  which  they  are  constituted. 

One  of  the  best  classifications  of  temperaments  is  that 
adopted  by  Devay,  into  four,  which  seem  to  be  founded  on  well- 
marked  natural  differences.  These  are  : first,  the  Sanguineous, 
or  Sanguine  ; second,  the  Lymphatic,  or  Phlegmatic  ; third,  the 
Bilious,  or  Choleric,  called  by  some  writers  the  Fibrous ; and 
fourth,  the  Nervous  temperament. 

THE  SANGUINE  TEMPERAMENT. 

The  sanguine  temperament  is  characterized  by  great  activity 
of  the  heart  and  blood-vessel  system,  and  also  of  the  lungs,  so 
that  the  pulse  is  quick  and  strong  and  the  complexion  florid. 
The  hair  is  red  or  brownish,  the  skin  thin  and  fair,  and  the 
mind  vivacious,  cheerful,  and  hopeful.  The  person  of  sanguine 
temperament  is  bold  and  enterprising,  but  both  physical  and 
mental  endurance  are  often  lacking,  and  sometimes  inconstancy 
is  the  prevailing  trait.  Charles  II.,  of  England,  is  said  to  have 
been  a good  illustration  of  this  type.  The  diseases  to  which 
persons  of  this  temperament  are  peculiarly  disposed  are  those 
connected  with  the  organs  which  carry  on  the  circulation  of  the 
blood.  That  is  to  say,  they  are  liable  to  both  functional  and 
organic  diseases  of  the  heart,  aneurism,  and  to  hemorrhages  of 
various  kinds.  Contrary  to  the  generally  received  opinion,  some 


338 


TEMPERAMENTS  AND  CONSTITUTION. 


recent  high  authorities  do  not  believe  in  the  existence  of  any 
decided  tendency  of  individuals  of  this  temperament  to  inflam- 
matory diseases,  since  activity  of  the  circulation  is  not  always 
favorable  to  affections  of  this  character.  It  is,  however,  proba- 
ble that  inflammation,  when  set  up  by  any  exciting  cause  in  per- 
sons of  sanguine  temperament,  is  much  more  apt  to  be  of  a violent 
type.  Epidemic  and  malarious  diseases  appear  to  attack  people 
of  this  temperament  with  more  readiness  than  others,  but  this 
may  in  part  be  due  to  the  recklessness  of  such  individuals,  which 
leads  them  to  rush  into  danger  without  taking  the  ordinary  pre- 
cautions to  preserve  health.  For  the  same  reason  it  is,  perhaps, 
more  common  to  meet  with  venereal  diseases  among  them,  al- 
though this  does  not  altogether  account  for  such  prevalence,  as 
there  seems  to  be  an  excessive  degree  of  impressibility,  which 
likewise  renders  the  possessors  of  this  temperament  extremely 
liable  to  other  contagious  diseases,  such  as  small-pox  and  scarlet 
fever.  The  following  hygienic  rules  for  individuals  of  sanguine 
temperament  are  worthy  of  close  attention.  1.  Bleeding  should 
never  be  resorted  to  except  it  is  absolutely  necessary,  and  then 
to  very  moderate  amounts,  for  fear  of  establishing  a habit  re- 
quiring it.  2.  Food  should  be  partaken  of  in  moderate  quan- 
tity, and  it  should  not  be  of  an  exciting  quality.  Stimulating 
drinks,  such  as  alcohol,  coffee,  etc.,  ought  to  be  avoided.  3.  Phy- 
sicians ought  to  prescribe  frequent  exercise,  in  order  to  bring 
into  full  play  the  entire  muscular  system,  and  expend  by  this 
kind  of  safety-valve  the  excessive  richness  of  the  blood,  which  is 
so  rapidly  renewed  in  consequence  of  the  superabundant  activity 
of  the  functions  which  manufacture  it.  4.  Hot  climates,  hot 
weather,  and  small,  close,  ill  ventilated  apartments,  should  all 
be  carefully  avoided,  in  order  to  guard  as  much  as  possible 
against  cerebral  congestion  in  particular,  and  generally  to  repress 
the  harmful  manifestations  of  the  sanguine  temperament. 

THE  LYMPHATIC  TEMPERAMENT. 

The  lymphatic  or  phlegmatic-  temperament  is  directly  oppo- 
site to  the  sanguine  in  almost  every  respect.  The  pulse  and 
respiration  are  apt  to  be  feeble  and  slow,  the  face  pallid,  the 
eyes  wanting  in  brilliancy,  the  hair  deficient  in  coloring  matter. 
The  whole  form  is  rounded  instead  of  angular,  and  wanting  in 
that  elasticity  and  energy  which  characterize  the  sanguine  tem- 
perament. The  same  weakness  and  irresolution  are  observable 
in  the  mental  operations,  and  the  memory  and  power  of  appli- 


TEMPERAMENTS  AND  CONSTITUTION. 


839 


cation  are  feeble.  Notwithstanding  men  of  this  temperament 
have  not  usually  taken  a prominent  part  in  the  affairs  of  the  age 
in  which  they  lived,  they  have  often  proved  themselves  very  use- 
ful and  trustworthy  members  of  society.  When  rapid  action  is 
required,  says  Muller,  the  phlegmatic  person  is  less  successful, 
and  others  leave  him  behind ; but  when  no  haste  is  necessary, 
and,  above  all,  where  delay  is  admissible,  he  quietly  attains  his 
object,  whilst  people  differently  constituted  have  committed 
error  upon  error,  or  perhaps  been  diverted  from  their  course  by 
their  passions  or  appetites.  The  diseases  to  which  individuals  of 
lymphatic  temperament  are  especially  disposed  are  such  as  are 
due  to  debility  and  relaxation  of  the  tissues,  together  with  weak- 
ness of  the  circulation.  Thus  inflammations,  particularly  those 
of  a low  and  chronic  type,  attacking  in  preference  the  mucous 
membranes,  such  as  that  covering  the  inside  of  the  nose,  throat, 
and  lungs,  are  frequently  encountered  in  subjects  of  this  tem- 
perament. Scrofulous  affections,  such  as  degeneration  of  the 
lymphatic  glands,  tuberculous  inflammations  of  the  joints.,  tuber- 
culous deposits  in  the  lungs,  and  skin  diseases  are  common,  as 
are  also  dropsical  disorders ; so  that  the  onset  of  all  these  dis- 
turbances of  health  ought  to  be  watchfully  guarded  against. 
Individuals  of  lymphatic  temperament  do  not  seem  to  be  espe- 
cially liable  to  malarious  diseases,  or  to  be  the  subjects  of  con- 
tagious affections,  with  the  exception  of  influenza,  to  which  they 
are  as  a rule  particularly  disposed  whenever  it  is  prevalent. 
The  following  principles  should  always  be  kept  in  view,  not  only 
in  treating  diseases  which  may  arise  in  people  of  lymphatic  tem- 
perament, but  also  in  combating  the  tendencies  of  the  tempera- 
ment itself.  1.  Particular  attention  should  be  paid  to  secur- 
ing for  the  person  a pure  air,  renewed  frequently  enough  to 
retain  its  healthfulness.  A country  life  in  a dry,  elevated  region 
is  to  be  strongly  advised.  2.  Exercise  should  be  regular,  but 
not  too  violent,  and  accurately  suited  to  the  strength  of  the  in- 
dividual. 3.  Alimentation  must  be  abundant,  and  largely  com- 
posed of  animal  food ; not,  however,  to  the  exclusion  of  fresh, 
wholesome  vegetables.  4.  It  is  especially  important  that  per- 
sons of  lymphatic  temperament  should  avoid  exposure  to  those 
great  causes  of  disease  in  our  climate,  cold  and  moisture,  and 
pains  must  be  taken  to  attack  ail  diseases  when  they  are  con- 
tracted, at  their  very  outset,  although  not  with  debilitating 
means,  such  as  large  bleedings  or  drastic  purgatives.  Tonics, 
both  general  and  local,  should  be  resorted  to  as  early  as 
possible. 


340 


TEMPERAMENTS  AND  CONSTITUTION. 


THE  BILIOUS  TEMPERAMENT. 

The  physical  and  mental  characteristics  of  the  choleric  or 
bilious  temperament  are  generally  well  defined  and  obvious. 
The  complexion  is  apt  to  be  dark  or  sallow,  the  hair  black  or 
dark  brown,  the  eyes  black  or  hazel,  the  skin  dry  and  rather 
harsh,  the  pulse  strong,  hard,  and  frequent,  the  respiration  deep 
and  full,  the  whole  form  tough  and  wiry ; mentally,  the  men  of 
choleric  temperament  are  characterized  by  firmness,  decision,  and 
determination.  Alexander  the  Great,  Julius  Csesar,  and  Crom- 
well are  quoted  as  examples  of  this  temperament,  in  which 
ambition  is  the  governing  passion,  as  love  is  in  individuals  of 
sanguine  temperament.  The  diseases  to  which  persons  of  this 
type  are  especially  liable  are  those  connected  with  the  liver  and 
other  organs  of  digestion.  Such  people  are  more  than  others 
especially  subject  to  malarious  affections,  such  as  the  various 
forms  of  intermittent  and  remittent  fevers,  typhoid  fever,  and 
dysentery.  Dyspepsia  and  internal  congestions  often  attack 
them,  and  hemorrhoids  or  piles  are  not  infrequent. 

THE  NERVOUS  TEMPERAMENT. 

In  this  type  of  human  structure  the  manifestations  of 
nervous  action  give  an  impress  to  the  whole  body.  The  counte- 
nance is  usually  pale,  and  the  features  thin  and  sharp  ; the  pulse 
is  quick,  small,  and  frequent,  the  respiration  active,  the  chest 
not  large,  the  skin  dry  and  rough,  and  the  digestive  functions 
performed  irregularly.  As  the  muscular  system  is  imperfectly 
developed,  fatigue  easily  overtakes  persons  of  this  temperament, 
who  generally  have  quick  and  brilliant  intellects,  the  operations 
of  which,  however,  are  not  persistent,  variety  being  constantly 
sought  for.  Women  are  much  more  apt  to  be  possessors  of  this 
temperament  than  men,  as  it  is  often  intensified  by  habit  of 
thought  or  mode  of  life,  and  is  seldom  met  with  among  barbarous 
nations,  the  whole  spirit  of  civilized  institutions  predisposing  to 
its  formation.  Among  distinguished  Americans,  John  Randolph, 
of  Roanoke,  was  a notable  example  of  this  type.  The  diseases 
which  are  most  apt  to  occur  among  individuals  of  nervous  tem- 
perament are  those  having  an  intimate  relation  with  the  nervous 
system,  such  as  chorea,  or  St.  Vitus’  dance,  hysteria,  and  insanity. 
In  fact,  the  nervous  temperament  may  almost  be  looked  upon, 
in  many  instances,  as  a condition  of  disease,  for  the  sensibility 
is  so  acute,  and  the  whole  body  so  readily  thrown  into  disorder 
in  consequence  by  slight  causes,  that  it  must  often  be  considered 


TEMPERAMENTS  AND  CONSTITUTION. 


341 


an  actual  departure  from  perfect  health.  It  has  been  observed 
that  this  temperament  occurs  more  frequently  pure  and  without 
mixture  than  any  of  the  others  ; that  when  met  with  in  combi- 
nation it  is  especially  apt  to  absorb  the  other,  or  at  least  to 
largely  predominate  ; also,  that  it  frequently  becomes  more  and 
more  exaggerated  as  the  individual  advances  in  life.  Its  influ- 
ence upon  various  diseased  conditions  may  be  summed  up  as 
follows  : When  any  disease  is  about  to  develop  in  the  system 
of  an  individual  of  nervous  temperament,  it  is  by  no  means  rare 
for  separate  derangement  of  the  nerves  or  brain,  such  as  unnat- 
ural mental  impressions  or  delusions,  or  even  an  attack  of  con- 
vulsions, to  manifest  themselves,  sometimes  to  such  an  extent  as 
to  completely  hide  the  original  complaint,  which  is  the  starting 
point  of  the  whole  trouble.  Nervous  diseases,  of  all  their  varied 
types,  present  themselves  with  less  provocation  and  greater  fre- 
quency among  persons  of  this  than  of  any  other  temperament. 
The  hygienic  rules  for  people  of  nervous  temperament  therefore 
are  : I . Avoid  with  special  care  all  the  exciting  causes  capable 
of  bringing  into  play  this  superabundant  excitability  of  the  brain 
and  nerves,  and  especially  those  which  take  their  origin  in  pro- 
longed or  intense  action  of  the  intellectual  powers.  2.  It  is 
quite  as  important  to  avoid  an  insufficient  or  imperfectly  sus- 
taining diet,  as  a too  stimulating  regimen,  because  the  brain  and 
nerves  are  at  least  as  likely  to  be  deranged  if  supplied  with 
impoverished  blood,  as  if  the  circulating  fluid  were  too  exciting 
in  its  quality.  3.  The  skin  should  be  kept  in  the  best  possible 
condition  by  the  frequent  employment  of  baths.  4.  In  many 
instances  it  is  absolutely  necessary  to  spend  much  time  in  mod- 
erately energetic  exercise,  substituting  physical  and  muscular 
activity  for  that  of  the  brain.  Persons  of  this  temperament  who 
are  threatened  with  actual  derangement  of  the  brain  or  nervous 
system  should,  if  possible,  lead  a somewhat  laborious  country 
life,  instead  of  an  intellectual  one  in  any  great  center  of  civili- 
zation. 

COMPOUND  TEMPERAMENTS. 

It  very  often  happens  that  the  temperaments  are  not  so 
clearly  defined  that  a particular  individual  can  be  said  to  possess 
the  traits  of  one  without  also  displaying  attributes  of  another. 
Thus,  we  frequently  meet  with  persons  whose  endowments  in 
the  way  of  temperament  must  be  characterized  by  the  terms 
sanguineo-nervous,  sanguineo-choleric,  and  so  forth.  Or,  if 
one  of  the  combined  temperaments  decidedly  predominates  over 


342 


TEMPERAMENTS  AND  CONSTITUTION. 


the  other,  we  may  have  to  speak  of  a temperament  three  parts 
nervous  and  one  part  sanguine.  The  hygienic  precautions 
against  disease,  and  the  curative  treatment  of  such  individuals 
when  sick,  are  to  be  carefully  varied  in  accordance  with  the 
indications  already  given.  Besides  these,  we  have  to  consider 
certain  conditions  which  may  properly  be  ranked  as  exaggera- 
tions or  degenerations  of  the  temperaments;  thus  we  observe,  some- 
times, the  plethoric  state,  which  is  an  amplification,  as  it  were, 
of  the  sanguine  temperament;  the  obese,  which  is  an  overgrowth 
of  the  lymphatic ; and  the  melancholic,  which  is  an  excess  of 
the  choleric.  In  the  plethoric  condition,  the  face  is  full  or 
bloated,  the  eyes  somewhat  congested,  the  features  generally 
rather  injected  with  blood  than  healthily  florid,  and  there  is  a 
tendency  to  corpulence  without  due  muscular  robustness  or 
energy.  If  a man  in  such  a condition  is  subjected  to  any  violent 
excitement  or  stimulation,  there  is  great  danger  that  some  of  the 
delicate  vessels  of  the  brain  may  give  way,  and  the  person  fall 
insensible  under  a stroke  of  apoplexy ; or,  if  this  familiar  catas- 
trophe is  averted,  some  inflammatory  action  may  at  any  time  be 
set  up  in  some  of  the  overburdened  digestive  organs,  which, 
even  if  [it  does  not  prove  fatal,  lays  the  foundation  for  a chronic 
malady  which  renders  the  remainder  of  life  scarcely  worth  liv- 
ing. The  great  means  of  preventing  the  onset  of  such  a state  of 
affairs  in  the  animal  economy  may  be  taught  in  a very  few 
words — moderation  in  all  things ; or,  if  the  temper  leads  to  ex- 
cess, let  it  be  only  in  exercise,  especially  walking. 

There  is  another  classification  of  temperaments,  which,  with- 
out being  firmly  established,  has  yet  gained  sufficient  popular 
attention  to  render  it  worthy  of  a brief  mention.  According  to 
it,  the  number  of  temperaments  is  only  three,  namely : 1.  The 
Motive,  which  is  characterized  by  a superior  development  of  the 
combined  bony  and  muscular  systems.  2.  The  Vital,  distin- 
guished by  a predominating  vital  or  nutritive  system,  consisting 
of  the  heart,  lungs,  and  digestive  apparatus.  3.  The  Mental 
temperament,  in  which  the  brain  and  nervous  system  are  the 
controlling  powers.  In  this  new  arrangement  the  nervous  tem- 
perament is  retained  almost  unchanged,  except  in  name,  as  the 
Mental  temperament ; the  sanguine,  bilious,  and  lymphatic  are 
grouped  together  as  the  Vital  temperament ; whilst  muscular, 
vigorous  individuals  of  the  bilious  and  sanguine  temperaments 
are  selected  out  to  form  a new  class,  entitled  the  Motive  tem- 
perament. This  classification  does  not  appear  capable  of  guid- 
ing anyone  as  usefully  in  the  avoidance  and  treatment  of 


TEMPERAMENTS  AND  CONSTITUTION. 


343 


diseases  as  the  older  plan,  and  is  probably,  therefore,  much  less 
valuable  from  a hygienic  point  of  view. 

CONSTITUTION. 

Certain  writers  upon  hygiene  have  apparently  confounded 
constitution  with  temperament ; but  there  is  little  doubt  that 
every  one  is  endowed  with  a definite  constitution,  which  is  the 
essential  condition  of  his  individuality,  and  may  be  associated 
with  any  one  of  the  temperaments.  Constitution  therefore  in- 
cludes, according  to  this  view,  most  of  the  various  influences 
which  modify  the  action  of  the  causes  of  disease.  What  is 
called  idiosyncrasy,  as  will  be  explained  presently  more  in  detail, 
depends  upon  the  degree  of  development  or  of  activity  displayed 
in  some  particular  organ  or  apparatus  of  the  body.  Tempera- 
ment depends  upon  the  preponderance  of  one  of  the  great  sys- 
tems of  organs,  as  the  sanguine  temperament  upon  the  heart  and 
blood-vessel  system,  or  the  nervous  upon  the  brain,  spinal  cord, 
and  nerves.  A man’s  constitution,  however,  is  the  expression 
of  his  individuality  as  a whole,  and  into  this  expression  of  his 
place  among  his  fellow  men  as  regards  his  physical  nature  enter 
the  degree  of  his  muscular  strength,  the  perfection  with  which 
his  different  bodily  functions  are  accomplished,  the  amount  of 
resistance  to  the  causes  of  disease,  the  intensity  of  his  endowment 
of  life-force,  and,  as  a consequence,  the  length  of  his  duration  of 
existence. 

Idiosyncrasies,  then,  are  founded  upon  peculiarities  of  single 
organs ; temperaments  upon  peculiarities  of  general  systems  of 
organs ; constitutions  upon  peculiarities  of  individuals  in  their 
entirety.  Hence,  the  two  constitutions  to  which  it  is  customary 
to  refer,  namely,  the  vigorous  and  the  feeble,  or  the  strong  and  the 
weak,  include  a great  variety  of  shades  of  difference  in  strength  and 
delicacy.  The  class  of  men  blessed  with  vigorous  constitutions 
comprises  all  those  whose  general  vitality  is  much  or  little  above 
the  average  vitality  of  the  whole  human  race,  whilst  those  com- 
pelled to  labor  under  the  disadvantage,  in  the  struggle  for  exist- 
ence, of  weak  constitutions  are  the  ones  whose  share  of  vigor  is 
less  than  the  average  inheritance  of  mankind.  The  life-force,  of 
which  constitution  is  thus  a measure,  is  by  no  means  an  abstract 
entity,  but  the  result  of  all  the  actions  which  are  carried  on  in 
the  animal  economy  of  each  particular  individual.  It  has  been 
found  that,  up  to  a height  of  six  feet,  the  stature  of  a human 
being  has  a nearly  constant  relation  to  the  capacity  of  his  chest, 
and  that,  therefore,  other  things  being  equal,  a man’s  stature  is 


344 


TEMPERAMENTS  AND  CONSTITUTION. 


a useful  guide,  in  a general  way,  to  the  vigor  of  his  constitution. 
Human  beings  only  maintain  the  equilibrium  of  health  by  con- 
stantly reacting  against  the  forces  of  external  nature,  and  the 
vigor  and  endurance  of  this  reaction  in  opposition  to  outside 
injurious  influences  is  according  to  the  constitutional  strength. 

Now,  the  forces  of  nature  which  act  upon  our  bodies  are  by 
no  means  constant,  either  in  their  intensity,  their  duration,  or 
the  rapidity  with  which  they  succeed  one  another  ; but  notwith- 
standing their  variations,  they  have  a latitude  included  between 
two  fixed  extremes  of  which  we  can  calculate  a mean,  and  so 
determine  the  average  resistance  which  men  must  oppose  to 
their  power.  For  example,  the  temperature  of  any  particular 
climate  varies  between  a certain  pretty  constant  highest  and 
lowest  point,  offering  an  annual  average  which  is  the  measure  of 
the  amount  of  heating-power  man  must  possess,  in  order  to 
maintain  his  animal  temperature  in  that  particular  latitude.  As 
long  as  the  external  influences  of  the  weather  do  not  exceed  the 
ordinary  limit  of  their  vicissitudes,  the  resistance  which  man 
needs  to  oppose  to  them  is  only  measured  by  the  usual  develop- 
ment of  his  constitution  ; but  if  they  surpass  the  ordinary  mar- 
gin of  these  variations,  the  human  system  must  react  against 
them  with  a proportionately  uncommon  energy,  developing  a 
correspondingly  greater  force,  and,  if  the  struggle  is  long-con- 
tinued, can  only  avoid  exhaustion  by  calling  in  to  its  aid  rein- 
forcements from  the  sciences  of  hygiene  and  medical  treatment. 
Individuals  of  weak  constitution  succtimb  much  more  easily  to 
privations  and  hardships  than  those  of  more  vigorous  structure ; 
and  yet,  so  great  is  the  assistance  which  careful  attention  to  diet, 
clothing,  exercise,  and  so  forth,  can  give  to  the  natural  vital 
force  of  the  individual,  in  resisting  the  innumerable  causes  of 
disease,  that  some  years  ago  a curious  and  instructive  book  was 
written  on  the  advantages  of  a feeble  constitution.  One  great 
reason  that  feebly-constituted  persons  are  more  prone  to  disease 
upon  slight  exposure  to  disturbing  influences  is,  that  the  circu- 
lation of  the  blood  in  such  people  is  weak  and  languid  in  the 
extremities,  and  consequently  the  temperature  is  not  kept  up  to 
the  normal  standard,  unless  external  circumstances  are  favorable. 
Hence,  such  individuals  suffer  severely  from  attacks  of  disease 
brought  on  by  exposure  to  cold  and  wet,  which  a person  of 
strong  constitution  would  pass  through  without  injury. 

It  is  very  much  with  man  as  it  is  with  an  artificial  ma- 
chine, such  as  a steam-engine,  as  I have  already  suggested,  or  a 
locomotive.  If  the  latter  is  well  made  and  of  good  material,  the 


TEMPERAMENTS  AND  CONSTITUTION. 


345 


several  parts  strongly  put  together  and  working  in  harmony 
with  each  other,  it  will  resist  hard  usage  far  better  than  one 
which  is  made  of  bad  materials,  and  in  which  the  different  parts 
are  not  well  proportioned,  and  are  constructed  without  due  re- 
gard to  the  work  they  have  to  perform.  A bad  constitution 
does  not  necessarily  predispose  to  any  particular  disease,  but 
renders  its  possessor  more  liable,  as  a rule,  to  every  disease,  and 
less  likely  to  recover  from  severe  illness  when  he  is  attacked. 
Temperament,  on  the  other  hand,  may  improve  a person’s  chance 
of  recovery,  since,  for  instance,  a man  of  marked  sanguine  tem- 
perament might  get  better  from  an  attack  of  scurvy  which,  in  a 
lymphatic  person,  would  prove  fatal. 

IMPROVEMENT  AND  DETERIORATION  OF  CONSTITU- 
TION. 

To  a certain  extent,  a weak  constitution  may  be  strength- 
ened by  proper  attention  to  hygiene  in  early  life.  A child  born 
in  poverty  and  reared  under  circumstances  unfavorable  to  secur- 
ing a full  development  of  the  organs  of  the  body,  such  as  insuffi- 
cient clothing,  light,  food,  and  fresh  air,  will  in  most  cases  grow 
up  to  be  a feeble  adult,  if  it  attains  maturity  at  all.  A brother 
of  that  same  child,  inheriting  exactly  the  same  tendencies  from 
its  parents,  may,  however,  by  having  the  external  conditions 
altered,  at  a sufficiently  early  period  of  its  existence,  in  a favor- 
able manner,  grow  up  to  be  a man  of  strong  constitution.  And 
even  at  a late  epoch  of  life,  something  can  be  done  by  a per- 
severing application  of  hygienic  measures,  to  invigorate  a con- 
stitution which,  throughout  childhood  and  youth,  has  been 
feeble,  in  consequence  of  its  being  subject  to  unfavorable  sur- 
roundings at  first. 

On  the  other  hand,  it  should  never  be  forgotten  that  a 
constitution  which  is  naturally  strong  may  be  terribly  enfeebled 
by  excesses,  or  a persistent  violation  of  the  rules  for  preserving 
health.  Long  continued  exposure  to  heat,  cold,  dampness,  and 
malaria  ; habitual  indulgence  in  alcohol,  even  when  not  carried 
to  excess ; inordinate  sensual  gratification  of  any  kind,  loss  of 
sleep,  deprivation  of  food,  and  frequent  attacks  of  disease, 
will  sooner  or  later  break  down  the  strongest  constitution. 
Since  it  is  in  early  childhood  that  the  constitution  of  an  indi- 
vidual is  most  easily  made  or  marred,  it  is  the  duty  of  every 
parent  and  guardian  to  watch  over  the  developing  constitutions 
of  those  under  their  care  with  the  most  jealous  attention,  A 
strong  meat  diet,  or  at  least  an  abundance  of  milk,  eggs,  and 


346 


TEMPERAMENTS  AND  CONSTITUTION. 


other  animal  food,  the  solution  of  which  should  be  aided  by 
artificial  pepsin  if  necessary,  are  very  important  under  these 
circumstances.  Many  weak  and  puny  children  develop  into 
adults  of  feeble  constitutions,  because  they  are  nourished  imper- 
fectly upon  a vegetable  diet,  with  the  diluted  milk  which,  unfor- 
tunately, forms  the  only  supply  attainable  for  city  bred  children 
in  many  cases.  Where,  as  frequently  happens,  children  of  weak 
constitutions  show  an  invincible  distaste  for  animal  food,  they 
should  be  compelled  to  take  as  medicine  one  or  two  ounces  of 
beef  extract,  or  beef  essence,  or  double  that  quantity  of  strong 
beef  soup,  daily,  a precaution  which  has  repeatedly  been  crowned 
with  the  most  gratifying  results. 

Persons  of  originally  sound  and  robust  organizations  may, 
by  judicious  and  guarded  exposure  to  cold  and  wet,  become 
strengthened  by  the  development  of  their  powers  of  resistance 
to  these  antagonistic  agencies  of  nature;  but  those  of  feeble 
constitutions  are  more  apt  to  be  overcome  than  to  conquer 
under  such  circumstances,  during  the  process  of  hardening 
themselves,  the  experiment  too  often  terminating  like  that  of 
the  miser  who  undertook  to  educate  his  horse  to  live  without 
eating,  by  gradually  diminishing  his  amount  of  food,  and  was 
much  encouraged  at  the  prospect  of  success,  until,  just  as  he  got 
the  animal  down  to  one  straw  a day,  the  poor  beast  unluckily 
died. 

IDIOSYNCRASY  AND  ITS  BEARING  UPON  HYGIENE. 

When  a person  is  affected  by  external  agents,  such,  for 
example,  as  a particular  article  of  diet,  in  a way  peculiar  to  him- 
self, and  different  from  the  generality  of  mankind,  that  peculiar 
susceptibility  is  called  an  idiosyncrasy.  The  study  of  idiosyn- 
crasies, as  regards  different  external  influences  causing  diseases, 
is  obviously  a very  important  one,  from  a hygienic  point  of 
view  ; and,  in  respect  to  remedies  employed  in  curative  medicine, 
is  often  of  the  highest  value.  As  illustrations  of  idiosyncrasies 
in  regard  to  diet,  may  be  mentioned  the  fact  that  some  people 
cannot  eat  strawberries  without  suffering  from  a troublesome 
species  of  nettle  rash  ; others  are  similarly  affected  by  indulging 
in  shell-fish,  which  also  brings  on  in  certain  persons  a form  of 
cholera  morbus  ; and  severe  nettle  rash  has  been  brought  on  by 
eating  boiled  cauliflower,  or  violent  diarrhoea  proved  the  result 
of  eating  even  a minute  particle  of  egg,  no  matter  how  it  was  pre- 
pared. These  and  other  like  peculiarities,  some  of  which  seem  very 
curious,  are  sometimes  inherited  and  sometimes  acquired,  and  two 


TEMPERAMENTS  AND  CONSTITUTION. 


347 


or  more  may  exist  in  the  same  individual,  as,  for  example,  one  con- 
nected with  the  heart  and  blood-vessel  system,  and  another  with 
the  digestive  apparatus.  Idiosyncrasies,  especially  those  which  are 
acquired,  may  sometimes  be  conquered  by  persevering  efforts  to 
that  end.  Thus,  the  case  is  recorded  of  a gentleman  who,  for  many 
years,  could  not  eat  soft  crabs  without  suffering  from  diarrhoea, 
yet,  as  he  was  very  fond  of  this  dainty  but  dangerous  dish,  he  per- 
sisted in  eating  crabs,  until,  after  a long  struggle,  during  which  his 
digestive  organs  became,  as  it  were,  acclimated  to  the  disturbing 
action  of  the  shell-fish,  he  succeeded  in  overcoming  the  tendency. 
It  is  probable  that  almost  every  human  being  is  the  subject  of 
one  or  more  idiosyncrasies  in  respect  to  particular  kinds  of  food 
or  mixed  dishes,  which  can  only  be  found  out  by  trying  the  ex- 
periment, and  then  making  a careful  note  of  the  favorable  or 
injurious  effects.  Where  the  idiosyncrasies  are  at  all  strongly 
marked,  their  possessors  are  soon  taught  by  painful  experience 
how  severe  are  the  punishments  for  violating  the  laws  of  their 
being,  by  trying  to  do  as  others  do  in  these  particulars. 

Idiosyncrasies  in  regard  to  drugs  and  medicines  are  very 
common,  and  an  exact  understanding  of  their  nature  and  limita- 
tions forms  one  of  the  most  important  parts  of  the  self-knowl- 
edge which  it  is  the  highest  earthly  interest  of  every  human  be- 
ing to  study  to  obtain.  For  example,  one  hears  of  a great  many 
fanciful  and  a few  real  idiosyncrasies  in  regard  to  laudanum, 
opium,  and  morphia.  In  cases  where  there  is  a real  inability  to 
bear  one  of  these  narcotics — and  there  are,  unfortunately,  people 
who,  not  being  able  to  gain  the  inestimable  relief  from  pain 
which  opium  affords,  are  truly  to  be  pitied — some  other  anodyne 
must  be  substituted,  generally  with  much  less  beneficial  results. 
In  many  instances,  however,  no  hurtful  effect  is  produced,  unless 
the  patient  is  aware  that  he  is  taking  opium  in  some  of  its  vari- 
ous preparations,  and  in  such  instances  it  is  surely  right  to  con- 
ceal the  fact  from  him,  at  least  until  after  he  has  experienced 
the  benefit.  Another  idiosyncrasy  which  is  occasionally  met 
with  is  in  regard  to  calomel  or  mercury,  which  in  any  form  pro- 
duces upon  some  few  people  salivation,  even  when  extremely 
minute  doses  are  administered.  Such  an  idiosyncrasy  is  also  an 
unfortunate  one,  although  far  less  so  than  that  preventing  the 
use  of  opiates ; and  as  neither  of  these  peculiarities  can  be  fore- 
seen, and  can  only  be  learned  by  experience,  the  first  dose  of 
these  powerful  remedies  which  any  human  being  ever  takes  in 
his  or  her  life  should  be  a very  small  one,  and  its  effects  watch- 
fully observed. 


348 


TEMPERAMENTS  AND  CONSTITUTION. 


Idiosyncrasies  may  be  temporary  only  when  they  depend 
upon  some  condition  of  the  system  which,  whether  natural  or 
diseased,  is  only  transitory.  Illustrations  of  this  variety  of 
idiosyncrasy  are  met  with  during  the  period  when  children  are 
cutting  their  first  teeth,  during  pregnancy,  and  also  about  the 
time  of  the  commencement  and  cessation  of  the  monthly  discharge 
in  females.  These  idiosyncrasies  are  often  very  important  in 
their  effects  upon  the  health  of  the  individual,  and  should  be 
respected  with  the  most  scrupulous  care  ; but  when  the  disturbed 
condition  which  has  given  rise  to  them  disappears,  the  idiosyn- 
crasy, as  a general  rule,  but  with  some  notable  exceptions,  also 
passes  away.  Some  of  the  conditions  often  called  idiosyncrasies 
are  doubtless  due  to  partial  mental  derangement,  but  they  should 
not  be  thus  confounded. 

All  idiosyncrasies  ought  to  be  carefully  respected,  not  only  in 
the  management  of  an  individual’s  health,  but  also  in  the  treat- 
ment of  his  diseases.  To  attempt  to  combat  them  during  sickness 
is  to  run  the  risk  of  transforming  them  into  morbid  sympathies, 
or  perhaps  grave  complications  of  the  existing  malady.  Even 
during  a perfect  sanitary  condition,  our  efforts  to  modify  an 
established  idiosyncrasy  must  be  made  slowly,  gently,  and,  as  it 
were,  by  a roundabout  means,  especially  by  instituting  new  habits 
of  life.  In  such  a manner  only  can  we  hope  to  overcome  or 
diminish,  with  advantage,  an  idiosyncrasy  which  is  disagreeable, 
inconvenient,  or  injurious  to  the  well-being  of  the  animal  econ- 
omy in  which  it  is  manifested. 

AGE  AS  MODIFYING  HEALTH  AND  DISEASE. 

Perhaps  of  all  the  influences  whose  action  upon  our  bodies 
we  have  to  carefully  consider,  both  in  avoiding  and  curing  dis- 
ease, there  is  none  more  important  than  age.  The  period  of  life 
brings  with  it  special  dangers  as  well  as  special  immunities  from 
disease,  and  affects  — powerfully  affects  — the  course  and  termi- 
nation of  nearly  all  maladies  to  which  our  flesh  is  heir. 

As  Emerson  says,  all  men  carry  seeds  of  all  distempers 
through  life,  and  we  often  die  without  developing  them,  such  is 
the  affirmative  power  of  the  constitution ; but  if  a man  is  en- 
feebled from  any  cause,  some  of  these  sleeping  seeds  may  start 
and  open.  Meantime,  at  every  stage  we  lose  a foe.  It  were 
strange,  indeed,  if  a man  should  turn  his  sixtieth  year  without  a 
feeling  of  immense  relief  from  the  number  of  dangers  he  has 
escaped.  When  the  old  wife  says,  “take  care  of  that  tumor  in 
your  shoulder,  perhaps  it  is  cancerous,”  he  replies  with  indiffer- 


TEMPERAMENTS  AND  CONSTITUTION. 


349 


ence,  “ I am  yielding  to  a surer  decomposition.”  “ The  humorous 
thief,  who  drank  a pot  of  beer  at  the  gallows,  blew  off  the  froth 
because  he  had  heard  it  was  unhealthy ; but  it  will  not  add  a 
pang  to  the  prisoner  marched  out  to  be  shot  to  assure  him  that 
the  pain  in  his  knee  threatens  mortification.” 

During  our  whole  lives  the  fluids  and  tissues  of  the  body 
are  constantly  undergoing  change,  new  matter  being  deposited 
and  old  removed  with  ceaseless  activity.  And  yet  this  move- 
ment of  materials  is  not  perceptible  to  the  eye,  even  when  aided 
by  the  best  optical  instruments  which  manufacturers  of  micro- 
scopes have  constructed  for  assisting  the  human  vision.  It  only 
becomes  so  whenever  it  experiences  any  disturbance,  whether 
this  be  an  obstruction  or  an  exaggeration  of  its  natural  rate  of 
progress.  With  all  our  advantages,  we  have  never  yet  been 
able  to  demonstrate  to  the  eye  the  nutritive  process  of  the  mus- 
cular fiber  in  the  tail  of  a living  tadpole,  or  to  detect  the  quiet 
coming  and  going  of  materials  in  an  adjacent  connective-tissue 
cell.  As  long  as  these  objects  continue  to  present  a certain 
aspect  known  and  defined  to  the  minutest  point  and  line,  we  re- 
ceive this  fixed  appearance  as  a proof  that  the  wonderful  changes 
connected  with  nutrition  have  in  themselves  a natural  relation 
to  each  other.  And  yet,  throughout,  this  complex  machine,  in 
which  the  law  is  fully  carried  out  that  force  is  generated  only 
by  decomposition,  constantly  undergoes  a change  in  all  of  its 
constituent  parts — from  infancy,  through  youth  and  maturity,  to 
old  age  and  decay.  Every  muscular  movement  of  any  portion 
of  the  body,  every  pulsation  of  the  heart,  every  thought  which 
emanates  from  the  brain,  is  accompanied  by  the  destruction  of  a 
certain  amount  of  tissue.  During  maturity,  as  long  as  food  is 
supplied  in  abundance  and  the  digestive  functions  are  not  dis- 
ordered, reparation  proceeds  as  rapidly  as  decay,  and  life  is  the 
result.  But  it  is  far  otherwise  when  the  limit  of  threescore  and 
ten  is  reached,  or,  by  reason  of  strength,  for  a few  years  exceeded. 

The  animal  body,  is,  therefore,  undergoing  a continual 
change.  The  hair  of  yesterday  is  not  precisely  the  hair  of  to-day  ; 
the  muscle  which  extends  the  arm  is  not  identically  the  same 
muscle  after  as  before  the  action  ; old  material  has  been  removed, 
and  new  has  been  deposited  to  an  equal  amount ; and  though 
the  weight,  form,  and  chemical  constitution,  as  well  as  the 
microscopical  characters,  have  been  preserved,  the  identity  has 
been  lost.  So  long  as  these  two  compensating  actions  of  dis- 
integration and  repair  exactly  balance  each  other,  life  continues. 
If  it  were  possible  to  adjust  the  repair  to  the  waste,  so  that 
neither  would  be  ifr  excess — as  must  have  been  the  case  in 


350 


TEMPERAMENTS  AND  CONSTITUTION. 


Methuselah’s  body — there  is  no  physiological  reason  why  life,  if 
protected  against  accidents,  should  not  continue  indefinitely. 
But  with  our  present  knowledge  this  seems  to  be  beyond  our 
power,  and  consequently  there  comes  a time  when,  under  the 
most  favorable  circumstances,  decomposition  becomes  predomi- 
nant, and  death  from  old  age  results. 

The  life  of  man  has  been  variously  divided  by  different 
authors  into  artificial  periods  or  stages,  the  limits  of  which  are 
by  no  means  accurately  defined,  although  the  Seven  Ages  of 
Man  are  pictured  with  such  wonderful  skill  by  the  great  English 
dramatist  that  it  seems  as  if  those  grand  portraits  must  hold  a 
place  in  the  study  of  humanity  at  least  as  long  as  the  Anglo- 
Saxon  race  endures.  From  a hygienic  point  of  view,  however, 
a natural  division,  based  upon  the  physiological  course  of  the 
life  of  man,  is  more  convenient  as  well  as  more  useful.  In 
accordance  with  this  principle,  we  divide  the  life  of  man  into 
three  periods,  as  follows  : 1.  The  period  of  Increase,  in  which 
the  formation  of  tissue  predominates  over  decay  ; this  stage 
extends  from  birth  to  about  the  twenty-fifth  year,  varying  in 
accordance  with  sexual  and  individual  peculiarities.  2.  The 
period  of  Maturity,  in  which  the  processes  of  regeneration  and 
waste  counterbalance  each  other ; an  equilibrium  of  antagonistic 
forces  generally  maintained  from  about  the  twenty-fifth  to  the 
thirty-fifth  year.  3.  The  period  of  Decline  or  Decay,  during 
which  the  tissues  are  not  repaired  as  fast  as  they  are  broken 
down,  and  we  witness  a disturbance  of  the  balance  between 
these  two  operations,  which  goes  on,  increasing  gradually  with 
more  or  less  rapidity,  from  the  thirty-fifth  year  to  the  extreme 
limit  of  human  life.  Each  of  these  three  periods  is  marked  by 
strong  peculiarities  of  both  organization  and  action,  and  they  all 
exhibit  immunities  from  some  diseases  and  susceptibilities  to 
others,  which  are  only  to  be  accounted  for  by  a reference  to  the 
physiological  condition  characterizing  each  stage  of  progress 
from  infancy  to  old  age,  and  which  is  repeated  in  generation 
after  generation  of  our  race  with  unvarying  uniformity.  As  the 
lamented  President  Lincoln’s  favorite  poet  tells  us : — 

“ We  are  the  same  things  that  our  fathers  have  been, 

We  see  the  same  sights  that  our  fathers  have  seen  ; 

We  drink  the  same  stream  and  we  feel  the  same  sun, 

And  we  run  the  same  course  that  our  fathers  have  run. 

“ The  thoughts  we  are  thinking  our  fathers  would  think, 

From  the  death  we  are  shrinking  from  they  too  would  shrink ; 

To  the  life  we  are  clinging  they  also  would  cling, 

But  it  speeds  from  the  earth  like  a bird  on  the  wing,” 


How  to  Preserve  the  Teeth. 

Special  Care  and  Remedies. 


BY 

S.  B.  BARTHOLOMEW,  D.  D.  S. 


First  Dentition.  — During  this  period  the  child  requires  more 
than  ordinary  watchfulness  on  the  part  of  the  mother.  Difficulties 
incident  to  teething,  cause  a very  large  per  cent,  of  mortality  among 
children,  which  proper  care  would  prevent.  Systemic  disturbance 
caused  by  cutting  teeth  is  very  marked,  and  can  be  easily  seen. 
Symptoms  : — Hot  and  dry  mouth,  feverishness,  redness  of  one  or  both 
cheeks,  sometimes  changing  from  one  to  the  other,  indicating  great 
nervous  disturbance.  Eruptions  on  the  head  and  face,  and  sometimes 
on  the  whole  body.  Ulcerations  may  appear  on  the  tongue,  gums,  lips, 
and  inside  of  the  cheeks.  Fretfulness  when  awake,  and  moaning  in 
sleep,  nausea,  vomiting,  high  fever,  diarrhoea,  or  severe  constipation, 
followed  not  infrequently  by  convulsions. 

Treatment. — If  there  is  a tendency  to  hot  and  dry  skin,  let  the 
treatment  be  such  as  will  keep  the  skin  moist,  look  out  for  diarrhoea 
or  constipation.  If  the  gums  are  swollen,  and  indicate  a pressure  from 
beneath,  they  should  be  freely  lanced  over  the  erupting  teeth ; nervous 
irritation  will  be  controlled  by  adding  a little  catnip  tea  to  the  milk. 
Watch  the  food  so  that  digestion  may  not  be  impaired. 

If  the  mother  does  not  nurse  the  child,  or  the  milk  be  deficient  in 
quantity  or  quality,  be  careful  to  have  the  right  milk  for  a substitute. 
Never  take  the  milk  from  a milk  cart,  for  that  is  a mixed  milk  of  all 
the  herd,  and  not  fit  to  give  a young  babe.  If  possible,  have  the  milk 
of  a cow  whose  calf  would  be  the  age  of  the  babe  to  be  fed,  rich  in 
cream,  and  up  to  the  standard  of  perfect  milk.  This  milk  will  be  richer 
in  casein,  butter  and  phosphates,  than  human  milk,  but  poorer  in  sugar ; 
therefore,  add  one-third  water,  and  a little  pure  white  sugar.  Aside 
from  the  mixed  nature  of  milk  sold  from  the  cart,  there  is  a possibility 

351 


352 


CARE  AND  PRESERVATION  OF  THE  TEETH. 


that  it  may  have  already  been  watered,  and  then  doctored  with  foreign 
matter  to  bring  up  color  and  taste.  Supposing  you  take  the  milk  from 
the  cart,  accepting  it  for  a standard  milk,  any  mother  can  readily  see 
she  is  surely  increasing  the  danger  of  fatal  trouble  during  the  period  of 
teething. 

Care  of  the  Temporary  Teeth.  — The  temporary  teeth  are 
designed  by  nature  to  remain  until  the  permanent  teeth  are  ready  to 
take  their  places.  Children  should  be  taught  to  keep  them  clean  by 
brushing.  If  they  decay,  they  should  be  filled  with  some  temporary 
filling,  for  decayed  and  painful  temporary  teeth  will  cause  the  child  to 
avoid  using  them  as  much  as  possible.  Food  will  be  swallowed  without 
sufficient  mastication,  the  stomach  become  disordered  in  attempting  to 
do  the  work  designed  for  the  temporary  teeth,  thus  opening  the  way 
for  sickness  and  suffering. 

Care  of  the  Permanent  Teeth.  — In  all  cases  of  trouble  in  second 
dentition  consult  your  dentist.  A little  attention  at  such  times  will  often 
prevent  a long  train  of  evils.  The  destruction  of  the  teeth  from  decay, 
in  a large  degree,  is  in  consequence  of  the  action  of  chemical  acids, 
and  low  forms  of  organic  life  produced  through  the  fermentation  and 
putrifaction  of  food  and  other  substances.  If  this  fermenting,  filthy 
compost  is  allowed  to  remain  on  and  between  the  teeth,  myriads  of 
little  creatures  grow  and  thrive  in  it,  boring  away  at  the  tooth  structure 
until  it  is  gone.  The  remedy  is  cleanliness,  antiseptic  washes,  and  the 
dentist’s  skill.  Teeth  should  be  brushed  thoroughly  twice  a day,  morn- 
ing and  night,  with  a generous  brush  of  medium  stiffness,  using  some 
antiseptic  wash  in  tepid  water.  Never  mind  if  the  gums  bleed,  it  is  an 
indication  of  foreign  substance  about  the  necks  of  the  teeth,  and  inflam- 
mation of  the  gums.  Have  the  foreign  substance  removed,  and  brush 
without  regard  to  bleeding,  they  will  soon  become  hard  and  healthy. 

Never  use  dentifrices  made  of  charcoal,  or  pumice  stone,  or  any 
other  gritty  substance — they  are  too  harsh — they  injure  the  delicate 
tissue  that  surrounds  and  gives  outer  nourishment,  through  the  thin 
layer  of  cementum  that  covers  the  roots  of  the  teeth. 

To  stop  pain  in  an  exposed  and  inflamed  dental  pulp,  rinse  out 
the  cavity  with  a little  tepid  water,  apply  cotton  saturated  in  equal  parts 
of  camphor,  chloroform  and  oil  of  cloves  ; shake  before  using.  To  stop 
pain  in  a dead  tooth,  apply  cotton  saturated  in  equal  parts  of  camphor, 
hydrate  of  chloral  and  carbolic  acid.  Be  careful  and  not  have  an  excess 
of  the  liquid  in  the  cotton,  as  it  will  run  over  the  gums  and  bum  the 
mouth. 


CARE  AND  PRESERVATION  OF  THE  TEETH. 


353 


A GOOD  TOOTH  POWDER. 

Precipitated  Carbonate  of  Lime,  4 ounces. 

Pulverized  Orris  Root,  3-4  ounce. 

Pulverized  Peruvian  Bark,  1-4  ounce. 

Pulverized  White  Sugar,  1-4  ounce. 

Flavor  with  that  which  is  most  agreeable  to  the  taste. 


A DELIGHFUL  ANTI-SEPTIC  MOUTH  WASH. 


Carbolic  Acid, 
Listerine, 

Alcohol, 

Glycerine, 

Oil  of  Peppermint, 
Red  Aniline, 


5 drachms. 

6 ounces. 

4 ounces. 

1 ounce. 

4 drops. 

3 drops. 


Table  spoonful  in  wine  glass  of  water,  use  weaker  or  in  greater 
strength  as  may  be  most  agreeable. 


A good  mouth  wash  in  cases  of  fetid  breath  or  inflamed  gums : 
Tincture  of  Krameria,  3 fluid  ounces. 

Eau  de  Cologne,  6 “ “ 

Carbolic  Acid  crystals,  10  drops. 

Oil  of  Wintergreen,  8 “ 

Put  two  teaspoonfuls  of  the  above  mixture  to  a wine  glass  of  water, 
Use  thoroughly  three  or  four  times  a day. 


HOW  TO  DISGUISE 

THE 

UNPLEASANT  TASTE  OF  MEDICINE. 


PROPER  DOSES  FOR  DIFFERENT  AGES,  ETC. 


The  action  of  medicine  is  modified  by  the  condition  of  the 
individual,  by  the  climate  and  season. 

In  summer  certain  medicines  act  more  vigorously  than  in 
winter,  and  the  same  person  may  not  bear  the  same  dose  in 
July  that  he  could  in  December.  Persons  of  a phlegmatic  tem- 
perament bear  stimulants  and  purgatives  better  than  those  of  a 
sanguine  temperament,  therefore  the  latter  require  smaller 
doses.  Purgatives  never  act  so  well  upon  persons  accustomed 
to  take  them  as  upon  those  who  are  not,  and  in  cases  where 
purgatives  are  necessary  to  be  often  used  the  form  and  kind 
should  be  changed  occasionally. 

Purgatives  should  never  be  given  when  the  bowels  are  in  a 
state  of  irritation.  Stimulants  and  narcotics  never  act  as 
quickly  upon  persons  accustomed  to  the  use  of  stimulants. 

Medicine  for  females  should  not  be  so  strong  as  for  males. 
Reduce  about  one-eighth. 

Persons  whose  general  health  is  good  bear  stronger  doses 
than  the  debilitated  and  those  who  have  suffered  for  a long 
time. 

Castor-oil  may  be  taken  in  milk,  coffee,  or  spirit,  such  as 
brandy ; but  the  best  method  of  covering  the  nauseous  flavor 
is  to  put  a tablespoonful  of  strained  orange  juice  in  a wineglass, 
pour  the  castor-oil  into  the  center  of  the  juice,  and  then  squeeze 
a few  drops  of  lemon  juice  upon  the  top  of  the  oil. 

Cod-liver  oil  may  be  taken,  like  castor-oil,  in  orange  juice. 

Peppermint-water  almost  prevents  the  nauseous  taste  of 
Epsom  salts. 

A strong  solution  of  extract  of  licorice  covers  the  disagree- 
able taste  of  aloes  ; milk  that  of  cinchona  bark ; and  cloves  that 
of  senna. 

An  excellent  way  to  prevent  the  taste  of  medicines  is  to 
have  the  medicine  in  a glass,  as  usual,  and  a tumbler  of  water 
by  the  side  of  it.  Then  take  the  medicine  and  retain  it  in  the 

354 


HOW  TO  GIVE  MEDICINES. 


355 


mouth,  which  should  be  kept  closed,  and  if  you  then  commence 
drinking  the  water,  the  taste  of  the  medicine  is  washed  away. 

It  is  desirable  to  render  medicines  as  palatable  and  pleas- 
ant as  possible  and  to  administer  them  at  such  times,  and  with 
such  precautions,  as  shall  render  their  retention  and  action  most 
probable  ; for  adults,  who  can  swallow  pills,  this  is  the  easiest 
und  best  mode  of  taking  such  remedies  as  will  go  in  a small 
compass.  For  children  generally  they  are  unsuitable,  and 
draughts  or  powders  must  be  given  to  them,  unless,  as  is  now 
often  the  case,  medicated  cakes  or  lozenges,  containing  the  reme- 
dies which  their  cases  require,  can  be  procured. 

The  best  vehicle  for  children’s  powders  which  contain  any 
heavy  substance  is  sugar  moistened  just  a little,  or  honey,  or 
molasses,  or  gum ; it  must  be  some  thick  substance  or  the  pow- 
der will  fall  to  the  bottom,  and  so  not  be  taken.  Powders  with 
rhubarb,  magnesia,  or  any  light  substance  may  be  mixed  up 
thin  and  drank;  a piece  of  sugar  with  a few  drops  of  essence  of 
peppermint  on  it,  or  a strong  peppermint  lozenge,  will  get  rid  of 
the  unpleasant  taste  perhaps  sooner  than  anything  else  ; those 
who  object  to  this  should  chew  a piece  of  dried  orange  peel  both 
before  and  after  swallowing  the  medicine.  Aperients  are  best 
taken  on  an  empty  stomach,  so  are  vermifuges ; tonics  should  be 
taken  an  hour  or  so  before  meals,  except  preparations  of  iron, 
which  are  best  an  hour  after  meals ; emetics  are  commonly 
directed  to  be  taken  in  the  evening,  because  after  their  opera- 
tion the  patient  may  rest  awhile.  Stimulants  of  course  may 
be  taken  at  any  time  when  required ; opiates  always  at  bed- 
time, that  their  action  may  not  be  interrupted ; unless  it  be  a 
case  of  spasm  or  violent  pain  which  calls  for  instant  relief. 
Strong  purgatives  are  best  taken  in  the  morning ; at  night  they 
would  disturb  the  rest,  and  cause  great  inconvenience.  Ail 
these,  of  course,  are  but  general  rules,  to  which  there  are  numer- 
ous exceptions.  The  discreet  mother  or  nurse  will  know  when 
they  are  to  be  strictly  followed,  and  when  departed  from. 

Condition  of  the  Stomach. — The  least  active  remedies 
operate  violently  on  some  persons,  owing  to  a peculiarity  of 
stomach  or  disposition  of  body  unconnected  with  temperament. 
In  giving  medicines,  the  medical  man  always  so  regulates  the 
intervals  between  doses  that  the  following  dose  may  be  taken 
before  the  effect  produced  by  the  former  is  altogether  effaced. 
By  not  attending  to  this  rule,  the  cure  is  always  commencing, 
but  never  rapidly  proceeding — it  may,  indeed,  have  no  effect  at 
all.  It  is  to  be  borne  in  mind,  at  the  same  time,  that  some 


356 


HOW  TO  GIVE  MEDICINES. 


medicines,  such  as  mercury,  etc.,  are  apt  to  accumulate  in  the 
system,  and  danger  may  thence  arise  if  the  doses  be  repeated 
too  frequently.  Aloes  and  castor-oil  acquire  greater  activity  by 
use,  so  that  the  dose  requires  to  be  diminished.  With  due 
caution,  and  a proper  attention  to  the  doses  ordered,  no  unto- 
ward circumstance  need  arise. 

The  condition  of  the  mind  has  a powerful  influence  upon 
the  disorders  of  the  body.  The  effect  of  the  imagination  works 
wonders  for  or  against  recovery.  Many  of  the  extraordinary 
cures  credited  to  traveling  “medicine  men,”  “great  remedies,” 
etc.,  are  nothing  more  than  the  influence  of  the  imagination 
over  a disordered  body  or  mind. 


Proper  Doses  for  Different  Ages. 


Ages. 

Proportional  Doses. 

Dose. 

For  an  Adult 
Under  1 year 
“ 2 years 

“ 3 “ 

U 4 U 

u 7 u 

“ 14  “ 

“ 20  “ 
Above  21  “ 

“ 65  “ 

“ 80  “ 

Suppose  the  dose  One 
Will  require  only  l-12th 
1 8th 

l-6th 

l-4th 
1 3d 
1 2 

2-3ds 

The  full  dose  One 
Will  require  only  3-4ths 
2-3ds 

as  1 dram  or  60  grains. 

“ 5 grains. 

“ 8 “ 

“ 10  “ 

“ 15  “ 

“ 1 scruple  or  20  grains. 
“ 1-2  dram  or  30  “ 

“ 2 scruples  or  40  “ 

“ 1 dram. 

“ 45  grains. 

“ 2 scruples  or  40  grains. 

In  the  same  manner  for  fluids  divide  the  quantity  suited 
for  an  adult  by  the  above  fractional  parts.  If  for  a child  under 
one  year,  the  dose  will  be  one-twelfth ; under  two  years,  one- 
eighth  ; under  three  years,  one-sixth,  and  so  on. 

Approximate  Measures. 

For  the  convenience  of  those  who  have  not  accurate  meas- 
ures at  hand,  we  give  the  approximate  quantities : — 

A teacup  contains  four  fluid  ounces,  or  one  gill. 

A wine  glass  contains  two  fluid  ounces. 

A tablespoon  contains  one-half  fluid  ounce. 

A teaspoon  contains  one-eighth  fluid  ounce,  or  one  dram. 

Sixteen  large  tablespoonfuls  make  half  a pint. 

Eight  “ “ “ one  gill. 

Four  “ “ “ half  gill. 

Sixty  to  eighty  drops  are  equal  to  one  teaspoon  ful. 


HOW  TO  GIVE  MEDICINES 


357 


Apothecary’s  Weight. 


20  grains 
60  grains 
480  grains 
6,760  grains 
The  scruple  and  dram 


1 scruple  = 20  grains. 

1 dram  — 8 scruples. 

1 ounce  = 8 drams. 

1 pound  = 12  ounces, 

are  discarded  in  the  new  weights. 
Measures  of  capacity  are  used  for  liquids  in  mixing  medicines 
Formerly  wine  measure  was  employed,  but  now  it  is  the  im- 
perial. The  weight  of  the  imperial  minim  of  water  is  91  grains, 
and  is  multiplied  as  follows : — 

60  minims  = 1 fluid  dram  ==  60  minims. 

480  minims  = 1 fluid  ounce  = 8 fluid  drams. 

9,600  minims  = 1 pint  = 20  fluid  ounces. 

76,800  minims  = 1 gallon  = 8 pints. 

The  fluid  ounce  is  the  measure  of  one  ounce  of  water ; the 
pint,  1£  lbs. ; and  the  gallon,  10  lbs.  In  prescriptions  the  weights 
and  measures  are  generally  expressed  by  signs  or  symbols,  with 
Latin  numerals  affixed.  These  signs,  with  the  Latin  and  English 
words  which  stand  for  them,  are  given  below  : — 
m Minim,  l-60th  part  of  a fluid  dram. 

9j  Scrupulus,  a scruple. 

5j  Drachma,  a dram, 
f 3 j Fluid  Drachma,  a measured  dram. 

5 j Uncia,  an  ounce  (437.5  grains), 
f § j Fluid  uncia,  a measured  ounce, 
lb  j Libra,  a pound  (7,000  grains). 

Oj  Octarius,  a pint, 
gr  Granum,  a grain. 

ss  Semis,  half,  affixed  to  any  of  the  above  signs. 

The  numerals  j,  ij,  iij,  iv,  v,  etc.,  show  the  number  of 
grains,  ounces,  pounds,  etc.,  to  be  taken ; thus,  wzlx  denotes  60 
minims,  3 vii,  7 drams,  and  § j,  1 ounce. 


READ  CAREFULLY, 


PREFACE 

TO  THE  HOMEOPATHIC  DEPARTMENT  OF 

¥flE  C0W?IGE  PJIYjSKW. 


In  preparing  the  treatment  to  a domestic  practice,  the  directions 
should  be  simple,  yet  full  enough  to  be  understood.  This  idea  has  been 
fully  carried  out,  and  nothing  has  been  introduced  but  what  has  been 
verified  by  experience,  and,  therefore,  will  be  fully  reliable.  Persons 
who  cannot  get  a physician  may  depend  upon  the  remedies  given  herein  ; 
but  be  sure  that  they  cover  a majority  of  the  symptoms,  which  will  be 
known  by  comparing  the  symptoms  of  the  disease  with  those  given  un- 
der the  remedy. 

Homoeopathic  remedies  are  very  active,  when  properly  chosen,  and 
will  show  beneficial  results,  generally,  within  a very  few  hours.  In  se- 
vere cases,  with  violent  symptoms,  they  may  be  given  as  often  as  every 
five  minutes ; but  at  the  least  approach  of  improvement,  lengthen  the 
intervals.  Ordinarily  medicine  given  every  hour  is  often  enough,  and 
many  times  every  two  or  three  hour  intervals  should  be  imposed,  partic- 
ularly with  young  children. 

Homoeopathic  medicines  are  prepared  in  the  form  of  liquids  and 
powders.  Pellets  are  used  as  a convenient  vehicle,  very  useful  to  carry 
about  in  the  pocket. 

Of  the  attenuations,  mentioned  in  this  book,  from  six  to  eight 
drops  should  be  added  to  one-half  a glass  of  water,  and  of  this  tea- 
spoonful  doses  may  be  given  as  often  as  seems  necessary.  The  powders 
may  be  taken  dry  on  the  tongue,  or  as  much  as  could  be  placed  upon  a 
ten  cent  coin  put  into  one-half  a glass  of  water,  and  administered  as  in 
case  of  the  liquid.  Four  to  six  pellets  are  a dose.  A child  under  two 
years  of  age  to  receive  one-half  the  amount  of  an  adult. 

Very  truly  yours, 

J.  H.  CARMICHAEL. 


358 


EXPLANATION 


OF  THE  SIGNS,  ATTENUATIONS  ETC.  USED  IN  HOMCEPATHIC  PRACTICE. 


The  sign  0 with  | drawn  through  it  indicates  the  full  strength  of  the  mother 
tincture.  The  X indicates  the  strength  or  attenuation  of  the  medicine  prescribed. 

The  first  attenuation  is  one-tenth  the  strength  of  the  mother  tincture,  the  second 

* 

attenuation,  one-tenth  the  strength  of  the  first,  and  so  on,  each  attenuation  being 
just  one-tenth  the  strength  of  the  one  preceding. 


HOMOEOPATHY 

Remedies  Treatm  ent 


o 

The  full  diagnosis  of  each  disease  will  be  found  in  the  preceding 
pages , arranged  in  alphabetical  order , the  pages  being  indicated  by  the 
small  figures  within  the  (parentheses'). 

o 

Abscess.  (95) — First  stage,  before  pus  has  formed,  give  Bel- 
ladonna, 3 x,  and  Mercurius  Viv.,  6 x,  in  alternation.  When  pus  begins 
to  form,  give  Hepar  Sulphur  is,  3 x. 

Sulphur,  cc,  is  useful  to  remove  a tendency  to  abscesses.  Poultice 
and  open  freely  as  soon  as  suppuration  takes  place.  After  opening, 
wash  out  the  abscess  with  Tinct.  of  Calendula,  one  part  to  ten  of  water. 

Abscess,  of  the  Ear.  (95) — It  is  so  liable  to  extend  to  the 

brain  that  a surgeon  should  be  called  early.  The  same  remedies  as 
above. 

Apoplexy.  (97) — Give  Aconite,  3 x,  and  send  for  medical  as- 
sistance. Principle  remedies  are  Aconite,  3 x,  Belladonna,  3 x.  Opium , 
30,  Arnica,  3 x,  and  Glonoine,  30. 

Aconite,  3 x,  hard  wiry  pulse  ; persons  of  full  habit. 

Bell.,  3 x,  congestion  of  the  brain ; red  swollen  face ; throbbing  of 
blood  vessels  ; dilated  pupils,  convulsive  movements  of  the  face  and  limbs, 
serviceable  early  in  the  case. 

Opium,  30,  profound  stupor ; dusky  countenance ; contraction  of  pu- 
pils ; convulsed  ; moans  and  groans  ; cannot  be  aroused. 

Arnica,  3 x,  after  active  excitement  has  subsided,  to  promote  re- 
sorption of  effusion. 

Nux  Vomica,  3 x,  is  a useful  remedy  to  prevent  a predisposition  to 
apoplexy.  The  diet  should  be  plain,  avoiding  rich  food  and  stimulants. 
Exclude  all  excitement,  over  exertion,  sudden  changes  of  temperature, 
and  excesses  of  all  kinds. 

Asthma.  (99)  — Arsenicum,  3 x,  Euphorbia- Pilulif or  a,  1 x, 

Ipecac,  1 x,  Veratrum  Viride,  1 x. 

360 


HOMOEOPATHIC  TREATMENT. 


3G1 


Arsenicum,  3 x,  hay-fever,  watery  excoriating  discharges  from  the 
eyes  and  nose. 

Euphorbia  Pil.,  1 x,  suffocative  cough ; considered  a specific  by 
many. 

Ipecac,  1 x,  nausea  and  vomiting,  followed  by  violent  fits  of  cough- 
ing. 

Veratrum  Vir .,  1 x,  hard,  difficult  breathing  ; tight,  wheezing  cough  ; 
full,  hard,  bounding  pulse. 

Back.  (101) — Lameness  (Lumbago).  Rhus  Tox.,  3 x,  for  pain- 
ful condition  of  the  muscles  from  a sprain  or  wrench. 

For  crick  of  the  back,  Ferrum  Phosphoricum,  3 x. 

Baldness.  (101) — To  prevent  the  hair  from  falling  after  fevers, 
etc.,  Fluoric  Acid,  6 x,  and  Silicea,  30. 

Barber’s  Itch.  (102) — Sulphur  Iodide , 3 x,  every  six  hours,  and 
apply  Blue  Ointment. 

Bed  Sores.  (102) — Tincture  Arnica  and  Brandy,  equal  parts, 
locally,  for  inflammation. 

After  sloughing  out,  give  Arsenicum,  3 x,  internally,  and  apply 
powdered  Boracic  Acid. 

Bloody  Urine.  (103) — Variety  of  causes.  Call  your  physician. 
As  general  remedies,  Terebinthina,  1 x,  and  Engeron  Can.,  1 x,  Cam- 
phor (I),  after  a blister  of  Spanish  Flies  {Canthar ides). 

Bleeding  from  the  Nose.  (104) — (Epistaxis.)  Aconite,  1 x,  for 
plethoric  persons,  with  hard,  quick,  wiry  pulse. 

Carbo  Veg.,  3 x,  severe  nose-bleed,  several  times  daily,  with  pale 
face  before  and  after  each  attack. 

Nitric  Acid,  3 x,  disposition  to  nose-bleed. 

Bleeding  from  the  Lungs.  (105) — (Hemoptysis.)  Hama- 

melis,  &,  ten  drops,  every  hour,  for  dark  blood  which  is  profuse  or  scant. 

Veratrum  Vir.,  1 x,  congestion  of  the  lungs,  with  full,  hard,  bound- 
ing pulse. 

Phosphorus,  30,  disposition  to  frequent  hemorrhages  with  dry, 
hacking  cough. 

Acute  Inflammation  of  the  Bowels.  (106) — (Enteritis.) 
Aconite,  1 x,  quick,  wiry  pulse;  dry,  hot  skin,  and  very  restless.  Arseni- 
cum, 3 x,  burning  pain  in  bowels ; tongue  red  and  dry  ; yellow,  frequent 
stools ; vomiting ; very  weak  and  debilitated. 

Colocynth , 2 x,  violent,  griping  pain  in  the  bowels. 


362 


HOMCEOPaTHIC  treatment. 


Veratrum  Alb.,  i x,  cold  sweat ; cramps  in  legs,  with  vomiting  and 
diarrhoea. 

Keep  hot  packs  of  alcohol  and  water  over  the  bowels  and  call  a 
physician. 

Avoid  all  animal  food. 

Chronic  Inflammation  of  the  Bowels.  (107) — (Chronic 

Enteritis.)  Bryonia , 3 x,  constant  dryness  of  the  lips,  pain  in  the  bow- 
els ; one  day,  diarrhoea,  next  day,  constipation. 

Iris  Versicolar , 3 x,  grumbling  belly-ache ; stools  inclined  to  be 
loose  ; liver  out  of  order. 

Kali  Bichromicum , 3 x,  chronic  inflammation  all  through  the  bow- 
els from  the  stomach  to  the  anus ; mucous  discharges  which  are  stringy. 

Lycopodium,  30,  much  wind  in  the  bowels ; inclined  to  constipation. 

Plumbum  Carb.,  30,  violent  long-lasting  pain  in  the  bowels  ; chron- 
ic diarrhoea. 

Sulphur,  200,  constipation  or  diarrhoea — chronic  and  persistent, 
even  after  giving  all  kinds  of  remedies.  A course  of  Sulphur , once  or 
twice  daily  for  a week,  will  bring  the  case  under  control. 

Milk  should  be  the  principal  article  of  diet.  All  animal  food  dis- 
carded, excepting,  now  and  then,  raw,  grated  beef. 

Bronchitis.  (107) — Aconite,  1 x,  at  commencement,  with  hot, 

dry  skin  and  quick  pulse. 

Bryonia , 3 x,  bronchial  tubes  feel  sore ; dry  cough,  also,  at  com- 
mencement, may  be  given  alternate  with  Aconite. 

Sambucus,  1 x,  very  useful  for  young  children. 

Verat.  Vir .,  1 x,  full,  bounding  pulse  ; difficult  breathing,  also  Anti - 
monium  Tart.,  3 x,  Kali  Bichromicum,  3 x,  and  Ipecac,  1 x. 

Keep  the  chest  wrapped  in  cotton  batting. 

Cancer.  (109) — It  should  be  removed,  early,  by  an  operation. 

Follow  this  up  by  Arsenicum,  3 x,  six  months,  a dose  two  or  three  times 
daily. 

Condurango,  1 x,  is  said  to  relieve  the  pain  of  cancer,  anything 
short  of  complete  removal  should  not  be  tolerated. 

Canker  of  the  Mouth,  (no) — Merc.  Cor.,  3 x,  one  of  the 

best  remedies. 

Catalepsy  or  Trance.  (111) — (See  Hysteria .) 

Cataract.  (1 12)  — Must  be  removed  by  surgical  means. 

Cannabis  Satina,  3 x,  said  to  have  cured  cases  of  cataract. 


HOMOEOPATHIC  TREATMENT. 


363 


Catarrh.  (112) — Aconite , 3 x,  acute  catarrh,  feverishness;  pain 

in  the  head,  eyes,  nose,  etc. 

Bryonia , 3 x,  in  addition  to  the  acute  catarrh  of  the  nose,  it  has  a 
dry  cough  with  stitches  in  the  chest. 

Kali  Hydroidicum , 3 x,  sneezing ; watery  discharges  from  the  eyes 
and  nose  which  excoriates ; pain  in  the  fore  part  of  the  head. 

Chronic  Catarrh.  (114) — Calc.  Carb.,  30,  Kali Bichromicum, 
3 x,  Sanguinaria , 3 x,  Sulphur , cc. 

Chapped  or  Cracked  Lips.  (115) — Bryonia , 3 x,  dry,  chap- 

ped lips. 

Chilblains.  (115) — Agaricus  Muse,  3 x,  will  cure  chilblains  in 
a few  days. 

Chicken  Pox.  (116)  (Varicella.) — Aconite , 3 x,  fever;  restless- 
ness, generally  all  the  remedy  needed. 

Antimony  Tart.,  3 x,  if  the  eruption  suppurates,  this  remedy  will  be 
useful  to  prevent  scars. 

Hepar  Sulphur , 3 x,  useful  for  a week  or  so  after  any  of  the  erup- 
tion diseases. 

Milk  diet  the  best. 

Asiatic  Cholera.  (117)  — Camphor  <J>,  great  depression;  col- 
lapse ; chilly  most  of  the  time  ; violent  vomiting  and  purging,  give  early 
in  the  disease. 

Arsenicum , 3 x,  excoriating  discharges ; bright  red  tongue,  with 
burning  of  stomach  and  bowels ; patient  wild  and  restless,  useful  in  all 
stages  of  the  disease. 

Veratrum  Alb.,  1 x,  cold  sweat ; violent  vomiting  and  purging ; 
cramps  of  different  muscles  of  the  body. 

Cuprum  Aceticum,  30,  also  for  cramps  with  empty  retching : also 
>d  be  used  as  a prophylactic. 

The  diet  should  be  milk  with  a little  brandy  added. 

Cholera  Morbus.  (119) — Same  remedies  as  Asiatic  cholera, 
idding  Colocynth,  2 x,  for  violent,  griping  pain  in  the  bowels. 

Colic.  (Pain  in  the  abdomen.) — Colocynth , 2 x,  the  first  remedy 
usually  thought  of,  griping,  tearing,  twisting  pain  in  the  bowels ; much 
gas  in  bowels. 

For  Painter’s  Colic.  (121) — Opium  must  be  administered  in 

one  grain  doses,  every  two  hours,  until  better. 

Kali  Hydroidicum , 1 x,  useful  to  eradicate  the  lead  from  the  sys- 


tem. 


364 


HOMOEOPATHIC  TREATMENT. 


Concussion  of  the  Brain.  (124) — Keep  the  patient  quiet; 
apply  cold  cloths  to  the  head  and  give  Arnica,  3 x,  every  hour  or  two, 
for  a few  days. 

Congestion  of  the  Brain.  (125) — Belladonna,  1 x,  full,  beat- 
ing blood  vessels  ; full  pulse  ; red,  flushed  face ; mild  delirium  ; dilated 
pupils. 

Bromide  of  Potash,  five  grains,  every  hour,  to  an  adult,  until  bet- 
ter. 

Veratrum  Vir.,  1 x,  full,  bounding  pulse ; nausea  with  terrible  pain 
in  the  head. 

Convulsions.  (125)  (Fits.) — Belladonna,  3 x,  flushed  face; 
throbbing  of  the  blood  vessels  going  to  the  head. 

Cicuta  Vir  os  a,  6 x,  twitching  and  jerking  of  the  muscles  all  over 
the  body ; movement  of  the  muscles  about  the  mouth  causing  a chewing 
motion. 

Gelseminum,  1 x,  violent  fever;  full  compressible  pulse.  The 
whole  body  is  convulsed. 

Hysterical  Convulsions.  Nux  Vomica,  3 x,  violent  drawing 
backward  of  the  head,  and  feet  toward  each  other. 

Convulsions  from  passion,  Chamomilla,  30  : injury,  Hypericum , 1 x : 
worms,  Cina,  3 x,  Cicuta , 6 x : fright,  Ignatia,  30. 

Consumption.  (127)  (Phthisis.) — One-fifth  of  the  population 
die  of  this  disease.  The  only  safeguard  against  the  disease  is  to  keep 
one’s  weight  up  to  a normal  standard.  This  is  to  be  accomplished  by 
any  and  all  means. 

The  Compound  Syrup  of  Hypophosphites  is  one  of  the  best  reme- 
dies to  accomplish  this.  The  remedies  are  mostly  Bryonia,  3 x,  Calc . 
Carh.,  30,  Phos.,  30,  Pulsatilla,  3 x,  Sulphur,  30.  (See  Cough,  for  in- 
dications.) 

Costiveness.  (131)  (Constipation.) — Nux  Vomica , 3 x or  30, 
useful  after  using  much  cathartic  medicine ; persons  of  sedentary  habits, 
no  desire  for  stool,  and  if  there  is,  it  cannot  be  accomplished. 

Plumbum , 30,  stools  of  hard,  small  balls,  frequent  attacks  of  colic. 

Sulphur , cc,  remedies  do  not  give  desired  effect ; piles,  with  bum- 
ing  pain  in  the  rectum. 

Drink  a glass  of  oatmeal  water,  every  morning,  on  rising. 

Cornea,  Ulceration  of.  (133) — Merc . Cor.,  3 x,  and  Hehar 
Sulph .,  3 x. 

Employ  an  oculist. 


HOMOEOPATHIC  TREATMENT. 


365 


Corpulence.  (133) — A dose  of  Nux  Vomica , 3 x,  at  night,  is  a 
good  remedy. 

Cough.  (134) — Aconite , 1 x,  croupy  cough  ; spasmodic  cough. 

Bryonia , 3 x,  hard,  dry  cough,  with  pain  in  head  and  chest. 

Belladonna , short,  dry,  hollow,  convulsive  cough,  worse  at  night ; 
flushed  face  and  cerebral  congestion. 

Hepar  Sulph.,  3 x,  irritating  cough ; hoarseness,  excited  by  expos- 
ure to  cold.  Rattling  of  mucous  in  the  throat ; croup. 

Kali  Bichro.,  3 x,  cough,  with  tough,  stringy  expectoration. 

Phosphorus , 30,  dry  cough  with  tickling  in  the  throat.  Worse 
from  talking  or  reading  aloud. 

Spongia,  1 x,  dry,  hoarse,  croupy  cough,  with  pain  in  the  larynx. 
Alternate  with  Aconite , in  croup,  every  fifteen  minutes. 

Castanea  Vesca,  1 x,  five  drops,  every  two  hours,  in  whooping-cough. 

Cuprum  Aceticum , 30,  also  useful  in  whooping-cough  so  violent  as 
to  often  throw  the  patient  into  convulsions.  (See  also  Asthma.) 

Cramp.  (135) — Cuprum  Aceticum , 30,  a very  useful  remedy. 

Cramp  or  Spasm  of  the  Stomach.  (136)  (Gastralgia.) — Di- 
pscorea,  1 x,  five  drops  every  fifteen  minutes. 

Nux  Vom.,  3 x,  and  even  </>,  five  drops,  three  times  daily,  will  gen- 
erally cure  the  disposition  to  cramp  of  the  stomach. 

Bryonia,  3 x,  useful  if  the  cramp  comes  on  immediately  after  eat- 
ing. 

Lactopeptine , ten  grains  after  each  meal. 

Deafness,  (136)  from  catarrh,  of  the  middle  ear,  most  often  cured 
by  Pulsatilla,  3 x. 

If  from  ear-wax,  a few  drops  of  Glycerine  dropped  in  the  ear,  on 
going  to  bed,  for  a few  times. 

Defective  Appetite.  (137) — Bryonia,  3 x,  if  caused  by  a tor- 

pid liver,  also  China,  6 x. 

Nux  Vom.,  1 x,  from  anxiety;  overworked  nervous  systems  and 
constipation. 

Apply  to  a physician  to  ascertain  cause. 

Delirium  Tremens.  (137) — Hyoscyamus  Nig.,  1 x,  ten  drops 
every  half  hour  until  better. 

Nux  Vom.,  1 x,  five  drops  every  three  hours  for  three  or  four  days, 
following  the  abnormal  illusions.  Keep  the  patient  under  close  observa- 
tion and  send  at  once  for  a physician. 


366 


HOMOEOPATHIC  TREATMENT. 


Diabetes.  (139) — Uva  Ursa , 1 x,  ten  drops  every  three  hours 
in  Diabetes  Insipidus. 

Diabetes  Mellitus.  Arsenicum , 3 x,  very  hungry  and  thirsty; 
pale  skin ; loss  of  strength ; dryness  of  mouth  and  throat ; excessive 
urination ; watery  diarrhoea. 

Phosphoric  Acid,  1 x,  loss  of  nerve  force,  with  frequent  urination. 

Diet  must  be  free  from  starch  and  sugar.  Exclusive  milk  diet  of- 
ten benefits.  Gluten  bread  must  be  substituted  for  that  of  wheat  flour. 
Avoid  vegetables,  arrow-root,  asparagus,  bread,  biscuit,  beans,  beets, 
crackers,  carrots,  macaroni,  oat-meal,  pastry,  potatoes,  peas,  rice,  sago, 
sugar,  tapioca,  vermicelli ; fruit,  apples,  grapes,  pears,  bananas,  peaches, 
plums,  pine-apples,  raspberries  and  other  sweet  fruits ; beverages,  wine, 
beer,  brandy,  also  cider  and  all  alcoholic  and  sweet  drinks. 

Allowable  vegetables,  artichokes,  cabbage,  celery,  cresses,  cucum- 
bers, olives,  greens,  lettuce,  pickles,  mushrooms ; fruits,  lemons,  sour 
cherries,  currants,  gooseberries,  strawberries  and  acid  fruits,  generally; 
meats,  beef,  mutton,  poultry,  game,  fish,  oysters,  cheese,  eggs,  etc. 

Gratify  the  thirst  by  an  abundance  of  good  water  or  skim-milk. 
The  diabetic  should  be  warmly  clad. 

Diarrhoea.  (140) — Camphor  </>,  sudden  diarrhoea  with  chilliness. 

Dulcamara , 3 x,  diarrhoea  caused  from  getting  wet ; worse  at  night , 
bilious  stools. 

China , 1 x,  painless,  summer  diarrhoea. 

Chamomilla , 30,  diarrhoea  in  children,  accompanying  teething. 

Arsenicum,  3 x,  chronic  diarrhoea ; red,  burning  tongue ; vomits — 
even  a small  amount  of  water,  in  fact,  everything  taken  into  the  stom- 
ach. 

Ipecac,  1 x,  diarrhoea  and  dysentery  accompanied  by  much  nausea. 

Veratrum  Alb.,  1 x,  vomiting  and  diarrhoea  attended  with  cold 
sweating ; cholera  morbus  ; cholera  infantum. 

Avoid  all  animal  food  during  an  attack  of  diarrhoea.  A little  bran- 
dy may  be  added  to  milk  with  benefit. 

Dilation  of  the  Heart.  (142) — Digitaline,  3 x,  will  strengthen 

a weak  heart. 

Phosphorus,  3 x,  valuable  as  a tonic,  giving  tone  to  the  system. 

Diphtheria.  (143) — Call  your  physician.  Apis  Mel.,  3 x,  in 

diphtheria  with  much  swelling  of  the  throat,  internally,  and  a stinging 
pain. 


HOMOEOPATHIC  TREATMENT.  367 

Phytolacca  Dec.,  i x,  violent  fever,  with  much  stiffness  of  the  neck, 
early  in  the  disease. 

Mercurius  Cor.,  3 x,  much  swelling  of  the  throat  externally ; the 
membrane  is  very  offensive. 

Kali  Bichromictim,  3 x,  croupous  diphtheria,  with  tough,  stringy 
mucus. 

In  connection  with  the  Kali  Bich.,  3 x,  use  a spray  of  a solution  of 
Chloride  of  Lime  and  hot  water  : one  part  of  the  solution  to  ten  parts  of 
hot  water.  Use  a steam  atomizer. 

Diphtheria  is  easily  controlled  by  proper  treatment,  but  exceedingly 
fatal  when  mismanaged.  Feed  the  patient  well  on  beef-steak,  eggs,  milk, 
etc.  Stimulants  and  beef-tea  of  very  little  account.  Never  swab  the 
throat,  but  use  gargles  of  alcohol  and  water. 

Dizziness.  (144)  (Vertigo.) — Digitaline , 3 x,  for  dizziness 
caused  by  an  enfeebled  heart  which  has  produced  anema  of  the  brain. 

China,  1 x,  caused  by  loss  of  blood  or  severe  diarrhoea. 

Many  other  remedies  are  indicated  from  special  causes  which  can 
only  be  located  by  a physician. 

Dropsy.  (146) — Arsenicum,  3 x,  a very  useful  remedy  in  dropsy 
with  much  debility ; red  tongue  and  much  thirst  for  cold  water,  but  a 
small  amount  satisfies. 

Digitaline,  3 x,  heart  dropsy,  more  particularly,  but  ^useful  in  any 
kind,  from  whatever  cause. 

Helleborus  Nig.,  3 x,  dropsy  of  the  brain ; after  scarlatina,  etc. 
Skim-milk  diet  useful  in  dropsy  from  kidney  disease. 

Dysentery.  (147) — Aconite,  1 x,  very  feverish  ; quick,  wiry  pulse 
at  the  commencement  of  the  trouble  ; if  the  discharges  are  principally  of 
blood,  alternate  with  Merc . Cor.,  3 x,  every  half  hour. 

Ipecac,  1 x,  nausea  and  vomiting,  with  bloody,  greenish  stools ; it 
also  quiets  tenesmus. 

Arnica,  3 x,  dysentery,  attended  by  much  urging  to  go  to  stool. 
Injections  of  very  hot  water,  after  each  stool,  will  relieve.  Avoid  all  an- 
imal food ; cold  milk  best  article  of  diet. 

Dyspepsia  (15 1)  (Indigestion.) — Arsenicum,  3 x,  caused  by  ice- 
cream ; burning  in  stomach ; red  tongue ; thirst ; the  least  swallow  of 
food  or  drink  causes  pain. 

Bryonia , 3 x,  sense  of  pressure  as  from  a hard  lump  in  the  stom 
ach  ; bitter  taste  with  headache. 

Carbo  Veg.,  3 x,  much  gas  in  stomach. 


368 


HOMOEOPATHIC  TREATMENT. 


Hydrastis , i x,  for  pain  coming  in  two  or  three  hours  after  meals. 

Lactopeptine , five  to  ten  grains  after  each  meal,  is  useful  to  help  the 
stomach  until  it  regains  its  functions.  Eat  slowly,  masticating  the  food 
thoroughly.  Avoid  such  articles  of  food  as  are  known  to  disagree. 

Ear-ache.  (153)  (Otalgia.) — Aconite,  1 x,  from  cold;  patient 
very  restless. 

Puls.,  3 x,  steady  pain,  but  does  not  drive  the  patient  about  as 
Aconite  does. 

Aconite,  (f>,  two  or  three  drops  on  cotton,  in  the  ear,  very  useful. 

Tobacco  smoke,  blown  into  the  ear,  will  quiet  the  pain. 

Enlargement  of  the  Uvula,  (154)  which  is  relaxed,  Hyoscya- 
mus,  1 x,  every  two  hours.  A tea  of  Gold-thread  useful  as  a gargle. 

Epilepsy.  (155)  (Falling  Fits.) — To  ward  off  an  attack  use 
Nitrate  of  Amyl,  by  inhalation. 

Bell.,  3 x,  holds  a high  place  in  chronic  epilepsy  of  young  and  full 
blooded  subjects. 

Cuprum  Acet.,  30,  violent  convulsions ; pale  face. 

Nux  Vom.,  3 x,  useful  as  a tonic  to  the  nervous  system. 

Erysipelas.  (158) — Aconite,  1 x,  erysipelas  of  the  face,  with  a 
quick,  wiry  pulse. 

Belladonna,  3 x,  intense  redness  of  the  skin;  high  fever;  smooth 
surface  ; violent  headache  ; delirium. 

Rhus  Tox,  3 x,  vesicular,  purplish  colored  skin.  Powder  with  dry 
starch  or  flour. 

In  the  phlegmonous  variety,  call  a physician. 

Exhaustion.  (161) — If  caused  by  hemorrhage,  diarrhoea,  etc., 
nothing  is  better  than  China,  1 x.  If  from  non-assimilation  of  food, 
give  Calc.  Phos.,  3 x. 

Arsenicum,  3 x,  useful  for  indigestion,  with  burning  of  the  stomach, 
also  from  the  effects  of  typhoid  fever. 

Phosphoric  Acid,  1 x,  nervous  exhaustion  from  excesses.  Beef-tea 
is  useful ; use  also  milk. 

Eyes.  (161) — Tor  simple  inflammation  of  the  eyes,  the  white  of 

the  eye  being  red,  give  Bell.,  3 x,  every  two  hours.  For  hot,  scalding, 
watery  discharge  from  the  eyes,  Kali  Hydroidicum,  3 x.  A cinder  or 
any  foreign  body  in  the  eye  should  be  early  removed.  Any  trouble 
causing  severe  pain  in  the  eye  is  serious,  and  an  oculist  or  good  surgeon 
should  be  consulted. 


HOMOEOPATHIC  TREATMENT. 


369 


Fainting.  (162)  (Syncope.) — Aconite , 30,  the  best  remedy  to 
prevent  its  frequent  occurrence.  Aqua  Ammonia  or  Spirits  of  Camphor , 
by  inhalation,  are  restoratives ; also  sprinkling  water  in  the  face. 

Prolapse  of  the  Rectum.  (163) — Nux  Vom.,  3 x,  three  times 
daily,  will  help  it,  also  Podophyllum , 3 x,  in  the  same  way.  It  is  often  nec- 
essary to  wear  an  instrument  for  a time.  Go  to  a surgeon. 

Felons.  (164) — Belladonna , 3 x,  for  redness  of  the  finger,  with 
throbbing  pains  after  suppuration  has  taken  place.  Hepar  Sulph.,  3 x. 
will  hasten  a cure.  Have  it  opened,  early ; by  so  doing  you  will  save 
much  suffering,  and,  possibly,  the  loss  of  a finger. 

Fevers,  in  general.  (164) — Aconite,  1 x,  give  the  remedy  when 

you  find  a quick,  firm,  hard,  wiry  pulse. 

Baptisia  Tinct.,  1 x,  give  this  for  a quick,  fine,  soft,  compressible 
pulse  ; typhoid  fever ; diarrhoea  etc. 

Gelseminum , 1 x,  give  for  a full,  bounding  pulse,  that  is  compres- 
sible and  does  not  resist  the  finger. 

Veratrum  Vir.,  1 x,  full,  hard,  incompressible  pulse  and  resists  the 
finger. 

Fever  and  Ague.  (165)  (Intermittent  or  Malaria.) — China, 
Quinine,  in  recent  ague,  never  in  chronic  cases,  all  the  stages  are  well 
marked,  the  chill  is  usually  in  the  morning  from  nine  to  ten. 

Arsenicum,  3 x,  chronic  ague ; one  stage  runs  into  another,  often 
one  stage  is  left  out ; very  thirsty ; rapid  and  excessive  prostration ; 
dropsical  swellings. 

Eupatorium  Perf.,  1 x,  thirsty  several  hours  before  a chill  and  con- 
tinues through  it ; short  chilly  stage ; long  hot  stage  and  slight  sweating. 

Phos.  Acid , 1 x,  very  profuse  sweat. 

Gels.,  1 x,  severe  nervous  symptoms. 

Natrum  Mur.,  30,  chronic  ague.  Arsenicum,  30,  Ipecac,  3 x,  Ce- 
dron,  3 x,  Sulph.,  30,  for  dumb  ague. 

Bilious  or  Remittent  Fever.  (166) — Gelseminum,  1 x,  the 

leading  remedy  for  remittent  fever ; pain  in  the  head  on  the  left  side. 

Bryonia,  pain  on  the  right  side  of  the  head,  extending  to  its  base ; 
yellow  coated  tongue  ; sallow  complexion  ; constipation  or  alternate  con- 
stipation and  diarrhoea. 

Merc.  Protoide,  3 x,  jaundice  during  the  fever. 

Phosphorus,  3 x,  may  be  given  if  there  is  a cough  at  the  same  time 
of  the  jaundice. 

Simple  Inflammatory  Fever  (167)  rarely  requires  anything 
more  than  Aeon.,  3 x. 


370 


HOMCEOPATH1C  TREATMENT. 


Slow  or  Nervous  Fever.  (168) 

Bryonia,  3 x,  yellow  coating  on  tongue ; constipation ; pain  in  the 
right  side  of  the  head ; lips  dry  and  cracked. 

Nitric  Acid,  3 x,  torpid,  sluggish  liver ; sallow  complexion ; acid  or 
bitter  taste  in  the  mouth,  when  the  fever  has  continued  thirty  or  thirty- 
five  days  without  recovery. 

Hyoscyamus  Nig.,  1 x,  for  sleeplessness  during  nervous  fever.  Bathe 
the  patient  with  a solution  of  Bicarbonate  of  Soda  and  hot  water,  once 
daily. 

Typhus  Fever.  (168)  (Ship  Fever.) — See  Typhoid  Fever. 

Typhoid  Fever.  (169) — Baptisia,  1 x,  alternating  with  Gel- 

seminum,  1 x,  will  abort  a Typhoid  Fever,  if  given  soon  enough. 

Bry.,  3 x,  violent  headache ; restless  sleep ; tongue  coated  yellow, 
with  dry,  parched  lips  ; great  thirst  for  large  quantities  of  water.  Should 
not  be  used  after  diarrhoea  sets  in. 

Mercurius,  3 x.  Tongue  loaded  with  a thick,  moist,  creamy  coat- 
ing ; painful  sensibility  of  the  whole  abdomen ; bloody  stools ; sweating 
without  relief. 

Rhus  Tox.,  3 x.  Temperature  high ; tongue  dry ; dark  coating  on 
tongue  and  teeth ; delirium  ; headache  ; nose  bleed ; debility  and  pros- 
tration ; pulse  weak  and  slow ; abdomen  bloated ; frequent  diarrhoea. 

Arsenicum,  3 x,  hot,  dry  skin ; thirst ; red  tongue  ; yellow  diarrhoea ; 
great  prostration  ; face  pale  and  shrunken ; falling  of  the  lower  jaw ; bed 
sores ; picking  at  the  bed  clothes ; distended  abdomen ; will  restore  a pa- 
tient, oft  times,  when  considered  beyond  help. 

Muriatic  Acid,  1 x,  extreme  prostration ; patient  stupid  and  uncon- 
scious ; sliding  down  in  bed ; low,  muttering  delirium ; inability  to  pro- 
trude the  tongue  ; depression  of  the  lower  jaw ; turning  up  of  the  eyes ; 
involuntary  stool  and  urine, 

Hyoscyamus , 1 x,  violent  headache ; delirium  ; wild,  and  tries  to  un- 
cover himself  and  get  out  of  bed. 

Give  all  the  milk  the  patient  can  drink.  Beef-tea  is  admissible  un- 
less there  be  diarrhoea.  No  solid  food  can  be  allowed.  Haw  oysters 
may  be  taken,  also  ice-cream. 

Yellow  Fever.  (170) — Camphor  <£,  violent  chills,  with  prostra- 
tion. 

Aeon.,  1 x,  fever,  burning  heat,  with  quick,  wiry  pulse ; restlessness 
and  great  anxiety. 


HOMCEOPATHIC  TREATMENT. 


371 


Bell .,  3 x,  congestion  of  the  brain , throbbing  of  the  blood  vessels 
in  the  neck ; red  face ; red  eyes,  which  are  sparkling ; delirium  ; pain  in 
the  stomach,  with  nausea  and  vomiting. 

Bryonia , 3 x,  splitting  headache  ; eyes  red ; tongue  coated  yellow ; 
parched  lips ; great  irritability  and  vomiting. 

Argentum  Nit.,  4 x,  dark  colored  vomiting,  caused  by  hemorrhage 
from  the  mucous  membranes  of  the  stomach. 

Arsenicum,  3 x,  face  yellowish  and  livid ; eyes  dull  and  sunken ; 
lips  and  tongue  brown  or  black  ; burning  pain  in  the  stomach ; suppres- 
sion of  urine ; short,  anxious  breathing ; pulse  small  and  tremulous ; 
cold,  clammy  perspiration ; great  prostration  and  black  vomiting. 

Hyoscyamus,  1 x,  Veratrum  Alb.,  1 x,  Crotalus,  30,  Canthari- 
des,  3 x,  and  Ipecac,  1 x,  may  also  be  called  for. 

The  diet  should  consist  of  milk,  beef-tea  etc.,  as  in  typhoid  fever. 
Isolate  the  patient,  and  use  disinfectants  freely. 

Fistula,  Rectal.  (17 1) — Go  to  a good  surgeon.  Silicea,  30, 

and  Hepar  Sulph.,  3 x,  will  assist  in  the  healing. 

Foetid  Breath.  (1 7 1) — Salicylic  Acid , 3 x,  a powder,  three 
times  daily,  will  correct  it,  when  the  stomach  is  at  fault.  Decayed 
teeth  should  be  filled  or  removed. 

Gall  Stones.  (172) — Where  a person  is  known  to  suffer  from 

these  concretions,  give  six  tablespoonfuls  of  Olive  Oil,  at  bed-time,  re- 
peated in  two  days,  at  the  same  time  give  China,  6 x,  a dose  three 
times  daily,  and  it  will  rarely  fail  to  cure.  An  anaesthetic  will  give  the 
only  relief  while  they  are  passing  through  the  gall  duct. 

Gangrene,  Mortification.  (173) — Remove  it  when  possible  by 

amputation,  if  it  be  of  a limb,  from  injury.  A superficial  slough  can  be 
treated  by  a flax-seed  meal  poultice,  to  which  add  charcoal.  A poultice 
made  from  crushed,  boiled  carrots,  is  also  a good  one. 

Internally,  give  Arsenicum , 3 x,  every  two  hours,  if  there  is  much 
burning  about  the  slough. 

Secale,  3 x,  for  dry  gangrene  of  the  toes.  A weak  solution  of  Car- 
bolic Acid,  ten  drops  to  one  pint  of  hot  water,  should  be  used  as  a wash. 

Glandular  Swellings.  (174) — When  as  a result  of  diphtheria, 
£>ut  on  salt  pork,  and  give  Merc.  Protoide,  3 x.  internally.  When  from 
a cold,  Hepar  Sulph.,  3 x,  is  generally  the  remedy.  If  from  scrofula, 
Calc.  Phos.  3 x,  and  Calc.  Iodide,  3 x,  are  the  best  remedies. 

Gonorrhoea.  (174) — Bell.,  3 x,  if  there  is  much  swelling  of  the 

parts,  and  at  the  same  time  use  it  by  injection.  Later  on  when  the  dis- 


372 


HOMCEOPATHIC  TREATMENT. 


charge  is  thick  and  creamy,  give  Cannabis  Sativa,  3 x,  every  three  hours, 
and  use  a solution  of  Calendula  and  water  one  tenth. 

Sulphur , cc,  may  be  needed  to  cure  the  case. 

Camphor  is  very  useful  for  painful  night  erections. 

Cantharis , 3 x,  if  the  bladder  becomes  involved. 

Avoid  highly  spiced  food,  liquors  and  cigars. 

Gout.  (180) — The  leading  remedy  is  Colchicum , 1 x,  five  drops 

every  three  hours ; avoid  highly  seasoned  and  animal  food,  liquors  of  all 
kinds. 

Gum  Boil.  (181) — Bell.,  1 x,  will  often  remove  the  inflamma- 

tion that  leads  to  a gum  boil. 

Merc.  Viv.,  3 x,  when  caused  by  a decayed  tooth. 

Open  as  soon  as  pus  forms. 

Falling  off  of  the  Hair.  (18 1) — Silicea,  30,  will  stop  the  hair 

from  falling  off  after  a severe  sickness,  which  has  caused  debility.  At 
the  same  time  a wash  of  Bay  Rum  and  water,  two  ounces  of  each  and 
Aqua  Ammonia,  one  drachm,  will  be  found  useful. 

Hay  Fever.  (182)  (Asthma.) — Arsenicum,  30,  is  the  chief  rem- 
edy. Sanguinaria  Nitrate,  3 x,  will  often  help  when  there  is  severe 
sneezing  and  a watery  condition  of  the  eyes. 

Headache.  (182) — Bilious  or  sick  headache  will  call  for  Iris 

Vers.,  3 x,  or  Cocculus , 30,  at  the  time  of  the  pain,  taking  China,  30,  or 
Nux  Vom.,  3 x,  twice  a day  at  other  times.  Congestive  headache  re- 
quires Bell.,  3 x,  if  without  vomiting ; if  with  vomiting,  Veratrum  Vir., 
1 x,  at  the  time.  During  the  interval,  taking  Sanguinaria,  30,  or  Pulsa- 
tilla, 30. 

Rheumatic  Headache  (185)  calls  for  Bry.,  3 x,  if  worse  by 
moving  about  and  better  at  rest,  but  if  better  moving  about  and  worse 
at  rest,  Rhus  Tox.,  3 x. 

Salicine,  five  grains  every  two  hours,  may  be  given  with  one  of  the 
other  remedies. 

Periodic  Headache  (185)  (Malarial.)  may  require  Quinine  to 
break  it  up  : one  dose  of  five,  ten  or  fifteen  grains,  the  night  before  an 
expected  attack,  followed  by  Ars.,  30,  once  daily  for  a month  or  so. 
At  the  time  of  pain  no  remedy  can  equal  Gelseminum,  1 x. 

Headache  from  a diseased  condition  of  the  brain  will  require  Zinc 
Phos.,  3 x,  and  sedatives  prescribed  by  a physician. 

Headache  of  young  persons  of  sedentary  habits,  free  indulgers  at 
the  table,  can  be  promptly  helped  by  Nux  Vom.,  3 x,  one  dose  daily,  at 
bed  time.  Nearly  all  forms  are  curable  by  homoeopathic  treatment. 


HOMOEOPATHIC  TREATMENT. 


373 


Diseases  of  the  Heart.  (186) — Inflammatory  diseases  require 
Aeon.,  i x*for  fever;  quick  wiry  pulse ; pain  and  anguish,  and  with  this 
may  be  alternated  Bry.,  3 x,  if  caused  by  rheumatic  poison. 

Arsenicum , 30,  burning  pain,  with  effusion  in  the  sack ; suffocative 
attacks  ; coldness  of  the  surface  ; anxious  and  fears  death. 

Cactus , 2 x,  a feeling  in  the  heart  as  though  grasped  by  an  iron 
hand. 

Veratrum  Vir.,  1 x,  strong,  loud  beat  of  the  heart,  with  difficult 
breathing;  bronchitis. 

For  Palpitation.  (187) — Moschus , 3 x,  to  quiet  an  attack. 

Agaricus,  3 x,  if  due  from  excessive  use  of  tobacco. 

China , 3 x,  if  from  tea  drinking. 

Neuralgia  of  the  Heart.  (>87)  (Angina  Pectoris.) — Inhalation 
of  Amyl  Nitrate , to  stop  the  spasm,  Arsenicum , 3 x,  three  times  a day. 

Hiccough.  (187)  (Spasm  of  the  Diaphragm.) — A few  drops  of 
vinegar  on  sugar  will  generally  control  it.  Moschus , 3 x,  is  the  homoeo- 
pathic remedy.  If  occurring  during  the  course  of  a severe  illness,  a 
tight  bandage  across  the  chest  oftentimes  prevents  its  reappearance. 

Hip  Joint  Disease.  (188)  (Coxalgia.) — Bell ’ 3 x,  when  there 
is  soreness  about  the  joint  discovered  by  pressure. 

Calc.  Carb .,  30,  twice  daily ; should  be  given  steadily  to  correct  the 
strumous  condition. 

Calc.  lod.,  3 x,  and  Calc.  Phos.,  3 x,  for  the  same  condition. 

If  from  an  injury,  Arnica , 3 x,  may  be  the  most  useful  remedy. 
The  joint  should  be  placed  at  rest  by  patent  splints,  and  the  child  placed 
under  the  care  of  a reputable  surgeon. 

Hoarseness.  (188)  — Causticum , 30,  from  singing  and  over-use 

of  the  voice. 

Spongia , 3 x,  or  Kali  Bich.,  3 x,  when  caused  by  croup. 

Phos.,  30,  from  the  effects  of  a cold,  always  worse  in  the  evening. 

Hydrophobia.  (188)  (Rabies.) — The  paroxysms  must  be  con- 
trolled by  anaesthetics,  the  patient  placed  in  a straight  jacket,  so  that  he 
cannot  injure  himself  or  others.  Medication  has  little  effect. 

Hypochondria.  (190)  (See  Hysteria.) — Nux  Vom.,  3 x,  the 
most  useful  remedy. 

Incontinence  of  Urine.  (19 1) — Cina,  30,  if  the  child  is 

troubled  with  worms. 


374 


HOMCEOPATHIC  TREATMENT. 


Equisetum  Hyemale , i x,  where  the  child  has  been  in  the  habit  of 
wetting  the  bed  every  night.  Give  a small  amount  of  liquid*foo  I to  the 
child  at  supper  time. 

Digitaline , 3 x,  is  often  useful  in  old  people. 

Inflammation  of  the  Liver.  (193) — Aeon.,  1 x,  pain  in  the 

region  of  the  liver,  with  high  fever ; quick,  wiry  pulse  ; restlessness. 

Bryonia , 3 x,  pain  in  the  liver,  worse  upon  movement ; nausea  and 
vomiting ; yellow  coating  on  tongue. 

China , 6 x,  one  of  the  most  frequent  remedies  called  for  in  con- 
gestion of  the  liver. 

Podophyllum , 1 x,  chronic  diarrhoea,  worse  in  the  morning,  caused 
by  an  inactive  liver. 

Merc.  Prot.,  3 x,  jaundice  ; yellow  coated  tongue ; nausea,  and  often 
vomiting. 

Phosphorus , 3 x,  loathing  of  food,  which,  if  swallowed,  creates  dis- 
turbances and  is  vomited  after  a few  minutes. 

Inflammation  of  the  Spleen.  (193)  — Quinine , 1 x,  is  the 

only  remedy  usually  called  for. 

Inflammation  of  the  Stomach.  (194)  (Gastritis.) — Arseni- 
cum, 3 x or  30,  inflammation  of  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  stomach, 
known  by  violently  red  tongue ; burning  pain  in  the  stomach,  and  vom- 
iting as  quickly  as  any  food  enters  the  stomach. 

Argentum  Nit.,  3 x,  inflammation  of  the  stomach,  caused  by  ulcer 
of  the  stomach.  Much  gas  in  the  stomach,  with  violent  pain  after  eat- 
ing. The  diet  should  be  of  the  simplest ; milk,  or  milk  and  lime  water. 

Inflammation  of  the  Kidneys.  (194s) — Aeon.,  1 x,  feverish; 

quick,  wiry  pulse ; restlessness.  Turpentine,  1 x,  high  colored  urine, 
scanty,  sometimes  bloody.  Pain  over  region  of  the  kidney. 

Aconite,  1 x,  alternating  with  Turpentine,  1 x,  are  generally  all  that 
are  called  for  in  acute  inflammation  of  the  kidneys. 

Inflammation  of  the  Bladder.  • (195)  (Cystitis.) — Aconite, 
1 x,  acute  pain,  with  fever,  alternating  with  Cantharides,  3 x,  which  has 
constant  or  frequent  desire  to  urinate,  followed  by  severe  pain. 

Apis  Mel.,  3 x,  stinging  pain,  when  passing  water,  in  the  bladder. 
If  the  inflammation  is  caused  by  Spanish-fly  blister,  with  severe  strangury 
give  Camphor  (j),  ten  drops,  every  quarter  hour,  until  better.  Hot  ap- 
plications over  the  lower  part  of  the  abdomen  should  be  made. 

Inflammation  of  the  Peritoneum.  (196)  (Peritonitis.^ — A 
very  dangerous  disease  ; call  your  physician  eai  ly. 


HOMOEOPATHIC  TREATMENT. 


375 


Aconite , i x,  from  cold  febrile  symptoms  with  quick,  firm  pulse. 

Veratrum  Vir.,  i x,  full,  hard,  bounding  pulse ; vomiting  and  often 
diarrhoea. 

Belladonna , 3 x,  sharp,  cutting  pains  in  the  bowels,  which  come 
quickly,  and  disappear  as  rapidly  as  they  come. 

Bry.,  3 x,  second  stage,  exudation ; pain  in  the  bowels,  aggravated 
from  motion ; tongue  coated  and  dry ; great  thirst. 

Colocynth , 2 x,  severe,  griping  pain  in  the  bowels.  Ars.,  3 x,  sud- 
den sinking  and  prostration ; restlessness ; great  thirst ; tongue  red. 
Keep  the  patient  at  rest,  and  use  hot  fomentations  over  the  bowels. 

For  intense  thirst  and  vomiting,  small  bits  of  ice  are  useful. 

Inflammation  of  the  Eye.  (197)  (Ophthalmia.) — Aeon.,  1 x, 
from  cold ; feverishness. 

Bell.,  3 x,  acute  redness  of  the  conjunctiva  or  white  of  the  eye. 
Keep  hot  compress  on  the  eye,  to  which  may  be  added  Bell.  <J>,  ten 
drops  to  a teacupful  of  hot  water ; compress  to  be  wet  in  this  solution. 
Use  no  eye  washes.  If  not  better  in  a few  days,  call  your  physician, 
for  if  the  deeper  tissues  are  affected,  you  cannot  diagnose  it. 

Inflammation  of  the  Larynx.  (197)  (Laryngitis.) — Aconite, 
1 x,  for  fever  with  croupy  cough ; restlessness. 

Kali  Bich.,  3 x,  if  the  Aconite  does  not  succeed,  this  remedy  gen- 
erally will.  Its  use  will  be  needed  if  there  is  an  expectoration  of  stringy 
mucus.  This  is  the  remedy,  par  excellence,  for  membranous  croup. 

Spongia,  1 x,  may  be  given  alternately  with  Aconite  at  first. 

Hepar  Sulph.,  3 x,  a powder  every  four  hours,  very  useful  when  the 
violence  of  the  attack  has  subsided,  leaving  a rough,  hoarse  cough. 

Tracheotomy  may  be  called  for  where  there  is  fear  of  suffocation ; 
but  when  homoeopathic  remedies  are  given  this  is  rarely  essential. 

The  steam  atomizer  may  be  called  for  also. 

Inflammation  of  the  Tonsils.  (198)  (Tonsilitis,  Quinsy.) 
Bell.,  1 x,  the  first  remedy  thought  of  in  quinsy.  It  may  be  followed  by 
Merc.  Prot .,  3 x,  if  the  inflammation  does  not  subside  in  forty-eight 
hours.  Should  the  tonsil  suppurate,  give  Hepar  Sulph.,  3 x.  Gargle 
the  throat  with  hot  water  frequently. 

Inflammation  of  the  Ear.  (199)  (Otitis.) — Aeon.,  1 x,  fever 
caused  by  cold.  Puls.,  3 x,  alternately  with  the  Aeon. 

Hepar  Sulph.,  3 x,  should  an  abscess  develop. 

Inflammation  of  the  Tongue.  (200)  (Glossitis.) — Bell.  1 x, 
painful  swelling  of  the  tongue. 


m 


HOMOEOPATHIC  TREATMENT. 


This  should  be  followed  in  forty- eight  hours  by  Merc . Viv .,  3 x,  if 
not  better. 

Inflamed  or  Ulcerated  Nose.  (200) — Kali  Hyd.,  3 x,  the 
only  remedy  usually  called  for. 

Inflammatory  Blush.  (200)  (Erythema.) — Bell.,  3 x,  all  the 
remedy  required  generally. 

Itch.  (202)  (Scabies.) — Sulphur  Ointment,  externally,  use  a 
week,  every  night  on  going  to  bed,  at  the  same  time  take  Sulphur,  cc, 
internally. 

Irritation  of  the  Skin,  Itching.  (203)  (Prurigo.) — It  may 
call  for  a variety  of  remedies.  Rhus  Tox.,  if  it  is  a burning  itching, 
worse  in  bed. 

Urtica  Urens,  3 x,  stinging,  burning  itching,  which  comes  and 
goes  frequently ; nettle  rash. 

Arsenicum,  3 x,  chronic  itching  of  the  skin,  which  is  scabby  and 
dry.  See  a physician. 

Influenza.  (203) — Aconite,  1 x,  alternating  with  Eupatorium 

Perfolatum,  3 x,  for  lameness  and  stiffness  of  all  the  muscles,  joints,  etc. 

Bry.,  3 x,  will  be  called  for  later,  where  there  is  pain  in  the  head ; 
dry  cough  and  pain  in  the  chest. 

Bell.,  3 x,  violent  headache  ; red  face  ; sore  throat ; redness  of  the 
eyes,  etc. 

Insanity.  (204) — A terrible  disease,  and  you  cannot  trifle  with  it. 

Hyoscyamus,  1 x,  should  be  given  frequently,  until  a physician  is 
called.  About  fifty  per  cent,  of  cases  are  cured  under  homoeopathic 
treatment.  Bell.,  3 x,  Stramonium,  3 x,  Cannabis  Indica,  3 x,  Cimici- 
fuga,  3 x,  and  many  others  may  be  called  for. 

Irritation  of  the  Spine.  (206) — Unless  the  result  of  an  injury, 

is  generally  complicated  by  some  uterine  disorder. 

Gels.,  1 x,  very  useful  where  the  patient  is  extremely  nervous  and 
sleepless ; full  pulse. 

Nux  Vom.,  3 x,  stiffness  and  rigidity  of  the  spine ; indigestion ; 
constipation ; pain  in  the  back  of  the  head  and  neck.  Dry  cupping  and 
wet  compresses  to  the  spine  are  often  most  useful.  Go  to  your  physic- 
ian and  find  the  cause,  and  treat  it  from  that  point. 

Irritation  of  the  Bladder.  (206) — Most  frequent  in  women 
who  have  uterine  displacements,  and  congestion  of  the  neck  of  the 
womb.  This  should  be  corrected  before  any  remedy  will  help,  then  give 
Canth.,  3 x,  for  frequent  calls  to  urinate. 


HOMOEOPATHIC  TREATMENT.  377 

Sepia , 30,  pain  after  urinating,  with  uterine  congestion.  Hot  vagi- 
nal injections  very  good. 

Jaundice.  (207) — Aconite , 1 x,  feverish  and  restless. 

Bry.,  3 x,  congestion  of  the  liver ; yellow,  thick  coated  tongue ; 
thirst  and  headache. 

China , 6 x,  result  of  gall  stones,  or  a thickened  condition  of  the 
bile ; obstruction  of  the  gall  duct,  very  useful  in  malarious  climates. 

Phos.,  3 x,  indigestion ; vomiting  of  food  about  ten  minutes  after  it 
is  taken. 

Merc.,  3 x,  and  Pod.,  1 x,  may  be  called  for  later,  if  the  trouble 
does  not  respond  to  the  other  remedies.  Jaundice  is  generally  caused 
by  some  organic  disease  of  the  liver. 

Lice.  (214) — Apply  oil  of  Bergamot  to  the  scalp. 

Lumbago.  (214) — Rhus  Tox.,  3 x,  if  from  getting  wet  or  a 

strain. 

Galvanism  is  very  successful  and  should  be  used  where  the  disease 
persists  any  length  of  time,  and  applied  by  an  educated  physician,  and 
not  by  the  usual  “electric  doctor.” 

Lock-Jaw.  (215)  (Tetanus.) — The  result  generally  of  an  injury 
to  a nerve.  The  wound  should  be  opened,  and  if  the  nerve  can  be 
found  it  should  be  divided. 

Gels.,  (f)  and  Veratrum  Vir.,  <J>,  sixty  drops  of  each  added  to  two 
glasses  each  half  full  of  water,  and  giving  a teaspoonful  every  quarter 
hour,  has  relaxed  the  muscles  and  cured  many  cases.  The  disease  is 
fatal  in  a large  per  cent,  of  cases. 

Masturbation.  (216)  (Onanism.) — A moral  lecture  often  the 
best  remedy.  Allow  some  judicious  and  proper  person  to  sleep  with  the 
offender. 

Bromide  of  Camphor,  1 x,  said  to  overcome  the  desire. 

Phosphoric  Acid,  1 x,  used  to  overcome  the  ill  effects. 

Mumps.  (218)  (Parotitis.) — Aeon.,  1 x,  Puls.,  3 x and  Merc., 
3 x,  are  the  remedies. 

Avoid  taking  cold  and  other  remedies  will  not  be  needed. 

Nausea.  (218) — Ipecac,  1 x,  is  generally  all  the  remedy  needed. 
Violent  nausea  and  vomiting,  when  not  controllable  by  ipecac,  mav  find 
a remedy  in  Antimony  Tart.,  3 x. 

Neuralgia.  (219) — Aeon.,  1 x,  from  cold,  with  fever,  in  teeth 

and  face. 


378 


HOMOEOPATHIC  TREATMENT. 


Bell.,  3 x,  pain  in  the  teeth  and  face,  more  particularly  on  the  right 
side  ; red,  flushed  face. 

Colocynth , 2 x,  severe  pain  on  left  side  of  face. 

Airs.,  3 x,  pain  as  of  hot  needles  piercing  through  the  skin ; cases 
of  a chronic  nature. 

Cheledonium  Maj .,  3 x,  pain  in  right  shoulder  and  side. 

Phos .,  3 x,  severe,  long- continued  neuralgia  of  any  part  of  the  body. 
The  application  of  heat  is  very  beneficial. 

Galvanism  will  often  hasten  the  cure  of  the  remedies. 

Neuralgia  of  the  Heart.  (221).  (Angina  Pectoris.) — Amyl 
Nitrate , by  inhalation  at  time  of  attack. 

Ars.,  3 x,  a very  useful  remedy  to  prevent  the  recurrence  of  an  at- 
tack. Smoking  should  be  stopped  by  those  who  suffer  from  the  disease. 

Night-Mare.  (221)' — A dose  of  Nux  Vom.,  3 x,  at  bed-time 

will  usually  overcome  the  trouble. 

Nocturnal  Emissions.  (222)  Gels.,  1 x,  will  generally  over- 
come the  nervous  depression  accompanying  this  trouble. 

Nux  Vom.,  1 x,  three  times  daily  as  a nerve  tonic. 

Camphor  Bromide , 1 x,  at  bed-time,  to  prevent  the  dreams  leading 
to  such  a result.  The  organs  should  be  bathed  with  cold  water  at  bed- 
time, nightly. 

Noises  in  the  Ear.  (222)  (Tinnitus  Aurium.) — One  of  the 
best  remedies  is  Puls.,  3 x,  for  this  trouble. 

China,  1 x,  for  noises  in  the  ear  as  a result  of  losing  a large 
amount  of  blood.  Ear  wax  should  be  removed  by  putting  a few  drops 
of  glycerine  in  the  ear  at  night,  for  two  or  three  times. 

Offensive  Breath.  (223) — Salycilic  Acid,  3 x,  after  each  meal, 
is  the  best  corrective  known. 

Pains  in  the  Side,  (223)  relieved  by  Aeon.,  1 x,  and  Bryonia,  3 x. 

Palpitation  of  the  Heart.  (224) — Aeon.,  3 x,  when  the  result 

of  fright ; severe  and  prolonged  anxiety. 

Cactus  Grand.,  3 x,  when  due  from  fatty  heart. 

Coffea , 3 x,  nervous  palpitation. 

Moschus,  3 x,  severe  and  acute  attacks. 

Palsy.  (225)  (Paralysis.) — When  acute,  following  an  attack  of 
apoplexy,  Arnica,  3 x,  will  hasten  the  absorption  of  the  blood  in  the 
brain. 

Nux  Vom.,  3 x,  and  Gels.,  1 x,  will  restore  the  nerve  stimulus  to 
the  affected  muscles  in  many  cases.  Faradization  is  very  useful. 


HOMOEOPATHIC  TREATMENT'. 


379 


Paralysis,  Agitans.  (225)  (Shaking  Palsy.) — Should  be  treated 
by  a physician,  as  well  as  Paraplegia , (paralysis  of  the  lower  extrem* 
ities) , as  they  are  generally  caused  by  some  deep  seated  disease  of  tht 
nerve  centers. 

Papulous  Scall.  (259)  (Eczema.) — The  remedies  most  gener- 
ally used  are  Croton  Tig.,  30,  for  ulcerating  skin. 

Rhus  Tox .,  3 x,  severe  itching,  with  thickened,  red  skin. 

Canth.,  3 x,  vesicular  (watery)  blisters  on  the  skin. 

Graph.,  30,  dry,  cracked  skin. 

Ars.,  3 x,  old,  chronic  cases ; dry,  fish  scaly  skin. 

Sulphur,  cc,  will  benefit  cases  which  have  become  chronic  and  do 
not  respond  to  the  other  remedies.  Ointments  generally  aggravate  the 
trouble. 

Piles.  (227)  (Haemorrhoids.) — AELsculus  Hip.,  3 x,  pain  in  the 
back  ; constipation  and  piles. 

Collinsonia,  1 x,  very  useful  for  piles  that  protrude,  with  constipa- 
tion. 

Hamamelis , 1 x,  bleeding  piles,  both  internal  and  external. 

Nux  Vom.,  3 x,  and  Sulphur,  30,  have  cured  many  cases,  in  alter- 
nation, Sulph.  in  the  morning  and  Nux  at  night.  Suppositories  made 
from  the  above  remedies  are  also  very  useful. 

Pleurisy.  (228)  (Pleuritis.) — Aconite,  1 x,  and  Bry.,  3 x,  alter- 
nately. Aeon.,  1 x,  during  the  first  two  or  three  days,  with  fever,  fol- 
lowed by  Bry.,  3 x,  for  four  or  five  days,  and  later,  Sulphur , cc,  to  fin- 
ish up  the  case.  Hot  poultices  should  be  applied  to  the  chest. 

Purulent  Ophthalmia.  (232) — Merc.  Sol.,  3 x,  and  Sulph.,  cc, 
will  be  all  the  remedies  needed,  generally.  An  eye  wash  of  Nitrate  of 
Silver,  one-half  grain  to  the  ounce  of  water,  should  be  used  twice  daily, 
until  better. 

A towel  used  by  a person  suffering  from  this  disease  should  not  be 
used  by  others,  as  the  disease  is  infectious. 

Quinsy.  — (See  Tonsilitis.) 

Prickly  Heat.  (232)  (Nettle  Rash.) — (See  Urticaria.) 

Polypus  of  the  Ear,  (232)  Nose,  Womb,  Etc. — All  should 
be  removed  by  a surgical  operation.  Teucrium,  1 x,  and  Sanguinaria 
Nit.,  3 x,  are  the  homoeopathic  remedies. 

Rheumatism.  (236) — Aconite,  1 x,  characteristic  fever,  caused 

by  cold  ; pain  and  restlessness. 

Bry.,  3 x,  swelling  of  the  joints,  which  are  very  painful  and  worse 
from  moving  about. 


380 


HOMCEOPATHIC  TREATMENT. 


Merc.  Viv.,  3 x,  obstinate  inflammation  of  single  joints,  worse  at 
night ; deep  pain,  as  if  it  were  in  the  bones ; profuse  perspiration,  but 
not  relieved  by  it. 

Puls.,  3 x,  sub-acute  cases  with  little  fever ; pains  shift  rapidly  from 
one  joint  to  another. 

Rhus  Tox .,  fever ; parts  red  and  swollen ; pains  drawing,  tearing, 
burning,  feels  worse  when  at  rest  and  better  from  continued  motion. 
Worse  damp  or  wet  weather. 

Wrapping  the  swollen  joints  with  cotton  batting  relieves  the  pain 
very  much.  A solution  of  Bicarbonate  of  Soda  and  hot  water,  for  bath- 
ing, is  also  useful. 

Ring- Worm.  (237)  (Herpes  Circinatis.) — Sepia , 30,  one  dose 
daily,  for  a week,  will  cure.  Cantharides  locally,  also  will  cure. 

Nettle  Rash.  (235) — (See  Urticaria.) 

Scarlet  Fever  or  Scarlatina.  (238) — Simple  scarlet  fever 

should  be  treated  by  Aeon.,  1 x,  if  there  be  much  fever,  with  wiry  pulse  ; 
restlessness,  etc. 

Bell.,  3 x,  is  almost  a specific  for  this  form.  It  has  red  face ; sore 
throat ; slight  delirium. 

Rhus  Tox.,  3 x,  much  itching  of  the  skin  in  connection  with  the 
symptoms  under  Aeon,  and  Bell. 

Scarlatina  Anginosa.  (239) — Apis.  Mel.,  3 x,  great  swelling  of 

the  throat,  so  much  so  that  the  blood  cannot  flow  properly  to  and  from 
the  brain,  which  causes  a comatose  condition. 

Merc.  Iod .,  3 x,  great  swelling  of  the  glands  about  the  throat  ex- 
ternally ; ulceration  of  the  throat. 

Scarlatina  Maligna.  (240) — Ailanthus , 1 x,  very  malignant 

cases,  violent  vomiting ; severe  headache  ; dark,  red  face  ; rapid,  small 
pulse  ; high  temperature  ; muttering  delirium  ; dark,  livid,  miliary  rash. 

Cuprum  Acet,  30,  sudden  retrocession  of  eruption,  followed  by 
vomiting  ; convulsions  ; rolling  of  eyes  ; distortion  of  face  ; stupor  and 
delirium ; brain  severely  affected. 

Muriatic  Acid.,  1 x,  severe  ulceration  of  the  throat. 

For  Nephritis  and  Dropsy,  following  scarlet  fever,  Ars.,  3 x,  Ascle- 
pius  Syrica,  3 x,  Apis  Mel.,  3 x,  and  Terebinth.,  1 x,  are  the  remedies. 

Give  all  other  children  in  the  house  Bell.,  3 x,  who  have  been  ex- 
posed to  the  disease.  The  diet  should  be  principally  milk.  All  acids 
should  be  excluded.  Keep  a careful  watch  of  the  patient  for  a month  or 
more  and  the  child  should  not  be  allowed  to  return  to  school  for,  at  least, 
six  weeks. 


HOMOEOPATHIC  TREATMENT.  381 

Sciatica.  (242) — Aeon.,  1 x,  fever,  with  restlessness,  caused  by 
a cold. 

Bry.,  3 x,  pain  is  increased  or  brought  on  by  movement. 

Cimicifuga,  1 x,  drawing,  tearing  pain  over  the  course  of  the  sciatic 
nerve. 

Rhus  Tox.,  3 x,  pain  is  better  from  warmth  and  worse  during 
stormy  and  wet  weather,  better  from  shifting  one’s  position. 

Bry.  and  Rhus  are  the  chief  remedies. 

Galvanism  should  be  resorted  to  if  the  trouble  does  not  yield  read- 
ily to  medicine. 

Scrofula.  (243)  (King’s  Evil.) — Calc.  Carb.,  30,  Calc.  Iod.,7,  x, 
Iodine , 3 x,  Kali  Hydroid.,  3 x,  Sulphur,  cc. 

Calc.  Carb.,  30,  for  fair  skinned,  plump,  waxy  children ; teeth  de- 
layed ; swollen  glands ; discharges  from  eyes,  ears,  nose,  etc. 

Calc.  Iodide,  3 x,  same  as  Calc.  Carb.,  when  the  latter  does  not 
succeed. 

Iodine , 3 x,  glandular  enlargements,  with  wasting  of  the  muscular 
tissue.  Child  is  very  thin  in  flesh.  Mesentiric  glands  enlarged. 

Kali  Hydroid.,  1 x,  little  nodules  under  the  skin ; lymphatic  system 
involved  deeply ; disease  of  the  bones,  etc. 

Cod-liver  oil  is  often  useful  in  those  cases  that  are  especially  emaci- 
ated, and  who  do  not  seem  to  assimilate  food,  yet  plenty  is  taken ; it 
should  not  be  taken  if  fever  is  present. 

Scurvy.  (245)  — Citric  Acid,  1 x,‘ or  lemon  juice,  the  best  rem- 
edies. 

Kali  Bich .,  3 x,  salivation  with  sore  gums  and  hemorrhage  under 
the  skin. 

Acid  Sulphuric , dilute,  five  drops  every  three  hours,  for  hemor- 
rhage from  mouth,  stomach  or  bowels.  The  diet  should  consist  of  fresh 
meat,  vegetables  and  milk. 

Sea-Sickness.  (246)  — Cocculus , 30,  the  great  remedy  for  sea- 
sickness, either  from  vessel  sailing,  car  or  carriage  riding. 

Small  Pox.  (247)  (Variola.) — Bell.,  3 x,  high  fever;  severe  lo- 
cal symptoms ; throbbing  of  the  blood-vessels  about  the  neck  and  face  ; 
red  eyes ; sore  throat ; severe  pain  in  back ; starting  and  jumping  in 
sleep ; delirium. 

Antimonium  Tart.,  one  of  the  most  useful  remedies,  keeping  sup- 
puration from  being  too  severe,  corrects  disarrangements  of  the  stomach 
and  bronchial  and  lung  symptoms. 


382 


HOMOEOPATHIC  TREATMENT. 


Merc . Viv .,  3 x,  suppurative  fever ; moist,  swollen  tongue  ; ulcerated 
throat ; foetid  breath  ; profuse  flow  of  saliva.  Many  other  remedies  are 
used,  under  the  guidance  of  a physician,  such  as  Baptisia , Verat.  Vir ., 
Bryonia,  Phosphorus , Hepar  Sulph.,  Stramonium , Camphora . .SW- 
phur,  etc. 

Allow  a liberal  liquid  diet,  and  feed  as  often  as  every  three  hours. 
Keep  the  pustules  covered  with  cosmoline. 

Sore  Mouth.  (252)  (Aphtha.) — Ars.,  3 x,  and  Merc.,  3 x,  are 
the  remedies,  internally.  Use  a wash  of  Golden  Seal,  fluid  extract,  one 
part  to  ten  of  water. 

Sore  Tongue.  (252) — (See  Sore  Mouth.) 

Diseases  of  the  Spinal  Cord.  (252) — Seek  professional  ad- 

vice at  once. 

Aeon.,  1 x,  for  the  fever  and  anxiety. 

Gels.,  1 x,  patient  is  very  nervous  with  convulsions. 

Cicuta  Virosa,  6 x,  violent  convulsions  from  irritability  of  the  spi- 
nal cord. 

Stiff  Neck.  (253) — If  caused  from  sitting  in  a draft,  give  Aeon., 

1 x. 

Rhus  Tox.,  3 x,  from  getting  wet. 

Lachnanthus,  3 x,  stiff  neck,  following  diphtheria.  Faradization 
will  promptly  relieve. 

Sore  Throat.  (253) — (See  Diphtheria.) 

Tonsilitis.  (198)  — (See  Quinsy.) 

Ulcerated  Sore  Throat.  (262) — Aeon.,  1 x,  or  Bell.,  3 x,  sim- 

ple sore  throat  from  cold. 

Merc.,  3 x,  and,  Kali  Bich.,  3 x,  for  inflammation  of  the  follicles  of 
the  throat,  commonly,  but  very  improperly  called  “ diphtheritic  sore 
throat.” 

Stitch  in  the  Side.  (254) — Aeon.,  1 x,  effects  of  a cold; 

rheumatism  of  the  muscles  of  the  chest. 

Bry.,  3 x,  dry  cough,  with  stitches  in  the  chest. 

St.  Vitus’  Dance.  (255)  (Chorea.) — The  leading  remedies  are 
Ignatia,  30,  Cimicifuga,  3 x,  Arsenicum , 3 x,  Ferrum,  1 x,  Cuprum, 
30,  Zinc,  30.  If  the  result  of  a fright,  give  Ignatia,  30  : if  from  debili- 
ty, Ferrum  : if  from  rheumatism,  Cimicif.,  3 x : if  from  brain  and  spinal 
lesions,  Cuprum,  30,  and  Zinc , 30. 

Galvanism  should  be  used  at  the  same  time. 

Styes.  (Hordeolem.) — Puls.,  3 x,  will  generally  stop  them.  A 

course  of  Sulphur,  cc,  will  prevent  a recurrence. 


HOMOEOPATHIC  TREATMENT. 


383 


Squinting.  (257) — If  from  brain  irritation,  Cimic .,  3 x,  and 
Zinc , 30,  will  benefit.  From  contracted  muscle,  a surgical  operation. 

Suppression  of  Urine.  (257) — Apply  hot  applications  over 

the  region  of  the  kidneys,  and  give  Aeon.,  1 x,  and  Terebin .,  3 x,  alter- 
nately. 

The  hot  pack  will  be  useful  also. 

Syphilis.  (258) — Put  yourself  under  an  able  surgeon’s  care. 

The  remedies  are  Nitric  Acid , 3 x,  Merc.,  3 x,  Kali  Iod.,  1 x,  Stillingia , 
1 x,  Thuja  Oc.,  1 x.  Medicine  should  be  continued  from  one  to  two 
years. 

Tetter.  (259) — (See  Urticaria.) 

Toothache.  (261) — Aeon.,  1 x,  when  from  cold. 

Bell.,  1 x,  with  red,  flushed  face,  and  pressure  of  blood  to  the 
brain. 

Merc.,  3 x,  tendency  of  the  tooth  root  to  ulcerate. 

Ulceration  of  the  Bones.  (261) — Silicea,  3 x,  suppuration 

following  an  injury,  also  Calc.  Fhos.,  3 x.  When  the  ulceration  is  the 
result  of  syphilis,  give  Kali  Iod.,  1 x,  or  Nitric  Acid.  Dead  bone 
should  be  removed,  and  the  diseased  part  washed  out  with  a solution  of 
Calendula,  one  part  to  eight  of  hot  water.  A surgeon  should  have  the 
care  of  the  case. 

Ulcers  of  the  Leg.  Ars.,  3 x,  burning  pain  in  the  ulcer;  low 
state  ^f  the  blood. 

Silicea , 30,  deep,  excavating  ulceration ; varicose  veins.  Use  a 
wash  of  Calendula,  one  part  to  ten  of  water,  and  bandage  with  rubber. 
After  they  have  healed,  wear  an  elastic  stocking. 

Vomiting.  (262) — Ipecac,  1 x,  nausea  and  vomiting;  yellow 

coated  tongue. 

Arsenicum,  30,  red  tongue  ; everything  is  vomited  as  soon  as  taken ; 
burning  pain  in  stomach  ; thirst. 

Antimony  Tart.,  6 x,  vomiting,  caused  by  irritation  at  the  base  of 
the  brain. 

Verat.  Alb.,  vomiting,  attending  diarrhoea.  Small  pieces  of  ice  held 
in  the  mouth  or  swallowed,  will  often  arrest  vomiting.  A mustard  paste 
over  the  stomach  will  help. 

Warts.  (263) — Thuja  Oc.,  3 x,  internally,  and  c/>  locally. 

Wasting.  (263)  (Emaciation,  Atrophy.) — Calc.  Iod.,  3 x,  where 
the  trouble  is  with  the  lymphatic  system ; scrofulous. 

Calc.  Fhos.,  3 x,  children  with  large  heads,  where  the  bones  have 
not  properly  closed. 


384 


HOMOEOPATHIC  TREATMENT. 


Iodine , 3 x,  one  of  the  best  remedies  in  Atrophy.  Cod-liver  oil. 
when  without  fever,  the  system  does  not  seem  to  appropriate  food  taken. 

Water  Brash.  (264) — Nux  Vom .,  3 x,  will  generally  remove 

the  troublesome  symptom. 

Watery  Eyes.  (264) — After  opening  the  lacrymal  ducts,  give 

Silicea,  30,  twice  daily. 

White  Swelling.  (265) — Give  the  remedies  recommended  un 

der  Scrofula.  An  elastic  knee  cap  will  help  to  remove  the  effusion. 

Running  of  the  Ear.  (199) — Apply  to  a surgeon. 

Merc.,  3 x,  and  Hepar  Sulph.,  3 x,  internally. 

Wax  in  the  Ear.  (265) — A few  drops  of  glycerine  dropped 
into  the  ear  for  a few  nights  will  soften  the  wax.  Give  Stavisagria,  30, 
once  daily. 

Worms.  (265) — Cina,  30,  will  remove  symptoms  occasioned  by 
worms. 

Artemisia  Vulgaris,  1 x,  convulsive  and  nervous  irritation  caused  by 
worms. 

The  Diseases  Peculiar  to  Women.  (267) — Many  of  the  dis- 
eases peculiar  to  the  sex,  are  not  known  until  after  they  have  become  moth- 
ers. From  this,  then  you  will  infer,  arises  many  of  the  ills  to  which  par- 
turient woman  is  subject.  Why  should  they  arise  at  this  time,  as  child- 
birth, is  “a  purely  physiological  process?”  In  its  normal  and  natural 
condition  it  is,  but  too  often,  that  the  processes  of  nature  are  interfered 
with  by  wearing  corsets,  lack  of  exercise,  nerve  tire,  stimulants,  etc. 
These  artificial  means  help  to  produce  a complicated  labor,  and  from 
that  we  may  have  ruptures,  that  in  the  future  (unless  repaired  by  the 
surgeon)  will  be  sure  to  entail  a life-long  misery.  Too  often  women 
keep  such  troubles  to  themselves,  instead  of  going  to  a physician  and 
seeking  his  aid.  A physician  who  has  had  special  training  in  this  de- 
partment should  be  sought,  for  too  often  the  general  practitioners  cannot 
make  a diagnosis  of  these  cases,  and  their  treatment  will  be  ineffective, 
while  the  specialist,  from  special  training,  rarely  fails  to  find  the  cause  of 
trouble  and  applies  the  proper  remedy. 

When  a woman  feels  that  she  is  growing  more  discontented  with  life, 
that  it  is  a burden,  and  she  is  very  nervous  and  irritable,  she  should  con- 
sult her  physician,  and  nine  times  out  of  ten  the  whole  trouble  will  be 
with  the  womb.  It  is  not  necessary  that  she  should  have  pain  in  the 
womb  or  the  pelvis,  for  she  rarely  will  at  this  point.  Nervous  headaches, 
sick  headaches,  neuralgia,  etc.,  as  a rule,  have  their  exciting  cause  in  the 
womb. 


HOMOEOPATHIC  TREATMENT. 


385 


Ruptures  of  the  neck  of  the  womb,  during  child-birth,  and  of  the 
perineum,  are  the  most  frequent  causes  of  ulceration  and  displacements 
of  the  womb.  The  specialist,  to-day,  is  able  to  cure  these  cases  perma- 
nently, and  that  without  caustics,  which  too  often  increase  the  nervous 
symptoms  without  giving  relief.  Do  not  hesitate  to  seek  the  physician, 
and  insist  upon  it  that  he  fully  understands  your  case.  He  can  only  be 
versant  with  it  through  an  examination.  What  would  you  think  of  a 
physician  who  would  treat  your  throat  without  looking  at  it ; do  you 
think  he  would  be  able  to  diagnose  a case  of  diphtheria  from  inflamma- 
tion of  the  follicles?  No,  he  could  not;  and  while  one  is  a very  fatal 
disease,  the  other  never  is.  Shun  the  physician  who  will  go  on,  week  in 
and  week  out,  without  examining  your  case  properly,  unless  you  are  sat- 
isfied his  prescriptions  are  having  the  desired  effect.  In  unmarried 
ladies  this  is  not  always  necessary,  or  even  in  the  married,  but  if  the 
case  progresses  without  benefit,  a local  examination  becomes  necessary, 
and  when  such  seems  justified,  do  not  hesitate  to  have  it  done,  for  many 
a malignant  disease  could  be  cured  in  the  beginning,  that  later  becomes 
rooted  and  cannot  be  removed.  Ladies,  believe  this,  and  teach  it  to 
your  daughters.  Menstruation  should  be  free  from  pain,  and  occur 
every  twenty-eight  days ; any  deviation  from  this  is  abnormal. 

Delayed  Menstruation.  (270) — If  caused  by  a cold  or  wet- 

ting the  feet  at  a previous  period,  give  Aeon.,  1 x,  particularly  if  the  pa- 
tient is  feverish  and  has  congestion  of  the  head,  also  in  young  girls  who 
are  away  from  home,  at  school,  etc. 

Puls.,  3 x,  will  generally  restore  the  menses  or  bring  them  on  when 
suppressed. 

Sanguinaria,  3 x,  when  delayed  menses  are  accompanied  by  a 
cough,  neuralgia  of  the  head,  bleeding  from  the  nose  and  cramp  in  the 
stomach,  etc. 

Senecin,  3 x,  cough  with  suppression  of  the  menses. 

Obstructed  Menses.  (270) — May  be  malformation  and  need 
the  care  of  a surgeon.  When  caused  by  congestion,  Bell.,  3 x,  is  the 
proper  remedy.  Hot  vaginal  injections,  containing  a few  drops  of  Fluid 
Extract  of  Belladonna,  may  also  be  used. 

Painful  Menstruation.  (272)  (Dysmenorrhoea.) — A very  com- 
mon trouble  in  flexions  of  the  womb  and  disease  of  itself  or  its  appen- 
dages. If  acute  and  caused  by  a cold,  Aeon.,  3 x,  will  be  the  remedy. 
Puls.,  30,  will  be  found  to  be  an  admirable  remedy  at  the  time  of  the 
pain,  when  ovarian. 


386 


HOMOEOPATHIC  TREATMENT. 


Thuja  Oc .,  i x,  once  a day  during  the  intervals ; congestion  of  the 
ovaries ; a flexion  should  be  overcome ; a narrow  canal  should  be  en- 
larged. 

Profuse  Menstruation.  (2 72) (Menorrhagia.)  — Calc.Carb.,  30, 
the  remedy  most  useful  in  the  large  majority  of  cases.  Never  take  iron 
in  such  cases.  If  the  above  does  not  help,  go  to  a physician  for  exami- 
nation. One  of  the  most  frequent  symptoms  of  polypus , fibroid  tumors , 
granular  degeneration  of  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  womb,  and  even 
cancer , is  the  profuse  menses.  When  the  flow  continues  all  the  time, 
and  stops  for  a day  or  two  and  again  returns,  (Metorrgia.)  depend  upon 
it,  your  case  needs  the  attendance  of  a specially  trained  physician. 

Cessation  of  Menses.  (273) — At  this  time  women  are  subject 
to  “hot  flashes.”  ( Lachesis , 30.)  profuse  menses  from  granular  trouble 
of  the  mucous  membrane  and  other  troubles.  At  this  time  woman 
needs  the  care  of  an  able  physician,  and  should  consult  him  frequently, 
if  everything  is  not  perfectly  normal. 

Falling  of  the  Womb.  (274) — A result  of  either  a ruptured 
perineum  or  an  increased  weight  from  above,  (tumors,  enlargement, 
etc.)  The  treatment  is  principally  mechanical  and  surgical. 

Lilium  Tig.,  30,  much  used  in  these  troubles. 

Inflammation  of  the  Ovaries.  (275)  (Ovaritis.) — Aeon.,  1 x, 
and  Puls.,  3 x,  alternately.  Hot  applicatir  ^s  externally,  and  very  hot 
vaginal  injections. 

Apis  Mel.,  3 x,  if  the  pain  is  stinging,  worse  on  the  right  side. 
Clematis,  30,  a deathlike,  sickening  pain.  Lack.,  30,  left  sided  pain. 

Inflammation  of  the  Womb.  (275) — A doubtful  process, 

except  in  the  parturient  state ; congestion  frequent. 

Aeon.,  1 x,  Gels.,  1 x,  and  Bell.,  3 x.  Use  hot  vaginal  injections 
freely,  medicated  with  Bell.  cf). 

Ulceration  of  the  Womb.  (276) — The  result,  generally,  of  a 

rupture  and  should  be  repaired.  Use  hot  vaginal  injections  of  Calendu- 
la, one  part  to  ten  of  water.  Golden  Seal  in  the  place  of  Calendula  is 
often  useful.  Take  same  remedies  as  for  congestion. 

Flooding.  (See  Profuse  Menstruation,  Menorrhagia,  etc.) 

Polypus  of  the  Womb.  (277) — Prompt  removal.  Give  Chi- 
na, 3 x,  to  restore  the  strength. 

Cancer  of  the  Womb.  (276) — A dangerous  and  too  often  fatal 
disease.  This  disease  gains  a firm  hold  of  a patient,  often  because  she 
will  not  go  to  a physician  and  have  an  examination.  A simple,  curable 
ulceration  will  often  become  cancerous  if  allowed  to  continue. 


HOMCEOPATHIC  TREATMENT. 


387 


A rupture  of  the  uterine  neck,  which  can  be  repaired  as  easily  as  a 
tooth  can  be  filled,  will  be  allowed  to  go  on,  and  at  the  change  of  life  a 
cancer  may  find  a resting  place  in  the  laceration,  which  would  never  have 
occurred,  had  proper  surgical  means  been  employed. 

I have  written  thus  fully,  so  that  you  may  understand  how  much 
easier  these  troubles  may  be  prevented,  than  cured  when  once  seated. 
When  it  first  commences,  it  can  often  be  removed,  and  with  proper 
after  treatment,  under  the  eye  of  a surgeon,  homoeopathic  remedies  can 
offer  much  as  preventions  and  comforting  remedies.  Cures  made  by 
any  medicine  are  doubtful.  Such  remedies  as  Ars.,  Condurango  and 
Lachesis  are  useful. 

Whites.  (277)  (Leucorrhoea.) — This  is  only  a symptom  of  some 
disease  of  the  womb,  and  can  only  be  cured  by  giving  such  remedies  as 
will  cure  the  primary  trouble.  Ars.,  3 x,  will  be  useful  if  the  discharge 
causes  a burning  in  the  vagina,  is  profuse  and  watery. 

Merc.,  3 x,  the  discharge  makes  the  skin  sore,  is  thick  and  yellow 
or  greenish. 

Kreasotum , 4 x,  discharge  offensive,  of  any  consistency. 

Nux  Vom.,  3 x,  debility ; menses  too  soon ; constipation,  etc. 

Calc.  Carb.,  30,  profuse  menses ; yellow,  profuse  leucorrhoea. 

Sepia,  30.  relaxed  mucous  membrane  ; sick  and  nervous  headaches ; 
delaying  menses ; chronic  uterine  troubles. 

Sulphur,  cc,  useful  where  any  of  the  other  remedies  seem  to  be  in- 
dicated but  do  not  help.  Calendula  solution  by  injection,  also  Golden 
Seal. 

Diseases  Occurring  During  Pregnancy.  (282) — Morning 

Sickness  (Nausea.)  This  is  generally  relieved  by  Nux,  3 x,  and  to  be 
given  for  faintness  and  nausea  with  constipation. 

Bry.,  3 x,  is  also  a valuable  remedy,  where  the  nausea  begins  or  is 
made  worse  by  moving  about ; must  lie  in  bed  or  she  will  vomit.  This 
is  a reflex  action  of  the  sympathetic  nerves,  the  real  cause  being  con- 
gestion and  often  ulceration  of  the  uterine  neck.  A small  amount  of 
hot  water  (one  pint)  may  be  used  by  vaginal  injection  once  daily,  to 
which  may  be  added  Hamamelis  or  Borax. 

Constipation.  (282) — Often  a troublesome  complaint  and  gen- 

erally relieved  by  Nux  Vom.,  3 x. 

Heartburn,  Lactic  Acid,  cc,  is  an  admirable  remedy. 

Irritable  Bladder.  (283)  (Frequent  Desire  to  Make  Water.) 
Cantharis,  3 x,  will  generally  relieve.  If  the  pain  is  stinging,  give  Apis 
Mel.,  3 x. 


388 


HOMOEOPATHIC  TREATMENT. 


Cramp  of  the  Legs. — Relieved  by  Cuprum  Acet .,  6 x. 

Varicose  Veins. — Hamamelis , i x,  internally,  a good  remedy. 
The  extract  may  also  be  used  externally. 

Pruritus.  (283)  (Itching.) — Merc.  Cor.,  3 x,  internally  and  ex- 
ternally. 

Melancholy,  Despondency,  etc.  (283) — Aeon.,  30,  will  over- 
come the  fear  and  consequent  nervous  depression  under  which  many 
pregnant  women  labor. 

Inflammation  of  the  Breast.  (284)  (Mammitis.) — This 
should  be  prevented. ; first,  by  not  allowing  the  patient  a liquid  diet  for 
the  first  five  days.  The  breasts  should  not  be  squeezed  or  rubbed,  but 
the  milk  should  be  fully  removed  by  the  child  or  a breast  pump.  At 
the  first  indication  of  inflammation,  hot  applications  should  be  used  and 
Bell.,  3 x,  given  internally.  If  this  is  not  done  and  the  breasts  become 
very  hard,  besides  the  hot  applicaflons  give  Phytolacca , 1 x,  alternately 
with  Bell.  Should  abscess  result,  it  should  be  opened  early,  and  Hepar 
Sulph.,  3 x,  given  internally. 

Sore  Nipples.  (285) — Give  Silicea , 30,  internally,  and  apply 

Calendula  <fr,  one  part  to  ten  of  flexible  Collodion,  over  the  cracks  or 
ulcers. 

Milk  Fever  (285)  seldom  requires  much,  but  if  severe  give 
Aeon.,  1 x.  Should  the  brain  suffer  and  the  patient  talk  in  her  sleep. 
Bell.,  3 x,  will  be  suitable. 

Confinement.  (286) — At  such  times  a well  qualified  physician 
should  be  in  attendance.  Many,  indeed  the  majority  of  cases,  progress 
without  interference,  and  the  wise  physician  knows  when  to  let  well 
enough  alone,  while  the  less  wise,  by  unnecessary  interference,  often 
makes  a serious  case  out  of  an  otherwise  simple  one.  Much  can  be 
done  to  regulate  the  pains,  to  have  the  child  present  properly,  and  pass 
perfectly  through  the  pelvis,  but,  unless  properly  applied  and  at  the  right 
moment,  it  best  be  left  to  nature. 

Homoeopathic  remedies  are  very  efficacious,  both  during  and  after 
confinement,  and  many  of  the  annoyances  are  passed  by  their  use. 

Abortion  or  Miscarriage.  (288) — Calc.  Carb .,  30,  will  pre- 
vent abortion  in  many  cases,  particularly  such  as  have  a tendency  to 
abort  at  the  sixth  or  eighth  week.  Sabina,  1 x,  third  month  ; pain  with 
slight  hemorrhage. 

Secale  Cor.,  3 x,  sixth  month  ; violent  contractive  pain.  Those 
who  are  subject  to  abortion  or  miscarriage,  should  keep  very  quiet  at 


HOMCEOPATHIC  TREATMENT.  389 

the  monthly  nisis,  or  at  such  time  as  the  menses  would  occur  had  they 
not  been  checked  by  pregnancy. 

Anemia.  (291) — Ars.,  3 x,  green  sickness,  when  the  result  of  a 
perverted  nervous  action. 

China . 3 x,  resulting  from  excessive  loss  of  blood  or  any  debilitat- 
ing discharges. 

Ferrum , 1 x,  deficiency  of  red  blood  globules.  A change  of  cli- 
mate, scene,  air,  etc.,  is  often  very  beneficial. 

Barrenness  (291)  arises  from  many  different  causes  and  as  the 
cause  can  only  be  found  by  a physician,  you  should  seek  his  advice. 

Hysteria.  (29 2) — This  is  a perverted  nervous  action,  generally 
arising  from  uterine  or  ovarian  disease,  and  the  cause  must  be  found 
and  properly  treated  to  lead  to  a cure. 

Gels.,  1 x,  very  nervous,  with  hysterical  convulsions. 

Moschus,  3 x,  useful  in  many  of  the  symptoms,  such  as  palpitation 
of  the  heart,  cramp  of  the  stomach,  neuralgia,  etc.,  of  hysterical  sub- 
jects. 

Puerperal  F ever.  (294) — A blood  poisoning  caused  by  absorp- 
tion of  offensive  or  putrid  material,  either  by  an  abrasion  of  the  vaginal 
tract,  or  through  the  uterine  blood  vessels.  It  should  be  prevented  by 
using  a warm  vaginal  injection,  every  twelve  hours,  containing  a little 
Calendula,  for  two  weeks,  if  at  any  time  the  lochial  discharge  becomes 
offensive,  use  Carbolic  Acid  enough  to  scent  the  water,  and  give  Krea- 
sotum , 4 x,  internally.  Aeon.,  1 x,  Bell.,  3 x,  Ars.,  3 x,  Ve rat.  Vir., 
1 x,  Baptisia  <fr,  or  1 x,  Bhus  lox.  and  Radicans , 3 x,  and  many  other 
remedies  are  used,  but  without  the  proper  cleansing  of  the  vaginal  tract, 
they  are  of  little  use. 

Puerperal  Convulsions.  (294) — If  caused  by  uremic  poison- 
ing, very  dangerous.  Bell.,  3 x,  Helleborus,  3 x,  and  Cicute , 6 x,  are 
very  useful,  together  with  any  means  to  get  the  patient  perspiring.  An 
experienced  physician  should  be  summoned,  and  the  case  given  to  his 
full  charge.  Anaesthetics  often  have  to  be  given  and  the  child  delivered 
with  instruments.  At  other  times  any  simple  remedy  will  answer. 

Puerperal  Mania.  (295) — Cimic.,  3 x,  Hyoscyamus , 1 x,  Zinc , 
30,  and  Kali  Bromide,  have  all  cured  this  distressing  complaint. 

Milk  Leg.  (Phlegmasia  Dolens.) — Aeon.,  1 x,  and  Puls.,  3 x, 
alternately,  will  often  cut  an  attack  short  at  the  beginning.  Extract  of 
Hamamelis  is  a good  application,  locally. 

Itching  of  the  Genital  Organs.  (283) — (See  Pruritus.)  Ars., 
3 x,  Merc.,  3 x,  Rhus  Tox .,  3 x,  all  good. 


390 


HOMOEOPATHIC  TREATMENT. 


Diseases  of  Children.  (296)  — 

Jaundice  of  Infants.  (305) — Aeon .,  3 x,  will  be  useful  if  the 

child  is  feverish  and  very  restless. 

China , 6 x,  constipation,  with  much  bile  in  the  system. 

Mere .,  6 x,  skin  very  yellow;  stools  white  (clay  color). 

Phos .,  30,  one  of  the  best  remedies  when  the  child  has  a hacking 
cough. 

Retention,  Suppression  and  Difficulty  of  Voiding  the 
Urine.  (305) — Apply  hot  clothes  over  the  kidneys,  and  give  Aeon., 

3 x,  every  hour. 

Canth.,  3 x,  will  often  succeed  when  Aeon,  fails.  The  case  should 
be  examined  for  any  malformation. 

Incontinence  of  Urine.  (305) — Wetting  the  bed  is  very  com- 

mon during  childhood.  If  caused  by  worms,  or  intestinal  irritation, 
Cina,  30,  will  benefit. 

Ferrum  Aeet.,  3 x,  in  delicate  blonde  children. 

Equisetum  Hyemale , 3 x,  is  also  a useful  remedy  to  break  up  the 
habit. 

Teething.  (306)  — Cale.  Carb.,  30,  will  generally  advance  the 
teeth  when  they  are  delayed. 

Kreasotum , 4 x,  often  relieves  the  sensitiveness  of  the  gums  and 
reflex  nervous  excitement. 

Chamomilla , 30,  child  is  very  nervous  and  cries  often ; colic  and 
diarrhoea. 

Diabetes.  (306) — Uranium  Nitrate , 3 x,  and  Phosphoric  Acid ’ 
1 x,  are  the  most  useful  remedies.  (See  Diabetes  Mellitus.) 

Erysipelas.  (3°7) — Bell.,  3 x,  on  the  face,  worse  on  right  side  ; 

an  inflamed,  even  surface. 

Rhus  Tox,  3 x,  burning  pain,  with  vesicles  filled  with  serum. 

Arnica , 3 x,  erysipelas,  very  painful  and  sore  to  touch. 

Apis  Mel.,  3 x,  Canth.,  3 x,  Aeon.,  1 x,  and  Ars.,  3 x,  are  also 
used. 

Thrush.  (307)  (Aphthae.) — Ars.,  30,  when  it  occurs  during  the 
course  of  a debilitating  disease. 

Merc.  Cor.,  3 x,  occurs  suddenly,  without  previous  symptoms. 

Hydrastis,  1 x,  lingers  and  does  not  readily  disappear ; stomach  out 
of  order. 

Colic.  (309) — Colocynth , 3 x,  is  generally  the  first  remedy  called 


for. 


HOMOEOPATHIC  TREATMENT. 


391 


Plumbum  Carb .,  30,  long  continued  colic  with  constipation. 

Chamomilla , 30,  colic  during  dentition. 

Constipation.  (310) — Nux  Vom.,  3 x,  where  the  trouble  arises 

from  an  inaction  of  the  muscular  coats  of  the  intestines. 

Opium , 30,  stool  hard,  composed  of  small  hard  balls.  Pry.,  3 x, 
is  given  for  alternate  constipation  and  diarrhoea.  If  the  child  is  taking 
cow’s  milk,  salt  it.  Do  not  give  physic ; and  if  the  above  remedies  do 
not  cure,  go  to  a physician. 

Vomiting.  (310) — Ipecac , 1 x,  nausea  and  vomiting. 

Ars.,  3 x,  red  tongue,  with  vomiting  of  everything  as  soon  as  taken 
Where  it  is  the  result  of  irritation  of  the  brain,  such  remedies  as  Zinc , 
30,  Hellebore,  3 x,  and  Antimony  Tart.,  3 x,  are  all  useful. 

Diarrhoea.  (310)  —China  </>,  summer,  painless  diarrhoea. 

Ars.,  3 x,  vomiting  and  diarrhoea;  red  tongue,  with  burning  pain  in 
the  bowels. 

Coloc.,  3 x,  diarrhoea  with  colic. 

Verat.  Alb.,  1 x,  vomiting  ana  diarrhoea;  cold  sweats;  cramps, 
cholera  morbus. 

Bell.,  3 x,  hot  head,  burning,  red  face,  with  diarrhoea. 

Helleborus,  3 x,  tendency  to  water  on  the  brain,  during  a diarrhoea ; 
cholera  infantum. 

Summer  Complaint.  (311)  (Cholera  Infantum.)  — (See  Diar- 
rhoea.) The  diet  of  the  child  is  generally  at  fault  and  should  be 
changed  or  corrected. 

Worms.  (313 )—Santonine,  1 x,  for  stomach  worms. 

Ratanhia , 1 x,  pinworms. 

Sore  Eyes.  (313) — (See  Ophthalmia.) 

Croup,  (314) — Aeon.,  1 x,  and  Spongia , 3 x,  alternately,  for 

spasmodic  croup. 

Membranous  Croup.  Kali  Pick.,  3 x,  the  best  remedy.  A 
Solution  of  Chloride  of  Lime,  by  inhalation.  It  often  becomes  neces- 
sary to  perform  tracheotomy. 

Spasm  of  the  Glottis.  (315)- — Aeon.,  1 x,  is  all  the  remedy 

needed  generally. 

Snuffles,  or  Cold  in  the  Head.  (315 ) — Aeon.,  3 x,  and  Pry., 

3 x,  are  the  remedies  most  generally  useful.  Kali  Iod.,  3 x,  also  an  ad- 
mirable remedy. 

Whooping  Cough.  (3*6) — Bell.,  3 x,  flushed  face,  with  vio- 

lent spasm.  Ipecac , 1 x,  vomiting  accompanying  the  cough. 


392 


HOMOEOPATHIC  TREATMENT. 


Cuprum  Acet. , 30,  violent  whooping  which  is  constant. 

Corralium  Rubum , 30,  will  cure  many  cases  as  though  by  magic 

Verat.  Vir .,  1 x,  may  be  useful  if  the  chest  becomes  congested.  Vio* 
lent  attacks  of  whooping  cough  can  be  controlled  by  Kali  Bromide , 
Bell . and  Castanea  Vesica , and  they  should  be  used  under  the  special 
direction  of  the  physician. 

Convulsions,  Fits,  Spasms.  (317) — Send  for  a physician  and 
give  Bell.,  3 x,  every  ten  minutes  if  the  face  is  flushed,  if  not.  Gels., 
1 x,  will  be  a more  useful  remedy. 

Measles.  (318) — Usually  a very  mild  disease;  particularly  so 

under  homoeopathic  treatment. 

Aeon.,  3 x,  during  the  first  two  or  three  days.  Sneezing ; hackmg 
cough ; fever  and  restlessness. 

Bell.,  3 x,  much  pressure  of  blood  to  the  brain ; mild  delirium. 

Cuprum  Acet.,  30,  sudden  disappearance  of  the  eruption  when 
only  partially  out. 

Puls.,  3 x,  much  running  of  a watery  fluid  from  the  eyes  and  nose ; 
cough ; diarrhoea,  etc.,  one  of  the  best  remedies  in  this  disease. 

Sambucus,  1 x,  if  there  is  much  bronchitis,  give  this  remedy. 

Hepar  Sulph.,  3 x,  toward  the  end  of  the  disease,  to  prevent 
sequela.  The  same  remedies  are  used  in  malignant  or  Black  Measles, 
(319)  but  a physician  should  be  called,  for  any  remedy  may  become 
necessary  in  the  Materia  Medica. 

Rickets.  (319) — Calc.  Carb.,  30,  and  Calc.  Iod.,  3 x,  Kali  lod., 
3 x,  Iodine,  3 x,  are  the  principal  remedies  for  this  defect  of  osseus  nu- 
trition. 


HOMOEOPATHIC  REMEDIES. 

KEY  TO  PRESCRIPTIONS. 

* 

SCIENTIFIC  NAME.  ABBREVIATION.  COMMON  NAME. 


Acid,  Benzoic, 

Acid  Benz., 

Acid,  Phosphoric, 

“ Phos., 

Acid,  Sulphuric,  Dilute, 

“ Sulph.  Dil., 

Aconitum  Napellus, 

Aeon., 

Wolfs  Bane. 

Antimonium  Tartaricum, 

Ant.  Tart., 

Tartar  Emetic. 

Apis  Mellifica, 

Apis, 

Poison  of  Honey  Bee. 

Apocynum  Cannabicum, 

Apoc.  C., 

Indian  Hemp. 

Argentum  Nitricum, 

Arg.  Nit., 

Nitrate  of  Silver. 

Arnica  Montana, 

Arn., 

Leopard’s-Bane. 

Arsenicum  Album, 

Ars., 

Arsenious  Acid. 

Baptisia  Tinctora, 

Bapt., 

Wild  Indigo. 

Belladonna, 

Bell., 

Deadly  Nightshade. 

Bryonia  Alba, 

Bry., 

White  Bryonia. 

Cactus  Grandiflorus, 

Cact.  G., 

Night  Blooming  Cereus. 

Calcarea  Carbonica, 

Calc.  Carb., 

Carbonate  of  Lime. 

Calcarea  Phosphorica, 

Calc.  Phos., 

Phosphate  of  Lime. 

Calendula  Officinalis, 

Calendula, 

Common  Eng.  Marigold 

Camphora, 

Camph., 

Laurus  Camphor. 

Cantharides, 

Canth., 

Spanish  Fly. 

Carbo  Vegetabilis, 

Carbo.  Veg., 

Vegetable  Charcoal. 

Caulophyllum  Thalictroides, 

Caul., 

Blue  Cohosh. 

Chamomilla, 

Cham., 

Matricuria  Chamomilla. 

China  Cinchona, 

China, 

Peruvian  Bark. 

Coffea  Cruda, 

Coffea, 

Arabian  Coffee. 

Colocynthis, 

Col., 

Bitter  Cucumber. 

Cuprum  Aceticum, 

Cup.  Acet., 

Acetate  of  Copper. 

Digitalis  Purpurea, 

Dig., 

Purple  Foxglove. 

Dulcamara, 

Dulc., 

Bitter-Sweet. 

Gelseminum  Sempervirens, 

Gels., 

Yellow  Jessamine. 

Glonoine, 

Glon., 

Nitro-Glycerine. 

Hamamelis  Virginica, 

Hama., 

Witch  Hazel. 

Helleborus  Niger, 

Hell., 

Christmas  Rose. 

393 


394 


HOMCEOPATHIC  REMEDIES 


SCIENTIFIC  NAME.  ABBREVIATION.  COMMON  NAME. 

Hepar  Sulphuris  Calcareum,  Hepar  Sulph.,  Sulphide  of  Calcium. 


Hyoscyamus  Niger, 

Hyos., 

Henbane. 

Hypericum  Perforatum, 

Hyper., 

St.  John’s  Wort. 

Ignatia  Amara, 

Ign., 

St.  Ignatius’  Bean. 

Ipecacuanha, 

Ipecac., 

Cephselis  Ipecacuanha. 

Kali  Bichromicum, 

Kali  Bich., 

Bichromate  of  Potash. 

Kreosotum, 

Kreo., 

Creosote.  [is. 

Lachesis, 

Lach., 

Trigonocephalis  Laches- 

Lycopodium  Clavatum, 

Lycop., 

Club  Moss. 

Lilium  Tigrinum, 

Lil.  Tig., 

Tiger  Lily. 

Mercurius  Vivus, 

Merc.  Viv., 

Quicksilver.  [cury. 

Mercurius  Protoide, 

Merc.  Prot., 

Yellow  Iodide  of  Mer- 

Moschus, 

Mosc., 

Musk. 

Natrum  Muriaticum, 

Natr.  Mur., 

Chloride  of  Sodium. 

Nux  Vomica, 

Nux  V., 

Strychnos  Nux  Vomica. 

Opium, 

Opi., 

Poppy. 

Phosphorus, 

Phos., 

An  Element. 

Podophyllum  Peltatum, 

Podo., 

Mandrake. 

Pulsatilla  Nigricans, 

Puls., 

Wind  Flower. 

Ratanhia, 

Rumex  Crispus. 

Rumex, 

Yellow  Dock. 

Rhus  Toxicodendron, 

Rhus  Tox., 

Poison  Oak. 

Sabina, 

Sabina, 

Common  Savine. 

Secale  Coruntum, 

Secale  Cor., 

Smut  of  Rye. 

Sepia, 

Sepia, 

Cuttle-Fish  Juice. 

Silicea, 

Silicea, 

Quartz. 

Spongia  Tosta, 

Spongia, 

Toasted  Sponge. 

Sulphur, 

Sulph., 

Flowers  of  Sulphur. 

Thuja  Occidentalis. 

Thuja., 

Arbor-Vitse. 

Veratrum  Album, 

Verat.  Alb., 

White  Hellebore. 

Veratrum  Viride, 

Verat.  Vir., 

Green  Hellebore. 

Zincum, 

Zinc., 

Zinc. 

HOMOEOPATHIC  MEDICINES. 


# 

HOW  THEY  ACT  UPON  THE  SYSTEM. 


Aconite  (. Monkshood ).  Chiefly  affects  the  circulatory  system. 
Useful  in  inflammatory  fever,  fever  heat,  with  dry  skin,  and  restlessness. 
The  pulse  is  fine,  quick  and  wiry ; dry  cough,  or  croupy  cough ; rous- 
ing from  sleep ; pleurisy ; spitting  of  blood  and  nose-bleed ; neuralgia 
and  rheumatism,  with  stinging  pains ; complaints  from  dry,  cold  air,  and 
fright ; pains  aggravated  at  night,  relieved  by  sitting  up. 

Apis  Mel.  (Poison  of  the  Honey  Bee).  Shortness  of  breath 
from  dropsy ; dropsical  affections ; swellings,  especially  when  attended 
with  biting,  gnawing,  stinging,  and  itching ; swellings  resembling  those 
arising  from  the  sting  of  a bee ; useful  in  urinary  troubles,  when  the 
urine  is  scanty  and  its  emissions  attended  by  a scalding,  burning  sensa- 
tion. 

Arnica  Montana.  For  complaints  of  nervous  individuals ; full 
plethoric  habit;  rheumatic  pains;  apoplexy  and  paralysis;  bloodshot 
spots  from  bruises ; effects  of  sprains,  strains  and  contusions ; painful 
and  excessive  sensitiveness  of  the  whole  body ; convulsions  and  tetanic 
spasms  from  injuries. 

Arsenicum  (Arsenious  Acid).  Chiefly  affects  the  alimentary 
canal,  respiratory  organs,  and  skin.  Burning  pains  in  the  stomach, 
bowels  and  elsewhere,  relieved  by  hot  applications ; vomiting,  cramp  in 
the  stomach,  diarrhoea ; asthma ; scaly  eruptions,  burning  ulcers  all  worse 
soon  after  midnight ; great  restlessness  and  prostration ; great  thirst, 
with  drinking  frequently,  but  little  at  a time ; complaints  from  ice  cream, 
ice  water,  tobacco. 

Belladonna  (Deadly  Nightshade ).  Chiefly  affects  the  brain, 
nerves  and  glands.  Fever  heat  with  ?noist  skin,  drowsy  sleep  or  inabil- 
ity to  go  to  sleep  ; starting  in  sleep  ; congestion  of  blood  to -head,  eyes 
and  face  ; throbbing  headache  ; neuralgia  of  the  face  ; throbbing  tooth- 
ache ; dentition,  with  jerking  in  the  sleep  or  convulsions ; sore  throat ; 
barking  cough ; erysipelas. 


395 


396 


HOMCEOPATHIC  MATERIA  MEDICA. 


Bryonia  Alb.  ( White  Bryonia).  Chiefly  affects  the  muscles, 
fibrous  tissues  of  joints,  lung,  liver  and  respiratory  organs.  Biliousness, 
with  thick  white  coating  of  the  tongue ; bitter  tastes ; chilliness ; burst- 
ing headache  ; stitches  in  the  chest ; dry,  painful  cough,  worse  on  enter- 
ing a warm  room,  with  stitch-pain,  all  worse  from  motion.  Pleurisy ; 
peritonitis. 

Calcarea  Carb.  ( Prepai'ed  Oyster  Shell).  Ailments  connected 
with  scrofulous  and  rickety  children,  especially  when  there  is  a predom- 
inant disposition  to  fluent  coryza,  cold  and  diarrhoea,  or  it  is  particu- 
larly adapted  to  frail  individuals  being  poorly  fed,  also  to  such  as  have 
in  their  youth  a marked  disposition  for  growing  fat  and  stout.  It  is  also 
of  benefit  in  ailments  arising  from  teething,  and  in  slow,  protracted  denti- 
tion. Sour  smelling  diarrhoea  during  dentition. 

Cantharis  ( Spanish  Fly).  In  affections  of  the  urinary  organs, 
as  in  inflammation  of  the  bladder  and  kidneys,  in  retention  of  urine,  also 
where  there  is  strangury  and  discharge  of  blood.  Vesicular  eruptions  of 
the  skin. 

Carbo  Veg.  ( Charcoal ).  Ailments  arising  from  abuse  of  mer- 
cury, as  in  offensive  breath,  bleeding  of  the  gums  and  canker  in  the 
mouth.  Ailments  arising  from  derangements  of  the  digestive  organs 
caused  by  eating  fat  meats,  pork,  etc.,  or  in  waterbrash,  sour  eructations, 
raising  of  air  or  bitter  eructations,  also  in  spasms  of  the  stomach,  with 
burning,  aching,  and  contractive  pains. 

Chamomilla  ( Chamomile ).  Chiefly  affects  the  stomach  and 

the  bowels,  and  is'  adapted  to  conditions  of  irritation  and  excitability  of 
the  nervous  system.  Cross,  peevish ; pain  makes  frantic ; hot  sweat 
about  the  head ; one  cheek  red,  the  other  pale ; teething,  with  green 
stools ; the  child  wants  to  be  carried  about ; jerking  of  limbs  ; convul- 
sions ; inflammation  of  eyes  after  birth ; colic  of  infants ; bad  effects 
from  opium. 

China  {Red  Cinchona  Bark) . Chiefly  affects  the  vital  powers 
and  nervous  system.  Irritability  and  sensitiveness  of  the  whole  system  ; 
languor ; inertia ; heaviness  of  the  limbs  ; weakness  from  loss  of  animal 
fluids,  and  in  weakness  after  severe  acute  diseases.  In  dyspepsia,  bil- 
ious and  gastric  affections,  when  there  is  impaired  appetite  with  great 
weakness  of  digestion,  flatulency,  bitter  taste  in  the  mouth  and  heart- 
burn ; flatulent  colic  ; atrophy,  emaciation,  particularly  in  children ; the 
pains  of  china  are  darting  and  lacerating,  or  lacerating  with  pressure  and 
are  aggravated  by  contact,  also  at  night. 


HOMOEOPATHIC  MATERIA  MEDICA. 


39? 


Cina  ( Wormseed) . In  worm  affections,  with  sleeplessness,  db 
lated  pupils ; picking,  and  disposition  to  bore  in  the  nose ; stoppage  of 
the  nose ; paleness  of  the  face ; hollow-eyed,  or  dark  streaks  beneath 
the  eyes,  circumscribed  flush  of  the  cheek ; loss  of  appetite  or  voracious- 
ness ; nocturnal  incontinence  of  urine,  bloated  abdomen. 

Cocculus  ( Indian  Cockle).  Chiefly  affects  the  brain  and  spi- 

nal nerves.  Gastric  and  bilious  affections ; vomiting  and  nausea,  from 
riding  in  the  cars,  carriage  or  on  the  sea.  Constrictive,  spasmodic  pains 
in  the  abdomen,  relieved  by  emission  of  wind,  as  in  colic  and  cramps  of 
the  stomach ; nervous  weakness ; fainting  fits ; emaciation  and  general 
weaknesses ; difficult  and  painful  menstruation. 

Coffea  ( Coffee) . Chiefly  affects  the  nervous  system  ; is  useful 
in  ailments  characterized  by  excessive  nervous  excitability  as  in  nervous 
headache,  sleeplessness,  also  sleeplessness  of  infants ; mental  fatigue  and 
nefvous  excitement ; excessive  painfulness  of  the  affected  part,  and  great 
irritability  of  body  and  mind. 

Colocynthis  {Wild  Cucumber).  Chiefly  affects  the  nervous 
system.  Neuralgia  with  crampy  pain,  nausea  and  vomiting;  colic  with 
violent  pains  in  the  umbilical  region,  causing  the  patient  to  cry  out 
and  bend  double ; the  pain  comes  every  few  minutes  and  leaves  the  ab- 
dominal walls  so  sensitive  that  the  pain  is  felt  at  every  step ; yellow 
diarrhoea,  excited  by  eating  or  drinking  ever  so  little ; vomiting  and 
diarrhoea  after  a fit  of  chagrin. 

Drosera  {Sundew).  Chiefly  affects  the  bronchia.  Whooping 
cough ; spasmodic  cough. 

Dulcamara  {Bitter  Sweet).  Chiefly  affects  the  skin,  mucous 
membrane  and  glands.  Useful  in  diarrhoea  with  Coloc.  after  taking  cold  ; 
swelling  and  induration  of  the  glands ; catarrhal  ailments ; small,  hard, 
dry  warts  ; suppurating  herpes  or  dry  scaly  tetter ; cough  with  expecto- 
ration of  tenacious  mucus,  and  stitches  in  the  side  of  the  chest ; also  in 
ailments  such  as  diarrhoea,  headache,  cough,  etc.,  caused  by  cold,  wet 
weather. 

Glonoine  {Nitro  Glycerine).  Sunstroke,  headache,  pain  as  if 
the  skull  was  being  pressed  asunder ; violent  rush  of  blood  to  the  head  ; 
throbbing  in  the  forehead,  extending  to  the  nape  of  the  neck  ; oppres- 
sion of  the  chest ; throbbing  of  the  carotids  ; pain,  heat  and  chills  down 
the  back ; numbness  and  weakness  in  the  left  arm  and  leg ; vertigo  when 
walking. 


398 


HOMCEOPATHIC  MATERIA  MEDICA. 


Graphites  (Black  Lead).  Useful  in  unhealthy  condition  of  the 
skin,  chronic  eruptions,  ulcers  and  erysipelas,  cracks  and  excoriations, 
tetter,  humid  and  scaly,  eruptions  on  the  head,  eruptions  around  and  in 
the  ears,  discharge  of  blood  or  pus  from  the  ear,  sore,  cracked  and  ul- 
cerated nostrils,  constipation  with  large  and  knotty  stools,  coexisting 
with  a dry  harsh  skin. 

Hepar  Sulphur  (Sulphide  of  Calcium).  Chiefly  affects  the 
glands,  mucous  membranes,  skin  and  windpipe.  Ulcerations  and 
suppurations,  favoring  and  promoting  the  suppurative  process,  as  in  ab- 
scess, boils,  sty,  gumboil  and  whitlow  (felon) , catarrhal  affections ; loose 
cough  and  rattling  of  mucus ; croup ; also  in  chronic  hoarseness ; ill 
effects  of  mercury ; dyspepsia  and  weakness  of  digestion  in  persons  who 
have  taken  much  mercury. 

Hyoscyamus  Niger  (Henbane).  Useful  in  convulsions,  spas- 
modic affections  and  other  derangements  of  the  nervous  system  ; sleep- 
lessness, hydrocephalus  and  other  affections  of  the  brain  ; headache  ; dry 
spasmodic  cough,  particularly  at  night,  as  if  occasioned  by  tickling  of 
the  throat,  especially  when  lying  down,  with  redness  of  the  face ; diffi- 
culty of  breathing ; spasms  of  the  chest ; wild  delirium ; insanity. 

Ignatia  Amara  (St.  Ignatius  Bean).  Chiefly  affects  the  mind, 
brain  and  nervous  system.  Useful  in  hysteric  affections,  also  convulsive 
and  spasmodic  disorders,  especially  when  occasioned  by  fright  or  grief ; 
nervous  affections  of  infants ; great  excitability  of  the  nervous  system, 
pain  from  the  least  touch ; headache  as  if  a nail  were  driven  into  the 
head,  better  from  eating.  Trembling  of  the  body. 

Ipecacuanha.  Chiefly  affects  the  mucous  membranes ; useful  in 
paroxysms  of  suffocation  as  in  asthma,  with  feeling  of  constriction  and 
rattling  of  mucus  in  the  chest ; whooping  cough,  with  bluish  face  and 
accumulation  of  phlegm  in  the  chest ; vomiting  and  diarrhoea,  especially 
in  summer  after  unripe  fruits  or  acids ; stools  fermented,  like  yeast,  or 
green.  Convulsions  after  eating  oranges  or  raisins,  pound  cake,  etc., 
profuse  menstruation  with  constant  nausea. 

Lycopodium  ( Wolf's  Foot) . Chiefly  affects  the  digestive  or- 
gans and  kidneys.  All  food  eaten  seems  to  be  transformed  into  gas, 
which  keeps  up  a rolling  and  rumbling  in  the  bowels.  Sandy,  red,  brick 
dust  deposit  in  the  urine.  False  membrane  on  the  right  side  of  the 
throat. 

Mercurius  (Quicksilver).  Useful  in  ailments  connected  with 
the  mucous  membrane,  the  glands  and  the  liver ; catarrhal  and  inflam- 


HOMOEOPATHIC  MATERIA  MEDICA. 


399 


matory  affections  of  the  respiratory  organs  and  the  lungs ; swelling,  in- 
flammation and  suppuration  of  the  glands ; scrofulous,  catarrhal,  rheu- 
matic or  syphilitic  sore  eyes ; rheumatic  pains  in  the  joints  and  limbs, 
especially  at  night ; aching  in  the  bones ; rheumatic  headache,  tooth- 
ache and  neuralgia ; emaciation  ; profuse  perspiration  at  night,  especially 
in  slow  fever,  without  affording  relief. 

Nux  Vomica.  Chiefly  affects  the  cerebral  and  spinal  system. 
Bilious  affections ; derangement  of  the  stomach  and  bowels  ; paralytic  or 
spasmodic  affections  from  sedentary  habits,  the  abuse  of  ardent  spirits 
and  various  forms  of  dissipation ; gastric  derangement  during  pregnancy, 
and  complaints  arising  from  chagrin  or  anger ; piles ; nervous  prostration, 
caused  by  mental  exertion  and  overwork ; constipation  and  piles. 

Opium.  . Chiefly  affects  the  nervous  system  and  greatly  stimulates 
the  brain.  This  remedy  is  frequently  suitable  to  drunkards  and  old  peo- 
ple and  to  persons  on  whom  other  medicines  are  slow  to  act.  Dreamy, 
stupid,  sleeplessness,  consequence  of  fright;  trembling, jerking,  convul- 
sions, beginning  with  rigidity  of  the  whole  body ; loud  cries ; epilepsy ; 
tetanus ; painter’s  colic  and  paralysis ; delirium  tremens  ; expectoration 
of  frothy  blood,  when  coughing ; constipation  from  torpor  of  the  bowels. 

Phosphorus.  Chiefly  affects  respiratory  organs,  the  bronchia  and 
cerebro-spinal  system  of  nerves.  Tuberculous  affections  ; catarrhal  diffi- 
culties ; weakness  from  loss  of  animal  fluids ; want  of  vital  reaction ; 
chronic  diarrhoea;  pneumonia  and  other  affections  of  the  throat  and 
lungs.  Restless,  unrefreshing  sleep,  with  frightful  dreams  ; hectic  fever, 
with  dry  heat,  especially  toward  evening ; night  sweats ; violent  catarrh, 
with  hoarseness,  sometimes  loss  of  voice ; cough  with  rawness,  soreness, 
sore  and  excoriating  pain  in  the  chest. 

Pulsatilla  ( Pasque  Flower ).  Chiefly  acts  on  the  lymphatic 
system  and  nervous  bloodvessels,  the  mucous  membranes,  the  urinary 
and  sexual  organs,  the  eye  and  skin.  Especially  adapted  to  female  de- 
rangements, and  to  persons  of  gentle  disposition,  easily  inclined  to  weep, 
with  disposition  to  catarrh,  or  leucorrhoea ; chronic  difficulties,  arising 
from  abuse  of  sulphur  water,  quinine,  mercury ; in  derangements  of  the 
stomach,  produced  by  the  use  of  greasy  food,  fat  pork,  pastry ; bad  ef- 
fects from  fright  or  shame ; measles  and  their  secondary  ailments ; lacer- 
ating or  beating  headache,  sometimes  with  vomiting ; nausea,  with  dispo- 
sition to  vomit ; uterine  spasms,  resembling  labor  pains ; derangement 
and  irregularity  of  the  menses,  with  severe  pain,  colic,  nausea,  vomiting 
and  headache. 


400 


HOMOEOPATHIC  MATERIA  MEDICA. 


Rhus  Tox  ( Poison  Oak),  Chiefly  affects  the  brain  and  ner- 
vous system,  ligaments,  tendons,  mucous  membranes  and  the  skin.  This 
is  a great  remedy  in  rheumatic  and  arthritic  affections ; vesicular  ery- 
sipelas ; excitability  and  derangement  of  the  nervous  system ; bad  conse- 
quences from  sprains  or  bruises,  the  pain  is  worse  at  night  in  bed,  during 
rest,  also  in  cold  or  damp  weather.  Typhoid  and  typhus  fever. 

Sepia  ( Cuttle  Fish),  Useful  in  affections  of  the  skin  and  in 
female  complaints ; the  pains  are  relieved  by  the  application  of  warmth 
and  usually  disappear  during  violent  exercise.  Dry  and  itch-like  erup- 
tions ; ringworm  ; headache,  as  if  the  eyes  would  fall  out  of  the  head  ; 
falling  of  the  womb,  with  bearing  down  pain ; acrid  leucorrhoea,  with 
itching  and  excoriation ; affections  during  pregnancy. 

Silicea.  Useful  in  scrofulous  affections  of  the  bones,  rachitis ; 
chronic  affections,  from  abuse  of  mercury ; ulceration  of  the  bones,  swell- 
ing and  curvature  of  the  spine  ; suppurating  sores  of  various  kinds  ; felon  ; 
gangrenous  sores  ; fistulas  of  various  kinds,  especially  when  bones  are  in- 
volved ; glandular  swelling ; hard,  painful,  suppurating  ulceration  of  big 
toes  ; suppression  of  sweat  on  the  feet ; swelling  of  the  knee. 

Spongia  ( Sponge ) , Chiefly  affects  the  bronchia,  that  part  known 
as  the  larynx  ; cures  croup  (in  alternation  with  Aconite) . Goitre,  with 
pressure  and  tingling  in  the  swelling ; hoarseness  after  singing ; hoarse- 
ness, cough  and  coryza  ; difficult  respiration,  as  if  the  throat  were  closed, 
with  pain  in  the  throat  and  chest  on  coughing. 

Sulphur.  Chiefly  affects  the  skin,  and  to  a great  extent  the  whole 
organism,  rendering  it  susceptible  to  the  action  of  other  remedies.  Is 
especially  indicated  if  the  patient  has  been  troubled  with  boils  or  any 
form  of  suppurative  disease.  It  is  the  chief  remedy  for  herpes  and  erup- 
tions of  various  kinds  ; rough  and  chapped  skin  ; warts  ; hepatic  spots  ; 
ulcers  ; felons  ; boils  ; intolerable  itching ; continually  recurring  erysipelas ; 
inflammation  and  swelling  of  bones  ; piles  ; dysenteric  stools,  with  violent 
tenesmus  ; diarrhoea  in  the  morning ; burning  in  the  stomach,  with  sour 
eructations ; chronic  constipation. 

Tartar  Emetic.  This  is  an  important  remedy  in  the  first  stage 
of  influenza  ; dry  cough  and  affections  of  the  chest,  also  in  bilious  affec- 
tions ; small  pox  ; asphyxia  of  new  born  infants.  Pustular  eruptions  on 
the  whole  or  any  part  of  the  body ; stupefying  headache  ; with  pressure 
above  the  eyes  ; nausea,  vomiting  and  diarrhoea ; violent  oppression  of 
the  stomach  ; suffocative,  spasmodic  cough  ; rattling  of  mucus,  coughing 


HOMCEOPATHIC  MATERIA  MEDICA. 


401 


and  sneezing ; difficulty  of  breathing,  especially  at  night ; palpitation  of 
the  heart  and  oppression  of  the  chest. 

Veratrum  Album  ( White  Hellebore),  Acts  chiefly  on  the 
brain  and  intestinal  canal.  Cholera ; cramps  in  the  limbs  and  bowels ; 
paralytic  pain  in  the  limbs ; cramps  in  the  calf ; unquenchable  thirst ; 
sudden  prostration  of  strength,  debility  and  trembling,  coldness,  numb- 
ness, and  formication  of  the  extremities,  the  coldness  being  only  exter- 
nal, with  internal  heat  and  violent  desire  for  water.  Cholera  morbus, 
violent  vomiting,  diarrhoea,  cramps. 

V eratrum  Viride  ( American  Hellebore) . Violent  fever  with  full 
bounding  pulse.  The  first  stage  of  inflammation  of  the  lungs,  periton- 
eum and  brain.  Severe  beating,  pressing  headache,  flushed  face,  delir- 
ium, even  convulsions,  with  great  fullness  of  the  pulse.  Typhoid  pneu- 
monia. 


j 


MEDICINAL  PLANTS 


H-H-' 

When  to  Gather  ?k  How  to  Use. 


ILLUSTRATED. 


«VERY  realm  of  nature  contributes  something,  fraught  with  healing 
virtues,  to  the  human  race.  The  root,  bark,  leaves  and  flowers  of 
plant,  shrub  and  tree,  together  with  the  mineral  and  animal  kingdom  are 
all  utilized  in  the  economy  of  our  Divine  Creator,  to  expel  disease,  re- 
store health,  and  prolong  life  in  mankind.  This  department  of  “The 
Cottage  Physician”  affords  ready  reference  to  the  properties,  uses,  and 
doses  of  the  remedies  now  in  use  by  the  various  schools.  The  most 
common  name  is  given,  followed  by  the  scientific  or  botanical  name  in 
(parenthesis),  where  there  are  two  or  more  common  names,  one  or  more 
will  follow  the  (parenthesis).  Some  of  the  more  valuable  plants  are 
faithfully  represented  by  illustrations  which  were  engraved  for  the  work 
from  photographs  of  the  actual  plants,  which  will  enable  the  reader  to 
recognize  them  at  sight. 

o 

A few  words  about  gathering  and  preserving  medicinal  roots,  herbs, 
barks,  etc.,  may  be  useful. 

All  Plants  (as  a rule)  whose  leaves  or  stems  are  to  be  employed, 
should  be  gathered  when  in  their  fullest  vigor,  which  is  about  the  time 
of  flowering.  They  should  be  dried  in  the  shade  as  quickly  as  possible, 
and  kept  in  a dry  place  carefully  protected  from  insects. 

Flowers  should  be  collected  just  before  fully  expanded. 

Seeds  and  Fruits  when  fully  ripe. 

Roots  of  Annual  Plants  just  before  they  bloom. 

Biennials  after  their  first  year’s  growth  has  ceased. 

Perennials  in  the  autumn. 

Barks  should  be  gathered  either  in  autumn  or  early  spring,  before 
the  season’s  growth  has  begun. 

Roots  and  Barks  may  be  dried  in  the  sun  without  injury. 

m 


MATERIA  MEDICA. 


403 


Decoctions  are  made  by  boiling  the  medicinal  properties  in  water. 

Infusions  by  pouring  on  boiling  water  and  allowed  to  cool. 
Sometimes,  as  in  case  of  wild  cherry  bark,  it  is  necessary  to  infuse  in 
cold  water.  The  average  proportion  is  an  ounce  of  the  drug  to  a pint  of 
water. 

Tinctures  are  made  by  macerating  drugs  in  alcohol.  In  cases  of 
resinous  substances,  strong  alcohol  is  used,  otherwise,  dilute  with  equal 
quantity  of  water.  In  many  cases  good  whiskey  may  be  used  in  place 
of  diluted  alcohol.  In  preparing  tinctures  from  dried  roots,  barks  and 
seeds,  these  should  first  be  reduced  to  a coarse  powder  by  grinding  or 
bruising  in  a mortar.  Fresh  drugs  generally  make  the  best  tinctures. 

Pills  are  made  by  accurately  weighing  the  substances  to  be  used, 
and  then  mixing  them  with  water,  alcohol,  syrup,  bread,  molasses  or 
some  other  mild  substance.  The  mass  after  having  been  thoroughly 
mixed  should  be  rolled  into  a long  stick  and  then  cut  off  into  equal  por- 
tions, according  to  number  of  pills  required.  Each  pill  should  be  rolled 
into  round  shape  with  thumb  and  finger. 

o 

Absinthe  {Artemisia  Absinthium)  Wormwood.  See  illustration, 
Wormwood. 

Acid,  Carbolic.  Made  from  coal  tar,  the  odor  and  taste  resembles 
creosote.  Is  sometimes  given  internally,  but  generally  employed  exter- 
nally. When  diluted  with  water  it  forms  a splendid  application  for 
wounds.  An  excellent  disinfectant  and  aids  in  healing.  Much  used  in 
skin  diseases  of  a parisitic  nature. 

Acid,  Carbonic.  Dissolved  in  water  forms  the  so  called  “pDm 
soda,”  is  useful  as  a refrigerant  drink,  quieting  to  an  irritated  stomach. 

Acid,  Citric.  Prepared  from  lemon  juice.  Often  used  in  the 
treatment  of  scurvy. 

Acid,  Gallic.  A powerful  astringent.  Much  used  to  check  pas- 
sive hemorrhages  of  the  nose,  lungs,  stomach  and  womb.  Dose  five  to 
twenty  grains. 

Acid,  Muriatic  {Hydrochloric  Acid).  Sometimes  used  as  a 
caustic.  In  dyspepsia  characterized  by  sour  stomach,  this  acid  can  be 
used  with  good  effect,  take  ten  to  fifteen  drops  in  a wineglass  full  of 
water,  after  meals.  Is  also  used  in  low  fevers.  Dose  three  to  five  drops ; 
given  in  water  every  two  or  three  hours. 


404 


MATERIA  MEDICA. 


Acid,  Nitric  ( Aqua  Fortis).  Often  used  as  a caustic,  when 
diluted  is  used  for  the  same  purpose  as  muriatic  acid.  Has  been  used 
successfully  in  diseases  of  the  liver. 

Acid,  Oxalic.  Seldom  used  medicinally,  closely  resembles  Epsom 
Salts.  Very  poisonous. 

Acid,  Sulphuric  {Oil  of  Vitro/).  Sometimes  used  as  a caus- 
tic. 

Acid,  Tannic  {Tannin).  Obtained  from  nutgalls.  A most 
powerful  vegetable  astringent. 

Acid,  Tartaric.  Used  in  the  preparation  of  Seidlitz  powders . 
Also  in  inflammatory  affections,  fevers  and  scurvy. 

Aconite  {Aconitum  Napellus),  Monkshood.  See  illustration,  page 
409.  Leaves  and  root  are  used.  In  the  formation  of  acute  inflamma- 
tions, such  as  quinsy,  pneumonia,  pleurisy,  rheumatism,  erysipelas,  acon- 
ite is  of  great  value.  A tincture  made  from  the  root  is  the  best  way  to 
prepare  for  ordinary  use.  In  ordinary  cases  one  or  two  drops  may  be 
given  every  hour  or  two,  until  the  pulse  is  lowered  and  sweating  pro- 
duced. This  remedy  has  become  very  popular  and  is  extensively  used 
by  all  physicians.  For  breaking  up  colds  and  fevers  it  probably  has  no 
superior. 

Agrimony  {Agrimonia  Eupatoria).  Possesses  mild,  astringent, 
qualities.  Both  leaves  and  root  are  used.  A cupful  of  the  decoction 
taken  two  or  three  times  daily,  produces  a relaxation  of  the  bowels. 
Useful  also  as  a gargle  for  sore  throat. 

Alcohol  {Spirit  of  Wine).  The  result  of  the  fermentation  of 
many  vegetables.  A wonderful  preservative  agent.  Used  in  the  prepa- 
ration of  tinctures  of  substances  containing  a large  proportion  of  resinous 
properties.  Good  whiskey  which  contains  fifty  per  cent,  alcohol,  is  often 
used  instead  of  diluted  alcohol. 

Ailanthus  {Ailanthus  Glandulosa)  Chinese  Tree  of  Heaven. 
Prepared  in  decoction,  infusion,  or  tincture.  Useful  in  atonic  dyspepsia, 
loss  of  appetite,  etc. 

Alkekenge  {Physalis  Alkekengi)  Winter  Cherry,  Strawberry 
Tomato.  Diuretic  and  tonic.  Useful  in  jaundice,  gravel  and  dropsy. 

Allspice  {Eugenia  Pimento).  Aromatic,  stimulating,  often  used 
to  relieve  flatulence. 

Almond  Sweet  {Amygdala  Dulcis).  The  pulp  is  sometimes 
used  in  place  of  wheat  flour,  in  the  preparation  of  bread  for  persons  suf- 
fering from  diabetes.  Bitter  almonds  are  very  poisonous. 


YELLOW  PUCCOON,  GROUND  RASP- 
BERRY, TURMERIE  ROOT. 

A perennial  plant,  growing  throughout 
the  U.  S,  and  Canada.  The  root  is  the  me- 
dicinal part.  It  is  a tonic,  having  especial 
action  upon  diseased  mucous  tissues, and  is 
particularly  beneficial  during  recovery 
from  exhausting  diseases.  It  is  used  in 
dyspepsia,  chronic  affections  of  the  ner- 
vous coats  of  the  stomach,  erysipelas,  and 
remittent,  intermittent,  and  typhoid  fevers. 
With  geranium  or  cranebill,  it  produces 
good  results  in  chronic  diarrhoea  and  dys- 
entery. 

Dose. — Of  the  powder  from  ten  to  thirty 
grains;  of  the  tincture,  from  one  to  two  fluid 
drams. 


YELLOW  DOCK. 

Yellow  Dock  is  an  alterative,  tonic  and 
detergent,  and  is  very  valuable  in  scorbutic, 
cutaneous,  scrofulous  and  syphilitic  affec- 
tions, and  all  impurities  of  the  blood.  The 
root  is  used. 


SCULLCAP. 

BLUE  SCULLCAP,  MAD  DOG  WEED 
SIDE  FLOWERING  SCULLCAP, 

AND  HOOD-WORT. 

An  indigenous  herb.  The  whole  plant 
Is  used.  It  is  a valuable  nervine,  tonic,  and 
antispasmodic;  it  gives  support  to  the 
nerves,  and  imparts  strength  and  quietness 
to  the  whole  system,  and  does  not,  like 
some  nervines,  leave  the  patient  excited 
and  irritable.  It  is  used  in  neuralgia,  chor- 
ea, convulsions,  lockjaw,  and  most  other 
diseases  of  the  nervoi  s system. 

Dose. — Fluid  extract,  from  half  to  a 
spoonful;  tincture,  four  ounces  to  a pint  of 
diluted  alcohol,  one  to  two  teaspoonsfuls. 
infusion,  a wineglassful,  three  times  a day’ 


POISON  HEMLOCK. 

The  seeds  and  leaves  are  used.  It  is 
anodyne,  narcotic,  antispasmodic  and  de- 
obstruent, and  is  used  in  chronic  rheuma- 
tism, neuralgia,  asthma,  syphiles,  &c. 


406 


MATERIA  MEDICA. 


Aloes  {Aloe  Vulgaris).  An  excellent  purgative,  does  not  produce 
watery  stools,  nor  create  wind  in  the  bowels,  rarely  disagrees  with  the 
stomach.  In  small  doses  assists  digestion.  Often  used  in  cases  of  ha- 
bitual costiveness  in  connection  with  indigestion.  Aloes  act  principally 
on  the  lower  intestines  and  will  irritate  if  given  too  frequently  or  in  too 
large  doses.  Should  not  be  used  in  cases  of  piles,  except  in  very  small 
doses,  nor  when  there  is  inflammation  in  the  bowels  and  should  be  care- 
fully avoided  by  females  who  are  subject  to  immoderate  flowing  of  the 
menses,  and  carefully  avoided  during  pregnancy. 

Alum.  Astringent.  Useful  in  checking  the  flow  of  blood  from 
the  nose,  gums , after  extraction  of  teeth,  slight  wounds  and  sometimes  in 
cases  of  piles.  In  nose  bleed,  powder  and  blow  into  the  nostrils  through 
a quill.  A solution  of  alum  is  useful  in  chronic  discharges  from  the  nose , 
ear  and  female  genital  organs.  In  these  cases  use  a teaspoonful  alum  to 
a pint  of  water.  A gargle  of  alum  water  is  beneficial  in  many  cases  of 
sore  throat,  especially  when  the  parts  are  relaxed  and  “palate  down.” 
Burnt  alum  will  remove  proud  flesh.  Alum  is  sometimes  used  inter- 
nally, for  diarrhoea  and  dysentery.  Two  or  three  grains  dissolved  in 
aromatic  syrup  taken  three  or  four  times  daily,  will  often  do  much  good 
in  the  later  stages  of  whooping  cough.  Alum  is  also  a splendid  emetic  in 
spasmodic  croup.  Dose,  teaspoonful  of  powdered  alum  mixed  with  same 
amount  of  molasses  and  water,  give  one-third  of  this  quantity  every  three 
to  five  minutes  until  the  desired  result  is  produced. 

Ammonia  {Hartshor?i) . A gasseous  body,  soluble  in  cold  water 
forming  water  ammonia  (aqua  ammonia).  A powerful  diffusible  stim- 
ulant, often  used  to  restore  persons  in  a fainting  condition.  Great  care 
should  be  exercised  in  its  use. 

Anise  {Pimpinella  Anisum).  Very  stimulating  to  the  stomach 
and  relieves  pain  in  the  bowels.  Much  used  in  flavoring  liquids  and  in 
making  cordial.  A decoction  is  very  useful,  relieving  colic  pains  in 
young  children.  Dose  in  powder  twenty  grains,  oil  two  to  four  drops. 

Aqua  Fortis.  See  Acid  Nitric. 

Areca  Nut  ( Areca  Catechu)  Betel-nut.  Astringent.  Principally 
used  to  expel  tapeworms. 

Arnica  {Arnica  Montana)  Leopard’s  Bane.  A European  plant. 
The  flowers  alone  are  used  in  this  country.  Useful  in  cuts,  bruises  and 
internal  injuries.  An  infusion  or  decoction  of  half  ounce  of  the  flower 
in  a pint  of  water  is  the  best  preparation  for  external  use.  For  internal 
injuries  the  tincture  may  be  given  in  five  or  ten  drop  doses  every  two 
hours. 


FOXGLOVE. 


A biennial  plant.  The  leaves  of  this,  are 
sedative  and  diuretic,  reducing1  the  pulse, 
and  increasing  the  urine.  In  large  doses, 
they  are  a narcotic  poison. 

Dose. — Of  the  powdered  leaves  of  fox- 
glove, from  one  to  three  grains;  of  the  tinct- 
ure, from  eight  to  twelve  drops. 


VIRGINIA  SNAKE  ROOT, 

A perennial  herb  of  the  Middle  and 
Southern  States.  The  root  is  stimulant, 
tonic,  and  diaphoretic.  It  is  used  in  typhoid 
fevers  when  the  system  needs  support,  but 
cannot  bear  active  stimulation.  Combined 
with  Peruvian  bark,  it  is  also  used  in  inter- 
mittent fevers.  An  infusion  is  employed 
in  dyspepsia;  and  as  a gargle  in  malignant 
sore  throat. 


WILD  INDIGO. 

RATTLE  BUSH,  HORSE  FLY  WEED. 


STAR  GRASS. 


This  shrub  grows  in  most  parts  of  the 
U.  S.  The  bark  of  the  root  is  purgative, 
emetic,  stimulant,  astringent,  and  antisep- 
tic. It  is  chiefly  used  for  its  antiseptic  prop- 
erties. For  external  use,  it  is  valuable  as 
awash  or  gargle  for  all  kinds  of  sores  and 
ulcerations.  The  decoction  is  made  by  put- 
ting one  ounce  of  powdered  bark  into  two 
pints  of  water  and  boiling  till  reduced  to 
one  pint. 

Dose.— One  tablespoonful  every  two  or 
four  hours  as  required. 


COLIC  WEED,  AGUE  ROOT,  CROW 
CORN,  UNICORN  ROOT. 

The  root  is  the  part  used,  and  in  decoc- 
tion or  tincture  is  of  great  utility  in  dyspep- 
sia, general  and  local  debility,  flatulent 
colic,  hysteria,  etc.  It  greatly  strengthens 
the  female  generative  organs,  and  affords 
protection  against  miscarriage. 

Dose.— Of  the  powdered  root,  from  five  to 
ten  grains,  three  times  a day;  of  the  satura- 
ted tincture  five  to  fifteen  drops. 


408 


MATERIA  MEDICA. 


Arrow  Root  (Maranta  Arundinacea) . Often  used  as  an  article 
of  diet  for  invalids.  Take  a tablespoonful,  add  water  enough  to  form  a 
paste  then  gradually  add  a pint  of  boiling  milk. 

Arsenic  ( Arsenious  Acid).  This  is  a powerful  and  poisonous  sub- 
stance and  should  be  used  only  by  the  skilled  physician. 

Assafoetida  ( Narthex  Assa/cetida ).  A powerful  stimulating  an- 
tispasmodic.  Often  used  in  treating  nervous  diseases  of  females,  epi- 
lepsy, St.  Vitus  dance,  convulsions  of  infants,  etc. 

Atropine  ( Atropia ) . Prepared  from  the  root  of  belladonna ; yel- 
lowish white  crystals. 

Balm  (. Melissa  Officinalis).  Belongs  to  the  mint  family.  Has  i 
pleasant  odor  but  possesses  no  decided  medicinal  qualities. 

Balm  of  Gilead.  A common  shade  tree.  The  buds  in  the 
spring  are  covered  with  a resinous  substance  from  which  an  ointment  is 
prepared,  useful  for  burns,  bruises,  etc. 

Balmony  ( Chelone  Glabra)  Snake  Head.  Grows  freely  in  swam- 
py places.  Leaves  are  bitter  and  said  to  be  tonic  and  to  act  upon  the 
liver. 

Balsam  of  Peru.  Applied  externally  as  a stimulant  for  ulcers, 

etc. 

Balsam  of  Tolu.  A stimulating  expectorant,  agreeable  flavor 
and  much  used  in  cough  mixtures. 

Baneberry  ( Actcea  Spicata).  Medicinal  properties  very  similar  to 
Black  Cohosh. 

Barberry  ( Barberis  Vulgaris).  Native  of  Europe  but  now  grows 
in  the  United  States.  The  bark  of  the  root  is  generally  used.  In  small 
doses  it  acts  as  a tonic,  large  cathartic. 

Bayberry  ( Myrica  Cirifera)  Wax  Myrtle.  See  illustration. 

Bearberry  ( Arctostaphylos  Uva-Ursi).  See  illustration. 

Belladonna  (. Atropa  Belladonna)  Deadly  Night-shade.  See  il- 
lustration. 

Birch  Bark  {Betula  Alba).  A decoction  of  the  bark  and  twigs 
are  often  used  in  treating  skin  diseases,  rheumatism , gout  and  disorders 
of  the  bladder. 

Bitter  Root  ( Apocynum  Cannabinum)  Indian  Hemp.  See  illus- 
tration. 

Blackberry  ( Rubus  Villosus)  Dewberry.  The  root  acts  pleas- 
antly upon  the  bowels,  as  in  cases  of  diarrhoea,  dysentery  and  in  summer. 


POKE. 


PIGEON-BERRY,  GARGET,  SCORE. 

COAKUM,  ETC. 

This  plant  is  common  in  most  parts  of  the 
country.  Poke  is  emetic,  cathartic,  altera- 
tive and  slightly  narcotic.  The  root  ex- 
cites the  whole  glandular  system,  and  is 
very  useful  in  syphilitic,  scrofulous,  rhuma- 
tic.  and  cutaneous  diseases.  It  is  an  excel- 
lent remedy  for  the  removal  of  mercurio- 
syphilitic  affections. 

Dose. — Of  the  powdered  root,  as  an  eme- 
tic, twelve  grains  to  half  a dram;  as  an  al- 
terative, from  two  to  six  grains. 


BLUE  FLAG. 

A perennial  plant,  growing  in  damp 
places  throughout  the  United  States.  The 
root  is  the  part  used  for  medicinal  purposes. 
It  iscathartic,  alterative,  sialagogue,  and 
diuretic.  It  acts  particularly  on  the  gland- 
ular system;  in  large  doses,  it  evacuates 
and  exhausts  the  system,  acting  on  the  liv- 
er, and  fulfilling  the  purposes  of  mercury. 

Dose.— Powdered  root,  five  to  ten  grains; 
Iridin,  one  grain. 


MONKSHOOD. 

WOLFSBANE. 


This  is  a perennial  herb.  All  parts  of  the 
plant  contain  powerfully  poisonous  proper- 
ties; but  the  root  is  the  part  most  generally 
employed  for  medical  purposes. 

Dose.— Fluid  extract,  dose,  two  to  six 
drops;  solid  extract,  dose,  one  quarter  of  a 
grain  to  a grain;  tincture,  eight  ounces  of 
the  root  to  a pint  of  alcohol;  dose,  three  to 
eight  drops. 


PIPSISSEWA. 


WINTERGREEN,  PRINCES  PINE, 
GROUND  HOLLY. 

A small  evergreen  growing  in  the  U.  S. 
and  other  countries.  The  whole  plant  is 
tonic,  diuretic,  and  astringent,  and  has 
proved  itself  useful  in  dropsy,  general  de- 
bility, rheumatism,  chronic  disorders  of  th* 
kidneys,  bladder,  urethra,  etc. 

Dose.— Of  the  infusion,  two  ounces. 


410 


materia  medica. 


complaint  of  children.  To  prepare,  take  a heaping  tablespoonful  of 
small  roots,  or  both  of  the  large  ones,  to  one  and  one-half  pints  water, 
boil  down  to  one  pint.  Dose  two  tablespoonfulls  three  times  per  day. 

Black  Cohosh  ( Cimicifuga  Racemosa)  Black  Snake  Root.  See 
illustration 

Black  Oak  Bark  ( Quercus  Tinctoria).  The  species  termed 
white  and  black  oak  are  the  kinds  used.  White  is  preferable,  when  ad- 
ministered internally  being  milder,  and  less  acute  than  the  black.  The 
bark  is  often  used  in  cases  of  fever  and  ague , obstinate,  chronic  diarrhoea 
and  hemorrhage  of  the  lungs.  The  acorns  roasted  and  made  into  a cof- 
fee is  good  for  scrofula  in  its  early  stages. 

Blood  Root  ( Sanguinaria  Canadensis).  See  illustration. 

Blue  Flag  (Iris  Versicolor).  See  illustration. 

Boneset  (Eupatorium  Perfoliatum)  Thoroughwort.  See  illus- 
tration. 

Buckthorn  (Rhamnus  Frangula).  The  bark  possesses  cathartic 
properties  resembling  rhubarb,  but  more  severe. 

Bugle  Weed  (Lycopus  Virginicus)  Water  Horehound.  See  il- 
lustration. 

Burdock  (Lajfa  Minor).  The  root  is  the  medical  portion.  Pre- 
pared in  the  form  of  tea,  take  a handful  of  the  freshly  bruised  root  to 
three  pints  of  water,  boil  to  two  pints.  It  acts  upon  the  skin  and  mod- 
erately upon  the  bowels.  When  all  other  medicines  fail,  this  will  some- 
times cure  skin  diseases  and  scrofulous  conditions  of  the  system.  Bur- 
dock is  a splendid  purifier  of  the  blood. 

Butternut  ( Juglans  Cinerea).  Inner  bark  mildly  cathartic,  often 
used  in  cases  of  habitual  constipation.  Prepare  in  form  of  a decoction. 

Caffeine,  Caffeina  or  Caffeia.  Much  used  in  nervous  diseases 
such  as  spasmodic  asthma,  nervous  headache,  etc. 

Calamus  (Acorus  Calamus)  Sweet  Flag.  The  root  is  the  part 
used,  and  abounds  in  low  and  swampy  places.  It  is  widely  known  by 
by  its  pungent,  aromatic  taste.  Is  especially  good  in  relieving  pain  or 
uneasiness  of  the  stomach  and  bowels,  and  where  there  is  weakness  of 
these  organs. 

Calomel.  See  mercury,  mild  chloride  of. 

Camphor  ( Camphora  Officinorum) . The  camphor  tree  is  found 
in  the  East  Indies.  Physicians  differ  as  to  the  medical  action  and  value 
of  camphor.  Some  ignore  it  entirely  while  others  esteem  it  highly.  It 


BLUE  COHOSH. 


PAPOOSE  ROOT,  SQUAW  ROOT. 

A perennial  plant  growing  in  all  parts  of 
the  U.  S.  The  root  is  the  part  used.  It  is 
antispasmodic,  diuretic,  diaphoretic,  alter- 
ative, emmenagogue,  anthelmintic,  partu- 
rient and  tonic.  It  is  used  in  rheumatism, 
dropsy,  epilepsy,  hysterics,  cramps,  amen- 
orrhoea,  dysmenorrhoea,  chorea,  leucorr- 
hoea,  hiccough,  to  hasten  delivery,  and  to 
relieve  after-pains. 

Dose. — Of  the  infusion,  one  to  four  fluid 
ounces  three  or  four  times  a day. 


STONEROOT. 

HEALALL,  HARDHACK,  HORSEWEED, 
RICHWEED,  OXBALM. 

This  plant  is  common  in  the  U.  S.  It  is 
tonic  and  astringent,  and  is  very  valuable 
in  whites,  chronic  diarrhoea,  cholera  infan- 
tum, etc.  It  agrees  well  with  the  stomach, 
and  is  a good  remedy  in  summer  complaints 
of  children. 

Dose.— Fluid  extract,  four  to  twenty 
drops.  It  is  much  used  in  the  form  of  in- 
fusion. The  green  herb  boiled  in  milk  is  a 
valuable  remedy  in  chronic  diarrhoea,  when 
attended  with  much  debility. 


BONESET. 


THOROUGHWORT. 

Grows  on  low  grounds  throughout  the 
U . S.  The  cold  infusion  or  extract  is  tonic 
and  aperientj  the  warm  infusion, diaphore- 
tic and  emetic.  As  a tonic  it  is  useful  in 
remittent,  intermittent  and  typhoid  fevers, 
dyspepsia  and  general  debility. 

Dose. — Of  the  powder,  ten  to  twenty 
grains;  of  the  extract,  from  two  to  four 
grains:  of  the  infusion,  from  two  to  four 
wtneglassfuls. 


BITTER-ROOT. 


dog’s  bane,  milk  weed. 

A plant  growing  in  the  United  States  and 
Canada.  The  root  is  the  part  used  ,and  is  lax- 
ative, tonic,  diaphoretic,  and  alterative.  It 
is  used  in  chronic  affections  of  the  liver, 
syphilis,  scrofula,  intermittents,  and  the 
low  stage  of  typhoid  fevers.  Forty  to  sixty 
grains  will  cause  vomiting  without  much 
nausea. 

Dose. — Solid  extract,  two  to  eight  grains; 
tincture,  two  to  three  drams;  infusion,  a 
wineglassful  three  times  a day. 


412 


MATERIA  MEDICA. 


is  certain  however  that  camphor  exerts  a quieting  influence  upon  a dis- 
ordered nervous  system.  Is  often  used  successfully  in  cases  of  diarrhoea 
of  children.  It  is  also  used  in  external  applications  of  bruises  and 
sprains , but  Arnica  is  better. 

Caraway,  Seeds  of  ( Carum  Carui).  Native  of  Europe,  but 
now  grows  abundantly  in  the  United  States.  A pleasant  aromatic  and 
carminative. 

Carrot  (. Daucu  Carota ) . The  seeds  and  root  of  the  wild  plant  are 
moderately  excitant  and  diuretic,  sometimes  used  in  dropsy  and  chronic 
kidney  troubles. 

Castor  Oil  (. Ricinus  Communis).  The  plant  is  a native  of  Eu- 
rope, but  now  cultivated  in  this  country. 

In  the  commencement  of  diarrhoea  when  there  is  reason  to  suppose 
that  it  is  being  caused  by  indigestible  food,  castor  oil  should  always  be 
given.  If  there  is  much  griping  add  a little  laudanum  or  paregoric  to  it. 
There  is  no  better  laxative  than  castor  oil  for  children,  and  for  females 
during  pregnancy  and  after  delivery.  Various  plans  can  be  adopted 
to  cover  up  its  nauseous  taste. 

Catnep  (. Nepeta  Cataria)  Catmint.  Stimulating  and  slightly 
tonic.  Much  used  in  the  flatulent  colic  of  infants. 

Cayenne  Pepper  ( Capsicum  Fostigiatum) . Used  more  as  a 
condiment  than  as  a medicine.  It  promotes  digestion  and  prevents 
flatulence.  Taken  freely  it  sometimes  cures  piles.  In  obstinate  cases 
of  chills  and  fever  it  adds  to  the  efficiency  of  quinine.  It  forms  a 
splendid  gargle  for  malignant  sore  throat,  and  also  for  sore  throat  with 
relaxation  of  the  palate. 

Centaury,  American,  {Sabbatia  Angularis).  A beautiful  na- 
tive plant  of  the  United  States,  all  parts  of  it  are  bitter.  A cold  infu- 
sion is  beneficial  in  debilitated  conditions  of  the  stomach,  and  has  been 
successfully  used  as  a tonic  in  fevers. 

Cerium,  Oxalate  of.  Used  chiefly  to  relieve  vomiting  in  preg- 
nancy. 

Chalk,  Prepared.  Used  principally  in  medicine  for  the  purpose 
of  checking  purging,  from  acidity  of  the  stomach  and  bowels.  It  is 
mild  in  action  and  suited  to  children. 

Chamomile  Flowers  ( Anthemis  Nobilis).  A cold  chamomile 
tea  is  a splendid  remedy  for  heartburn,  flatulency,  loss  of  appetite,  and 
other  symptoms  of  indigestion.  Cold  infusion,  which  is  the  most  agree- 
able form  to  use  as  a tonic,  is  made  with  half  ounce  of  the  flowers  to  a 


PINK  HOOT. 

CAROLINA  PINK  OR  WORM  GRASS. 

This  perennial  herb  grows  in  rich  soils  in 
the  Southern  States.  The  root  is  the  medi- 
cinal part.  It  is  a powerful  vermifuge. 

Dose. — Fluid  extract  of  Pink  Root  and 
Sc'na,  dose  half  a dram  to  a dram.  Infu- 
sion, half  ounce  to  a pint  of  water,  dose  two 
to  six  ounces. 


PENNYROYAL. 

An  indigenous  annual  plant.  It  is  a 
gently  stimulant  aromatic  ;it  relieves  wind 
colic  and  sick  stomach,  and  when  given  as 
a warm  infusion  it  promotes  perspiration 
and  excites  the  menses.  In  recent  suppres- 
sion, it  may  be  given  at  bed-time  as  a warm 
tea,  first  bathing  the  feet  in  warm  water. 
The  oil  of  pennyroyal  has  the  properties  of 
the  herb. 


SLIPPERY  ELM. 

The  inner  bark  of  this  tree  is  nutritive, 
demulcent,  emollient,  and  diuretic.  It 
makes  a valuable  demulcent  drink  in  inflam- 
mations of  the  lungs,  stomach,  bowels, 
bladder,  and  kidneys;  also,  for  coughs, 
strangury,  dysentery, and  the  summer  com- 
plaints of  infants.  It  also  makes  a valuable 
poultice. 


BLOOD-ROOT  OR  RED  PTJCCOON. 

It  grows  throughout  the  United  States  in 
rich  soils.  In  small  doses  it  stimulates  the 
digestive  organs,  acting  as  a stimulant  and 
tonic.  In  large  doses  it  is  an  arterialseda 
tive.  It  is  useful  in  bronchitis,  laryngitis, 
whooping  cough,  and  other  affections  of  the 
respiratory  organs.  It  excites  the  energies 
of  a torpid  liver,  and  has  proved  beneficial 
in  scrofula,  amenbrohata  and  dysentery. 
Applied  to  fungous  growths,  ulcers,  fleshy 
excrescences, cancerousaffections,  the  pow- 
der acts  as  an  escharotic,  and  the  infusion  is 
often  applied  with  benefit  to  skin  diseases. 

Dose. — Of  the  powder  as  an  emetic,  ten 
to  twenty  grains;  as  a stimulate  and  expec- 
torate, three  to  five  grains;  as  an  alterative, 
half  a grain  to  two  grains.  Tincture,  twen- 
ty to  sixty  drops. 


414 


MATERIA  MEDICA. 


pint  of  cold  water.  If  preferred  warm,  care  should  be  exercised  in 
preparing  not  to  allow  the  flowers  to  remain  in  the  water  longer  than  ten 
minutes. 

Charcoal  {Carbo  Ligni).  Wood  charcoal,  finely  powdered  and 
taken  into  the  stomach,  absorbs  the  gasses,  and  is  of  great  value  for 
dyspepsia,  characterized  by  flatulence.  Dose,  one  to  two  tablespoonfuls. 
The  powder  is  frequently  mixed  with  flaxseed  poultices  and  applied  to 
gangrenous  sores  with  cleansing  results.  Foul  water  may  be  rendered 
pure  by  filtering  through  charcoal. 

Chestnut  Leaves  ( Castanea  Vesca).  Made  into  an  infusion 
is  much  used  for  whooping  cough. 

Chiccory  (Chicorium  Intybus).  Medicinally  used  has  a similar 
effect  to  dandelion.  Much  cheap  ground  coffee  is  adulterated  with 
chiccory. 

Chloral,  Hydrate  of.  This  is  a medicine  of  recent  discovery, 
and  is  popular  as  a quieting  agent.  Like  opium  it  quiets  pain  and  pro- 
duces sleep,  and  is  not  attended  with  unpleasant  after  effects.  In  cases 
of  nervousness,  from  care,  anxiety,  or  pain  of  no  violent  character,  a 
small  dose  of  chloral  may  be  taken  with  almost  absolute  certainty  of 
sleep,  rest  and  refreshment.  Dose  for  an  adult,  ten  to  thirty  grains.  It 
has  also  been  used  successfuly  in  cases  of  delirium  tremens. 

Chlorate  of  Potash.  See  Potash. 

Cinchona  Bark  ( Cinchona  Flava ).  This  bark  was  formally  giv- 
en in  substance,  but  this  practice  became  obsolete  with  the  discovery  of 
the  alkaloids  to  which  it  owes  its  medicinal  effects,  chief  among 
which  is  quinine.  It  is  well  known  that  quinine  is  one  of  the  very  best 
of  all  the  vegetable  tonics.  No  other  medicine  compares  with  it  for 
controlling  intermittent  fevers . It  also  has  a wonderful  power  of  redu- 
cing the  temperature  of  acute  diseases  when  dangerously  high.  Some 
persons  are  prejudiced  against  quinine,  but  their  prejudice  is  without 
substantial  foundation.  In  pneumonia , pleurisy , all  the  fevers,  diphther- 
ia, rheumatism , erysipelas , dysentery,  etc.,  etc.,  quinine  is  one  of  the 
most  reliable  agents  in  supporting  the  patient.  When  taken  as  a tonic, 
one  to  three  grains  is  a dose.  Intermittent  fever,  or  neuralgia  of  a peri- 
odical type,  take  from  five  to  ten  grains,  three  to  four  times  per  day,  one 
of  the  doses  being  taken  an  hour  before  an  anticipated  chill. 

Cinnamon  (Cinnamomum  Aromaticum) . Seldom  given  alone, 
but  is  much  used  with  other  remedies,  on  account  of  its  aromatic  and 
stimulating  qualities.  Three  or  four  drops  of  the  oil  of  cinnamon  on  a 
lump  of  sugar  will  often  relieve  pains  in  the  stomach  and  flatulent  colic. 


BAYBERRY. 

WAX  MYRTLE. 

This  shrub  is  found  in  woods  and  fields 
from  Canada  to  Florida.  The  bark  of  the 
root  is  the  medicinal  part.  It  is  astringent 
and  stimulant.  Pulverized  and  combined 
with  powdered  blood-root,  it  forms  an  ex- 
cellent application  to  indolent  ulcers.  In 
the  form  of  poultice,  combined  with  pow- 
dered slippery  elm,  it  is  a valuable  applica- 
tion to  scrofulous  tumors  or  ulcers.  The 
decoction  is  a good  wash  for  sore  mouth, 
and  spongy,  bleeding  gums.  It  is  chiefly 
used  in  the  form  of  tincture. 

Dose.— Tincture  half  an  ounce;  fluid  ex 
tract,  one  to  two  drams. 


DOGWOOD. 


BOXWOOD,  FLOWERING  CORNEL, 
GREEN  OZIER. 

This  is  a small  tree  growing  in  various 
parts  of  the  United  States.  The  bark  is 
used  as  a medicine.  It  is  tonic,  astringent, 
antiperiodic,  and  stimulant.  It  increases 
the  pulse,  and  raises  the  temperature  of  the 
body.  It  has  been  substituted  for  peruvian 
bark  in  intermittent  fevers. 

Dose.— Of  the  powdered  bark,  from  ten 
to  sixty  grains. 


MEADOW  CABBAGE. 


SKUNK  CABBAGE,  SKUNK  WEED, 
POLE  CAT  WEED. 

A perennial  plant, growing  in  moist  places 
throughout  the  U.  S.  The  root  is  stimulant, 
expectoraut,  antispasmodic,  and  slightly 
narcotic.  It  is  given  for  pulmonary  and 
bronchial  affections,  epilepsy,  hysterics, 
asthma,  hooping-cough,  and  irritable 
nerves. 

Dose.— Fluid  extract,  twenty  to  eighty 
rops;  tincture,  three  ounces  to  a pint  of 
alcohol;  half  a dram  to  a dram;  infusion, 
one  to  two  ounces;  syrup,  two  to  three 
drams. 


GINSENG. 

A plant  growingin  the  Middleand  South- 
ern States.  It  is  a mild  tonic  and  stimulant, 
it  is  useful  for  poor  appetite,  nervous  debil- 
ity, weak  stomach,  etc. 

Dose. — Of  the  powdered  root,  from  ten 
to  sixty  grains;  of  the  infusion,  from  two 
to  four  fluid  ounces. 


416 


MATERIA  MEDICA. 


Cloves  ( Caryophyllus  Aromaticus) . Stimulating  and  often  used 
to  relieve  colic  and  expel  wind.  The  oil  of  cloves  is  often  used  locally 
to  relieve  toothache  and  earache. 

Cod-Liver  Oil  ( Oleum  Morrhuce).  Obtained  from  the  livers  ot 
the  common  cod-fish.  There  are  three  varieties  according  to  mode  of 
extraction,  known  as  pale , light  brown  and  dark  brown.  The  first 
named  is  the  purest  and  most  palatable ; as  a remedy  for  consumption 
and  other  constitutional  diseases  of  an  exhausting  nature,  cod-liver  oil 
takes  high  rank.  It  is  really  more  of  a food  than  a remedy,  its  power 
of  producing  fat  is  well  known.  In  scrofulous  diseases  generally,  hip- 
joint  diseases,  white  swelling  of  the  knee , caries  of  the  spine , lumbar  and 
psoas  abscesses , rickets , etc.,  cod-liver  oil  will  nearly  always  do  good.  It 
is  also  useful  in  skin  diseases , some  forms  of  eye  troubles  and  syphilis. 
Young  children  who  have  grown  very  weak  from  diarrhoea  in  summer,  and 
who  seem  unable  to  assimilate  the  food  given  them,  can  often  be  saved 
by  rubbing  cod-liver  oil  into  their  skin.  Common  dose  of  cod-liver  oil 
is  from  one  to  two  tablespoonfuls,  three  times  daily. 

Coltsfoot  ( Tussilago  Farfara ).  Native  of  Europe,  now  natural- 
ized in  the  United  States.  Useful  in  chronic  bronchitis  as  a demulcent 
and  expectorant.  Given  in  infusion,  one  ounce  of  dried  leaves  to  a pint 
of  boiling  water. 

Compound  Spirit  of  Ether  (Hoffmann's  Anodyne).  Stimu- 
lant and  anti-spasmodic,  very  useful  in  hysterical  paroxysms. 

Copperas.  See  Iron,  Sulphate  of. 

Cranesbill  ( Geranium  Maculatum)  Spotted  Geranium.  See  il- 
lustration. 

Creasote.  Sometimes  used  internally  to  check  vomiting.  Sea- 
sickness and  cholera  infantum  frequently  yield  to  its  influence.  Dose, 
one  or  two  drops.  In  an  overdose  it  is  a violent  poison.  When  ap- 
plied to  the  cavities  of  decayed  teeth  it  will  often  relieve  the  pain. 

Cubebs  ( Cubeba  Officinalis).  Chiefly  used  in  inflammation  of 
the  urinary  passages.  It  is  also  used  in  cases  of  chronic  bronchitis , ca- 
tarrh, and  in  certain  throat  troubles. 

Dandelion  ( Taraxacum  Dens-leonis).  Has  long  been  used  for 
dyspepsia  associated  with  congestion  of  the  liver.  Fluid  extract  is  prob- 
ably the  best  form  of  preparation. 

Dogwood  (Cornus  Florida).  See  illustration. 

Dover’s  Powder.  This  powder  is  composed  of  one  gram  opi- 
um, one  grain  ipecac.,  and  eight  grains  sulphate  of  potash. 


PLEURISY  ROOT. 


BUTTERFLY  WEED,  WIND  ROOT, 
TUBER  ROOT. 

An  indigenious  plant.  The  root  is  the 
medicinal  part.  It  is  of  great  value  in  uter- 
ine difficulties.  It’s  chief  value  is  in  bron- 
chial and  pulmonary  complaints. 

Dose. — Of  the  Powder  twenty  to  sixty 
grains,  three  or  four  times  a day . Of  Tinct- 
ure one  or  two  wineglasses  full  four  or  five 
times  a day  until  perspiration  is  produced. 


HENBANE. 

This  plant  is  narcotic,  gently  accelera- 
ting the  circulation,  increasing  the  general 
warmth,  causing  a sense  of  heat  in  the 
throat,  and  after  a time  inducing  sleep.  It 
is  often  used  in  the  place  of  opium;  it  does 
not  produce  constipation.  It  is  used  in 
rheumatism,  gout,  bronchitis,  asthma,  con- 
sumption, hooping-cough,  hysterics,  and 
spasmodic  affections. 


BELLADONNA, 

A perennial  plant,  growing  in  Europe  and 
this  country,  it  has  a faint  odor,  and  a sweet, 
nauseous  taste.  It  is  narcotic,  diaphoretic, 
and  diuretic,  and  is  a valuable  remedy  in 
convulsions,  neuralgia,  rheumatism,  gout, 
paralysis,  and  many  diseases  having  their 
seat  in  the  nervous  system.  It  is  used  as  a 
reventive  of  scarlet  fever  and  as  a cure  for 
ooping-cough. 


BUGLEWEED. 

WATER  HOREHOUND. 

The  whole  herb  is  used.  It  is  a mild  nar- 
cotic, sedative, sub-astringent,  and  styptic. 
It  is  a valusble  remedy  in  bleeding  from  the 
lungs,  incipient  consumption,  and  pneu- 
monia. It  quiets  irritation,  and  allays 
cough,  and  nervous  excitement. 

Dose, — Fluid  extract,  one  to  two  drams; 
infusion,  two  to  four  ounces. 


418 


MATERIA  MEDICA. 


This  celebrated  powder  was  introduced  by  Dr.  Dover,  during  the 
reign  of  Geo.  II.  While  under  the  influence  of  this  powder,  the  pa- 
tient should  remain  in  bed,  and  as  soon  as  perspiration  begins  drink 
freely  of  barley  water,  toast  water  flavored  with  lemon  peel  or  any  other 
mild  drink ; this  is  to  keep  up  the  discharge  from  the  skin. 

Elderberries  and  Bark  ( Sambucus  Canadensis') . The  medici- 
nal virtue  is  found  in  the  flowers,  berries  and  inner  or  second  bark  of 
the  branches  and  roots.  An  ointment  made  by  stirring  the  fresh  flowers 
or  inner  bark  into  clean  melted  lard,  then  strained,  has  a high  reputa- 
tion for  slight  burns,  scalds,  wounds  and  in  dressing  old  sores.  The  ber- 
ries are  rather  laxative  and  also  act  upon  the  skin.  They  are  often  used 
in  treating  rheumatism , gout , scrofula  and  habitual  constipation. 

Elecampane  ( Inula  Helenium ) . Useful  in  many  chronic  diseases, 
bronchitis , dyspepsia,  etc.,  and  in  some  forms  of  skin  diseases. 

Epsom  Salts.  See  Magnesia,  Sulphate  of. 

Fennel  Seed  ( Foeniculum  Vulgare).  A pleasant  aromatic,  fre- 
quently used  to  reduce  the  harsh  and  griping  operations  of  other  medi- 
cines. 

Feverfew  ( Pyrethium  Parthenium ).  A bitter  tonic,  very  similar 
to  chamomile  in  its  action,  and  often  used  for  the  same  purpose. 

Fever-Root  ( Troisteum  Perfoliatum)  Tinker-Weed,  Wild  Ipe- 
cac. A good  cathartic,  acts  much  like  jalap.  Large  doses  emetic. 
The  dried  root  impaired  by  age. 

Fig  ( Ficus  Passa) . Slightly  laxative. 

Flaxseed  ( Linum  Usitatissimum) . Often  used  in  the  form  of 
poultices.  Infusion  used  as  a demulcent. 

Fleabane  (Erigeron  Canadense)  Horseweed,  Stoneroot.  See 
illustration. 

Foxglove  (Digitalis  Purpuera)  Digitalis.  See  illustration. 

Garlic  (Allium  Sativum).  The  Gallic  leek  and  onion  all  possess 
similar  qualities.  Stimulating  when  applied  to  the  skin.  Their  odor  is 
both  stimulant  and  anti-spasmodic.  Useful  in  hysterical  paroxisms  and 
catarrhal  troubles  of  children. 

Germander  (Teucrium  Canadense)  Woodsage.  Tonic,  stimu- 
lant, diaphoretic,  diuretic.  The  infusion  is  used  in  bronchitis , leucor - 
rhcea  and  amenorrheea. 

Ginger  (Zingiber  Officinale).  An  excellent  stimulant  and  carmin- 
ative. Much  used  in  dyspepsia,  flatulence,  and  to  correct  other  medi- 
cines. 


WITCH  HAZEL. 


WINTERBLOOM,  SNAPPING  HAZEL  NUT, 
SPOTTED  ALDER. 

This  shrub  grows  in  damp  woods  in  most 
parts  of  the  U.  S.  The  bark  and  leaves  are 
tonic,  astringent,  and  sedative.  A decoc- 
tion of  the  bark  is  very  useful  in  bleeding 
from  the  lungs  and  stomach,  and  in  diarr- 
hoea, dysentery,  and  excessive  mur  ous  dis- 
charges. It  is  also  used  in  incipi<  nt  con- 
sumption, and  for  sore  mouth,  etc. 

Dose. — Of  the  decoction,  a wineglassful 
to  a teacupful  three  or  four  times  a day. 


BLACK  COHOSH. 


RATTLEROOT,  SQUAW  ROOT.  BLACK 
SNAKE  ROOT. 

A native  of  the  U.  S.  The  root  is  the 
medicinal  part.  It  is  narcotic,  sedative,  an- 
tispasmodic.  It  is  useful  in  cholera,  fits, 
epilepsy,  nervousness  and  many  spasmod- 
ic affections.  It  is  also  valuable  in  men- 
strual and  uterine  affections. 

Dose.— Fluid  extract  one  half  a dram  to 
two  drams;  solid  extract,  four  to  eight 
grains;  of  the  tincture,  from  one  to  three 
teaspoonsfuL 


LOBELIA. 

INDIAN  TOBACCO,  WILD  TOBACCO. 

This  plant  grows  in  nearly  all  parts  of  the 
U.  S. ; both  its  seeds  and  leaves  are  used  in 
medicine.  It  is  emetic,  expectorant,  seda- 
tive, and  antispasmodic.  _ As  an  emetic  it 
is  generally  used  in  combination  with  other 
articles.  It  is  of  great  advantage  in  spas- 
modic asthma,  as  well  as  in  bronchitis, 
croup,  hooping-cough,  and  other  throat 
and  chest  affections.  A poultice  of  lobelia, 
elm  bark,  with  weak  lye,  relieves  sprains, 
bruises,  rheumatic  pains,  erysipelatous  in- 
flammations, and  poison  from  ivy  or  dog- 
wood. 


WORMWOOD. 

A perennial  plant  growing  nearly  over  the 
whole  world.  The  tops  and  leaves  are  ton- 
ic and  anthelmintic;  used  in  intermittent 
fever,  jaundice,  and  worms.  It  restores  the 
appetite  and  is  also  useful  in  amenorrhcea. 
It  is  excellent  applied  as  a tincture,  or  as  a 
fomentation,  to  bruises,  sprains,  and  local 
inflammations. 

Dose.— Of  the  powder,  ten  to  twenty 
grains;  infusion,  one  or  two  ounces. 


420 


MATERIA  MEDICA. 


Ginseng  ( Aralia  Quinquefolia) . See  illustration. 

Glycerine.  Often  used  in  mixing  medicines  where  it  is  not  de- 
sirable to  employ  syrups  or  sugar.  Externally  applied  in  skin  diseases, 
alone  or  with  carbolic  acid , tannin , gallic  acid ’ starch , etc.  Many  other 
uses  readily  suggest  themselves. 

Golden-Rod  ( Solidago  Odora).  The  golden-rod  family  is  a nu- 
merous one,  and  nearly  all  of  the  species  have  a disagreeable  odor. 
The  above  mentioned  is  the  only  one  entitled  to  the  name  “sweet  scent- 
ed.” It  is  a pleasant  aromatic  and  carminative. 

Golden  Seal  ( Hydrastis  Canadensis ) Orange  Root,  Yellow 
Root,  Yellow  Puccoon.  See  illustration. 

Grindelia  ( Grindelia  Bobusta).  A splendid  remedy  for  whoop- 
ing cough , bronchitis  and  asthma.  The  fluid  extract  is  perhaps  the  best 
form  to  use  it.  Dose  from  ten  to  thirty  drops  every  two  or  three  hours. 

Ground  Ivy  ( Nepeta  Glechoma).  Used  in  chronic  bronchitis , 
catarrh  of  the  bladder , and  in  some  cases  of  dyspepsia.  Infusion  may 
be  given  in  doses  of  a wineglassful. 

Ground  Laurel.  See  May  Flower. 

Guarana  ( Paullinia  Gorbilis).  Very  useful  in  cases  of  nervous 
headache.  Dose  of  the  powder,  fifteen  to  fifty  grains. 

Gum  Arabic  ( Acacia  Vera).  Dissolved  in  water  it  makes  a 
common  demulcent  drink ; it  is  also  used  in  the  composition  of  various 
mixtures  and  lozenges  used  to  allay  coughing. 

Hardhack  Root  ( Spircea  Tomentosa)  Meadow  Sweet.  The 
root,  leaves  and  bark  are  all  tonic  and  astringent.  Used  in  diarrhoea , 
cholera  infantum , dyspepsia , etc.  A decoction  is  made  by  boiling  an 
ounce  of  the  root,  leaves  or  bark  in  a pint  of  water.  Dose  two  ounces, 
three  times  daily.  See  illustration. 

Hellebore,  Black,  (. Helleborus  Niger)  Christmas  Rose.  A 
powerful  cathartic.  Used  in  dropsy,  also  in  promoting  the  monthly  dis- 
charge of  females  for  which  it  is  highly  esteemed.  It  is  sometimes  used 
in  brain  and  skin  diseases.  Dose  five  to  fifteen  grains  of  the  powder, 
decoction,  one  ounce  every  two  or  three  hours,  until  it  operates. 

Hemlock,  Poison,  ( Conium  Maculatum).  See  illustration. 

Henbane  (Hyoscyamus  Niger).  See  illustration. 

Hops  (yHumulus  Lupulus).  The  fruit  of  the  hop  vine  is  sprinkled 
over  with  a yellow  powder,  which  is  called  lupulin , to  which  belong  all 
the  medicinal  qualities  of  the  hops.  Lupulin  is  tonic  and  narcotic.  It 


LADIES’  SLIPPER. 

AMERICAN  VALERIAN,  UMBEL  NERVE 
ROOT,  YELLOW  MOCCASIN  FLOW- 
ER, NOAH’S  ARK. 

The  fibrous  roots  are  the  parts  used  in 
medicine.  It  is  tonic,  nervine,  and  anti- 
spasmodic  and  is  employed  in  nervous 
headache,  and  other  nervous  affections,  as 
excitability,  hysterics,  neuralgia,  etc. 

Dose.— Fluid  extract,  half  a dram  to  a 
dram;  solid  extract,  five  to  fifteen  grains; 
tincture,  two  ounces  to  a pint  of  diluted  al- 
cohol, half  an  ounce  to  an  ounce.  Take  this 
preparation  for  producing  sleep  in  wakeful 
and  nervousconditions:  fluid  extract  ladies 
slipper,  one  ounce;  fluid  extract  pleurisy 
root,  one  ounce;  fluid  extract  skunk  cab- 
bage, one  ounce;  fluid  extract  scullcap,  one 
ounce;  mix;  take  half  a dram  to  a dram,  three 
times  a day.  For  sick  and  nervous  head- 
ache, caused  by  acid  stomach,  use  the  fol- 
lowing; fluid  extract  ladies,  slipper,  half  an 
ounce;  fluid  extract  catnip,  half  an  ounce; 
fluid  extract  scullcap,  half  an  ounce,  water, 
one  pint;  mix;  dose,  one  and  a halt  to  three 
drams. 


BEAR-BERRY. 

THE  UPLAND  CRANBERRY. 

The  leaves  are  the  medicinal  parts.  It  is 
astringent  and  tonic,  and  acts  particularly 
upon  the  urinary  organs,  for  complaints  of 
which  it  is  particulary  used.  It  is  special- 
ly valued  as  an  antilithic  in  gravel,  and  as 
a remedy  for  chronic  inflammation  of  the 
kidneys,  and  ulceration  of  the  bladder,  etc. 

Dose.— Fluid  extract,  one  third  of  a dram 
to  a dram;  solid  extract,  five  to  fifteen 
grains;  tincture,  one  to  two  ounces. 


PRICKLEY  ASH. 


YELLOW  WOOD,  TOOTHACHE  BUSH, 
ETC. 

The  bark  and  berries  are  used.  The  bark 
is  stimulant,  tonic,  alterative,  and  siala- 
gogue.  It  is  used  to  excite  and  stimulate 
the  system,  when  in  a languid  state,  and 
for  derangements  of  the  liver,  rheumatism, 
and  chronic  syphilis.  It  strengthens  mu- 
cous membranes,  and  is  a useful  tonic  in 
low  typhoid  fever.  Applied  externally,  it 
improves  indolent  and  malignant  ulcers. 

Dose.— Of  the  powdered  bark,  from  ten 
to  thirty  grains,  three  times  a day. 

The  berries  are  carminative,  antispas- 
modic,  and  stimulant.  The  tincture  is  val- 
uable in  nervous  diseases,  spasms  of  the 
bowels,  flatulency,  and  diarrhoea;  and  com- 
bined with  the  tincture  of  poke  berries,  is. 
very  useful  in  chronic  rheumatism  and  sy- 
philis. It  has  been  used  with  great  success 
in  Asiatic  cholera. 

Dose. — Of  the  tincture,  from  ten  drops  to 
a fluid  dram,  in  sweetened  water;  of  the  oil 
of  prickly  ash  berries,  from  two  to  ten  drops, 
on  sugar. 


MARSHMALLOW. 

A European  perennial  plant.  The  root  is 
used.  Adecoction  is  found  useful  in  inflam- 
mation of  the  bladder,  lungs,  bowels  and 
stomach,  also  in  kidney  diseases. 


MA  ' ERIA  MEDICA. 


4 22 

is  often  usea  to  control  the  nocturnal  pains  of  gonorrhoea , and  for 
checking  nocturnal  seminal  emissions  and  incontmence  of  urine . Dose 

five  to  ten  grains  or  more.  A tincture  is  also  employed.  Hop  fermen- 
tations, hop  pillows,  etc.,  are  too  common  to  require  further  mention. 

Horehound  ( Marrubium  Vulgar e).  A stimulant,  expectorant  and 
carminative.  Much  used  in  cases  of  dyspepsia , chronic  bronchitis  and 
many  other  diseases.  Given  generally  in  infusion. 

Horse-Balm  (Collin  sonia  Canadensis)  Stone- Root.  See  illus- 
tration. 

Hyssop  (Hyssopus  Officinalis).  Tonic  and  carminative.  Used 
in  dyspepsia , chronic  bronchitis , scanty  menstruation  and  is  also  applied 
externally  to  bruises  and  muscular  rheumatism.  Infusion  made  with  a 
dram  of  the  leaf  to  a pin  t of  water.  Dose,  wineglassful. 

Ipecac  ( Cephcelis  Ipecacuanha) . The  root  is  the  part  used ; di- 

aphoretic, expectorant  ?nd  emetic.  It  is  a standard  medicine  in  the 
treatment  of  croup , bc\h  membranous  and  spasmodic.  Taken  in  doses 
(one  drop)  it  has  received  much  praise  as  a remedy  in  vomiting  of 
pregnancy.  As  an  < metic , ipecac  is  one  of  the  very  best  for  common 
use. 

Iron.  T^i/c.  Of  all  the  metals  iron  is  the  most  useful  in  medi- 
cine. It  is  ^ne  of  the  natural  constituents  of  the  blood.  To  give  a de- 
tailed description  of  all  conditions  in  which  iron  is  servicable  would  re- 
quire many  pages  of  this  book.  There  are  more  than  twenty  prepara- 
tions of  iron,  the  use  of  which  the  reader  is  referred  to  some  more  ex- 
haustive treatise  on  Materia  Medica. 

Jamestown  Weed.  See  illustration. 

Juniper  Berries  ( funiperus  Communis).  Annual  plant  and 
grows  in  many  parts  of  the  United  States.  It  acts  decidedly  upon  the 
kidneys  and  skin  and  is  valuable  in  cases  of  suppressed  urine  and  in 
gravel.  Prepared  in  the  form  of  a tea,  take  a handful  of  the  herb,  add 
a quart  of  water,  boil  twenty  minutes.  Dose,  tumblerful  three  times  a 
day. 

Kerosene  Oil.  See  Petroleum. 

Ladies’  Slipper  ( Cypripedium  Pubesceus).  Slightly  narcotic  and 
anti-spasmodic. 

Laudanum.  See  Opium,  Tincture  of. 

Lead  (Plumbum).  There  are  many  preparations  of  this  metal 
used  in  medicines. 

Lime  (Calcium).  Like  iron  and  lead,  lime  comes  to  is  as  a 
medicine  in  many  forms. 


CRANES  BILL. 

DOVES  FOOT,  CROW  FOOT,  ALUM 
ROOT,  SPOTTED  GERANIUM. 

A native  plant,  growing  in  the  open 
woods.  The  root  is  the  medicinal  part.  It 
is  a powerful  astringent.  It  forms  an  excel- 
lent gargle  in  sore  throats  and  ulcerations 
of  the  mouth,  and  is  valuable  for  treating 
those  discharges  arising  from  debility,  after 
the  excitingcauses  are  removed.  It  isa  valu- 
able astringent  wash  for  sore  mouth,  etc., 
and  as  an  injection  in  leucorrhcea,  etc.,  is 
made  by  uniting  fluid  extract  of  cranesbill, 
half  an  ounce;  fluid  extract  of  black  cohosh, 
half  an  ounce;  fluid  extract  of  golden  seal, 
half  an  ounce;  fluid  extract  of  witch-haze’ 
half  an  ounce;  and  water,  one  quart. 


MOUNTAIN  LAUREL. 


CALICO  BUSH,  SHEEP  LAUREL,  SPOON- 
WOOD,  LAMBKILL. 

This  plant  grows  on  highlands  inmost 
parts  of  the  U.  S.  The  leaves  are  used  in 
medicine,  and  causes,  when  taken  in  large 
doses,  vertigo,  dimness  of  sight,  etc.  In 
proper  doses  they  are  sedative  and  astrin- 
gent. 1 he  saturated  tincture  is  the  best 
form  of  administration;  it  is  given  in  ten  to 
twenty  drops,  every  two  or  three  hours, 
for  syphilis,  active  hemorrhages,  hypertro- 
phy of  the  heart,  and  jaundice. 


MANDRAKE. 


MAY-APPLE,  WILD-LEMON,  RACCOON 
BERRY,  WILD  MANDRAKE. 

It  is  found  throughout  the  U.  S. , and  flow- 
ers in  May  and  June.  The  root  is  the  medi- 
cinal part.  It iscathartic,  alterative, anthel- 
mintic, hydragogue,  sialagogue,  and,  in 
large  doses,  emetic.  It  stimulates  and 
quickens  the  action  of  the  liver  and  kidneys, 
promotes  expectoration,  and  determines 
the  blood  to  the  surface.  Combined  with 
cream  of  tartar  it  produces  watery  stools, 
and  is  useful  in  dropsy.  It  is  used  in  jaun- 
dice, dysentery,  diarrhoea,  bilious, remitt- 
ent, and  intermittent  fevers,  puerperal  fe- 
ver, typhoid  fever,  and  all  glandular  en- 
largements. But  it  has  a more  particular 
action  upon  the  liver,  and  is  especially  use- 
ful in  derangements  of  that  organ. 

Doss. — Of  the  powdered  root,  as  a cath- 
artic, from  ten  to  thirty  grains;  of  the  tinct- 
ure, from  ten  to  forty  drops. 


JAMESTOWN  WEED. 


THORN  APPLE,  STINKWEED,  APPLE- 
PERU,  STRAMONIUM. 

This  well  known  weed  grows  In  most 
parts  of  the  U.  S.  The  leavesand  seeds  are 
medicinal.  It  is  a powerful  narcotic;  it  is 
also  antispasmodic,  anodyne,  and  sedative. 
It  is  used  in  various  nervous  affections,  as 
chorea,  epilepsy,  palsy,  tetanus,  and  ma- 
nia. It  is  much  used  for  relieving  acute 
pains,  etc.  Taken  in  large  doses,  it  is  a 
powerful  poison. 


424 


MATERIA  MEDICA. 


Licorice  {Glycyrrhizu  Glabra).  Excites  the  secretions  of  the 
throat  and  is  therefore  beneficial  in  sore  throat , bronchitis , and  laryngi- 
tis. Frequently  used  to  cover  up  the  taste  of  other  medicines. 

Lobelia  ( Lobelia  Infiata)  Indian  Tobacco,  Emetic  Herb.  See 
illustration. 

Logwood  (. Hoematoxylon  Campechianum) . Pleasant  astringent. 
Used  in  chronic  diarrhoea , chronic  dysentery  and  chronic  bowel  com- 
plaints of  children.  Decoction  made  of  one  ounce  rasped  logwood, 
two  pints  of  water  boiled  to  one  pint.  Dose  for  an  adult,  four  table- 
spoonfuls  ; child,  two  teaspoonfuls  several  times  daily. 

Lovage  ( Levisticum  Officinale).  Carminative  and  diuretic.  Use- 
ful in  flatulent  dyspepsia , suppression  of  the  menses  and  dropsy . Dose, 

tablespoonful  of  the  decoction. 

Lunar  Caustic,  or  Nitrate  of  Silver,  sometimes  used  in  cases  of 
epilepsy,  St.  Vitus’  dance,  angina  pectoris  and  indigestion.  Sometimes 
it  imparts  a permanent  purple  color  to  the  skin.  Externally  applied 
round  the  inflamed  surface  in  erysipelas,  has  often  arrested  the  progress 
of  the  disease. 

Mandrake  ( Podophyllum  Peltatum ) May  Apple.  Cathartic,  oper- 
ates slowly  but  surely  and  in  moderate  doses  without  violence.  Admir- 
ably suited  to  habitual  constipation.  The  following  preparation  made 
into  a pill  and  taken  every  night  or  every  alternate  night,  has  an  excel- 
lent effect  in  stubborn  cases  of  habitual  constipation : 

Podophyllin,  1-5  grain 

Ex.  of  Nux  Vomica,  1-2  “ 

Com.  Ex.  Colocynth,  3 “ 

Magnesia  ( Calcined  Magnesia ).  Prepared  from  Carbonate  of 
Magnesia.  It  is  an  alkali,  useful  in  naturalizing  the  acid  of  the  stomach 
in  cases  of  indigestion  characterized  by  sour  eructations , heartburn  or 
flatulence.  This  remedy  is  however  only  palliative  and  does  not  remove 
the  cause. 

Magnesia,  Sulphate  of,  {Epsom  Salts).  This  is  a well  known 
and  very  excellent  purgative.  Very  useful  in  obstinate  constipation 
caused  by  lead  poisoning.  Dose,  from  two  drams  to  an  ounce  dissolved 
in  warm  water,  it  acts  freely  and  without  griping.  Oxalic  acid  very 
much  resembles  epsom  salts  and  has  been  mistaken  for  it ; the  acid  may 
however  be  easily  detected  by  the  acid  taste  when  mixed  with  water. 

Male  Fern  {Aspidium  Felix-mas) . The  best  known  remedy  for 
tapeworm.  However  it  must  be  properly  used  to  secure  the  best  results. 


MATERIA  MEDICA. 


425 


Move  the  bowels  during  the  afternoon  with  castor  oil  or  other  efficient 
purgative,  eat  a light  supper,  at  bedtime  take  one-half  of  a fluid  drachm 
of  the  oil  of  male  fern  with  a little  mucilage  or  in  capsules.  In  the 
morning  the  dose  may  be  repeated,  fasting  meanwhile,  before  noon  take 
a dose  of  castor  oil,  which  in  many  cases  will  be  followed  by  the  expul- 
sion of  the  worm.  If  the  remedy  fails  the  first  time,  try  again  in  a day 
or  two,  doubling  the  dose  of  the  drug. 

Malt.  During  the  past  few  years  malt  extracts  have  been  largely 
employed  for  their  nutritious  properties.  In  many  cases  of  nervous  de- 
bility they  are  very  beneficial. 

Marsh  Mallow  (Althcea  Officinalis ).  See  illustration. 

Mercury  {Hydrargyrum).  This  remedy  in  its  many  forms  is  a 
valuable  medical  agent,  but  is  capable  (if  not  properly  used)  of  very 
great  harm  and  should  not  be  administered  except  by  the  skillful  medi- 
cal man. 

Milkweed  ( Asclepias ) Pleurisy  Root.  See  illustration. 

Mountain  Laurel  (Kalmia  Latifolia).  See  illustratio.  , 

Mustard  (Sinapis  Alba).  This  common  remedy  is  kept  in  al- 
most every  household  and  forms  an  emetic  which  can  be  used  at  a mo- 
ment’s notice,  or  applied  externally  to  relieve  pains.  Mustard  has  many 
other  uses  too  common  to  need  explanation. 

Nettle  ( Urtica  Dioica).  The  juice  of  nettle  has  long  been  used 
for  hemorrhages  of  all  kinds.  Dose,  ten  to  thirty  grains. 

Onion  (Allium  Cepa).  Stimulant,  diuretic  and  expectorant.  The 
onion  is  a very  common,  yet  useful,  medical  agent  and  needs  no  special 
description. 

Opium  (Papaver  Somniferum) . Opium  is  the  dried  juice  which 
exudes  from  scarifications  made  in  the  green  seed  capsules  of  the  pop- 
py. Opium  produces  a soothing  effect  upon  the  body  and  mind,  fol- 
lowed by  a disposition  to  sleep.  The  first  effect  is  that  of  a stimulant, 
producing  fullness  and  frequency  of  pulse,  with  exhilaration  of  the  mind, 
this  is  followed  by  depression  and  falling  pulse,  even  below  the  normal 
rate.  Many  persons  experience  unpleasant  after  effects,  as  nausea,  vom- 
iting and  headache. 

Parsley  (Petroselinum  Sativum).  Fresh  bruised  parsley  leaves 
applied  will  prevent  breasts  from  “caking.”  It  is  also  recommended  in 
cases  of  scanty  and  painful  menstruation.  Take  of  a strong  decoction 
a wineglassful  three  or  four  times  a day. 


426 


MATERIA  MEDICA. 


Pennyroyal  (. Hedeoma  Pulegioides) . See  illustration. 

Peppermint  (. Mentha  Piperita).  Stimulant  and  carminative. 
A hot  infusion  is  useful  in  cases  of  colic,  flatulence,  diarrhoea,  vomiting, 
etc. 

Pepsin.  Prepared  from  the  mucous  membrane,  lining  the  stom- 
ach of  the  pig,  calf  and  sheep.  Pepsin  is  one  of  our  best  remedies  for 
dyspeptic  ailments. 

Persimmon  ( Diospyros  Virginiana) . The  persimmon  is  found 

in  the  more  southern  states  and  is  highly  prized  for  its  fruit.  The  half 
ripe  fruit  has  been  used  in  cases  of  dysentery  and  diarrhoea  of  long 
standing.  The  bark  is  very  bitter,  a strong  tea  of  which  has  been  suc- 
cessfully used  in  treating  cases  of  fever  and  ague  and  also  as  a gargle  for 
sore  throat  of  long  standing. 

Pink- Root  ( Spigelia  Marilandica)  Carolina  Pink.  See  illus- 
tration. 

Pipsissewa  ( Chimaphila  Umbellata)  Wintergreen,  Prince’s 
Pine.  See  illustration. 

Poison  Ivy  {Rhus  Toxicodendron)  Poison  Oak.  This  plant  has 
become  well  known  from  its  poisonous  effects  upon  the  skin  and  is  also 
highly  esteemed  as  a remedy  by  many  physicians.  The  symptoms  of 
ivy  poisoning  are  itching,  redness  and  swelling  of  the  poisoned  parts,  in 
severe  cases  the  swelling  increases  to  an  alarming  extent.  In  such  cases 
blisters  form  upon  the  surface,  and  these  breaking  are  apt  to  be  suc- 
ceeded by  ulcers,  both  painful  and  intractable.  The  treatment  of  ivy 
poisoning  is  very  unsatisfactory.  Applications  of  cold  water,  solutions 
of  common  salt,  carbonate  of  soda,  acetate  of  lead,  patiently  applied 
will  give  greaf  relief.  Poison  ivy  may  readily  be  distinguished  from 
other  species  of  ivy  by  having  its  leaves  in  threes. 

Pokeweed  {Phytolacca  Decandra)  Scoke,  Garget,  Pigeonberry. 
See  illustration. 

Prickly  Ash  {Xanthoxylum  Americanum).  See  illustration. 

Pumpkin  Seeds  ( Cucurbita  Pepo) . A remedy  of  reputation  for 
expelling  tapeworm,  and  if  properly  used  they  rarely  fail.  The  patient 
should  subsist  entirely  upon  the  seeds  and  milk  for  twenty-four  hours. 
Eat  freely  and  drink  a limited  quantity  of  milk  to  allay  thirst,  at  the  ex- 
piration of  twenty-four  hours  take  a good  dose  of  castor  oil. 

Quassia  {Simaruba  Excelsa).  This  wood  is  a simple  bitter  ton- 
ic, used  chiefly  in  atonic  dyspepsia  and  for  loss  of  appetite.  It  simply 
tones  and  stimulates  the  stomach. 


MATERIA  MEDICA.  427 

Queen  of  the  Meadow  (. Eupatorium  Purpureum ).  Virtues  al- 
most identical  to  Boneset. 

Queen’s  Root  ( Stillingia  Sylvatica).  This  remedy  was  formerly 
much  used  for  scrofula , syphilis , diseases  of  the  skin  and  liver.  Dose, 
decoction  of  an  ounce  of  the  bruised  bark  to  a pint  of  boiling  water. 
Wineglassful  three  times  a day. 

Quinine,  Sulphate  of.  See  Cinchona  Bark. 

Ragweed  ( Ambrosia  Artimisicefolia') . Bitter  tonic  properties 
which  have  recommended  it  in  intermittent  fevers. 

Rhubarb  {Rheum  Palmatum).  Much  used  to  give  tone  to  the 
stomach  and  bowels  in  doses  of  two  or  three  grains  a day.  Larger 
doses  of  twenty-five  to  thirty  grains  act  as  a mild  purgative.  Besides  its 
cathartic  property,  it  is  slightly  astringent ; thus  after  a purgative  action 
the  bowels  are  liable  to  become  somewhat  constipated,  to  avoid  this,  it 
may  be  taken  with  cream  of  tartar,  or  small  quantity  of  jalap  or  magne- 
sia. When  the  liver  is  in  a torpid  condition,  combine  with  calomel. 
When  mixed  with  two  or  three  times  its  weight  of  bicarbonate  of  soda, 
it  is  a very  useful  purgative  for  children.  It  is  highly  recommended  for 
habitual  constipation  attended  with  piles , and  for  constipation  of  preg- 
nancy, in  which  cases  chew  a piece  of  the  root  at  bedtime. 

Rochelle  Salt  ( Tartrate  of  Soda  and  Potash ).  The  best  of  the 
saline  cathartics.  Dose,  from  one  to  two  ounces.  Often  used  in  acute 
rheumatism  for  the  double  purpose  of  relieving  the  bowels  and  render- 
ing the  urine  alkaline. 

Saffron  ( Crocus  Sativus ) . A stimulant  aromatic.  In  domestic 
practice  it  has  long  been  used  in  scarlet  fever , measles , etc.  It  is  also 
often  used  to  relieve  the  pains  of  menstruation,  rheumatism  and  neural- 
gia. The  decoction  is  prepared  in  the  proportion  of  two  drachms  to 
a pint  of  boiling  water.  Dryik  freely. 

Sage  ( Salva  Officinalis).  Stimulant,  tonic  and  astringent.  The 
cold  infusion  is  useful  in  checking  the  profuse  sweatings  of  consumption 
and  those  caused  by  debility  alone.  It  is  much  aided  by  adding  dilute 
or  aromatic  sulphuric  acid.  The  decoction  is  beneficial  as  a gargle  for 
ulcers  in  the  mouth  and  sore  throat. 

Sarsaparilla  (Smilax  Officinalis).  A native  of  Central  and 
South  America  and  West  Indies.  It  is  an  excellent  restorative  and  es- 
pecially beneficial  in  cases  of  broken  constitution. 

Sarsaparilla,  False,  ( Aralia  Nudicaulis) . A common  plant  of 
the  United  States,  and  often  substituted  for  true  sarsaparilla.  Its  medi- 
cal properties  are  not  valuable. 


428 


MATERIA  MEDICA. 


Sassafras  (Sassafras  Officinale ).  This  aromatic  tree  is  found  in 
most  all  parts  of  our  country.  The  bark  of  root  and  the  pith  of  the 
extremities  are  the  parts  used.  The  latter  is  light  and  spongy,  when  dis- 
solved in  water  it  forms  a clear,  ropy  liquid.  It  is  agreeable  to  the 
taste  and  possesses  soothing  qualities. 

Seidlitz  Powders.  These  are  made  of  rochelle  salts,  two 
drachms  and  bichromate  of  soda,  forty  grains  (in  the  blue  paper).  In 
the  white  paper,  thirty-five  grains  of  tartaric  acid.  Dissolve  contents  of 
each  paper  in  a half  tumbler  of  water,  pour  together  and  drink  while 
foaming. 

Senna  (Cassia  Acutifolia) . Active  cathartic,  tendency  to  gripe  ; 
some  aromatic  should  always  be  added.  Infusion  prepared  by  pouring 
two  ounces  boiling  water  on  three  drachms  of  the  leaves,  allowing  it  to 
stand  half  hour.  May  be  sweetened  and  all  taken  at  one  dose. 

Skullcap  (Scutellaria  Lateriflora} . See  illustration. 

Skunk  Cabbage  (Smyplocarpus  Fcetidus)  Meadow  Cabbage. 
See  illustration. 

Slippery  Elm  ( Ulmus  Fulva ) . See  illustration. 

Snakeroot,  Black.  See  illustration. 

Snakeroot,  Virginia,  (Aristolochia  Serpentaria) . See  illustra- 
tion. 

Soda,  Bicarbonate  of.  Often  used  as  an  anti-acid  in  acidity  of 
the  stomach  and  heartburn. 

Soda,  Borate  of,  (Borax).  Very  often  used  for  thrush,  in  nurs- 
ing infants  for  cracked  nipples,  and  by  injections  for  sores  in  the  female 
genital  organs.  Dose,  five  to  thirty  grains;  as  a lotion  or  injection,  half 
to  a whole  drachm  in  a pint  of  water. 

Soda,  Chloride  of,  (Common  Salt).  A splendid  gargle  for  sore 
throat,  often  used  to  check  hemorrhage  from  the  lungs  and  nose. 
Dose,  a teaspoonful  every  ten  minutes.  Salt  is  very  useful  in  many  oth- 
er cases. 

Solomon’s  Seal  (Polygonatum  Giganteum).  Chiefly  used  inter- 
nally for  freckles , bruises  and  sprains.  The  whole  plant  is  used  in  a lo- 
tion. To  prepare,  macerate  in  whiskey  or  diluted  alcohol  for  three 
weeks. 

Spanish  Flies  (Cantharides) . Often  used  internally  for  diseases 
of  the  skin , in  debility  and  catarrh  of  the  bladder , and  acute  Bright's 
disease , etc.  The  tincture  is  the  best  form  for  use.  Dose,  one  to 

twenty  drops.  Care  should  be  exercised  in  not  giving  over-doses. 


MATERIA  MEDICA. 


429 


Spearmint  (. Mentha  Viridis).  Like  peppermint  is  stimulant  and 
carminative,  but  less  powerful.  The  oil  is  chiefly  used.  Dose,  four  to 
five  drops. 

Spice  Bush  (. Lindera  Benzoin).  Stimulant  and  diaphoretic. 
Sometimes  used  in  the  forming  stages  of  acute  inflammatory  diseases. 
Dose,  wineglassful  of  the  decoction  made  of  the  bark  and  berries. 

Spikenard  ( Aralia  Racemosa).  Very  similar  to  false  sarsapar - 
illaf  though  the  root  is  slightly  more  aromatic. 

Squill  (Scilla  Maritima) . A bulbous  plant  of  Southern  Europe, 

sometimes  grown  in  this  country.  The  bulb  possesses  the  medicinal 
properties,  diuretic  and  expectorant.  As  a diuretic  is  often  used  in 
dropsy.  As  an  expectorant  is  useful  in  croup , chronic  bronchitis , whoop- 
ing cough , etc.  Dose  of  the  bulb,  powdered,  one  to  three  grains. 
Tincture,  ten  to  twenty  drops.  Syrup,  half  to  a teaspoonful. 

Staphisagria  (. Delphinium  Staphisagria) . An  ointment  made 
from  the  seeds  will  destroy  lice  on  the  bodies  of  filthy  persons. 

Star  Grass  (Aletris  Farinosa).  See  illustration. 

Stramonium  ( Datura  Stramonium)  Jamestown  Weed.  See  il- 
lustration. 

Sulphur.  Internally  is  chiefly  employed  in  treating  piles.  Take 
equal  quantities  of  sulphur  and  cream  of  tartar,  mix  thoroughly,  and  take 
in  syrup  once  or  twice  a day.  The  effects  are  generally  very  beneficial. 
Externally  is  much  used  in  treatment  of  itch.  For  details  see  article  on 
itch.  Sulphur  baths  are  highly  recommended  for  various  skin  diseases , 
rheumatism  and  gout. 

Sumach  {Rhus  Glabra).  The  berries  are  acid  and  astringent. 
An  infusion  of  the  berries  or  inner  bark  is  often  used  with  excellent  ef- 
fects as  a gargle  for  sore  throat. 

Sweet  Fern  ( Comptonia  Asplenifolia).  Stimulant  and  astrin- 
gent. Decoction  sometimes  used  to  relieve  colic  and  check  diarrhoea. 

Sweet  Spirit  of  Nitre  {Sweet  Nitre).  Diuretic  and  diaphoret- 
ic. Frequently  used  in  febrile  diseases  to  produce  sweating,  especially 
useful  in  feverish  conditions  of  children ; as  a diuretic  is  used  in  irrita- 
ble conditions  of  the  bladder  and  in  suppression  of  the  urine.  Dose, 
twenty  to  thirty  drops  every  hour  or  two,  taken  in  water. 

Tannin.  See  Acid,  Tannic. 

Tansy  ( Tanacetum  Vulgar e).  Tonic,  stimulant  properties  simi- 

lar to  wormwood.  Formally  much  used  in  cases  of  delayed  menstrua- 
tion, worms  and  dropsy. 


430 


MATERIA  MEDICA. 


Tar  (Pinus  Palustris ) . Used  extensively  in  a variety  of  skin  dis- 
eases, and  internally  for  pulmonary  diseases . To  prepare,  take  one  part 
tar  to  ten  parts  water,  mix,  and  allow  to  stand  two  or  three  days,  then 
pour  off  the  clear  water.  Dose,  wineglassful  four  times  a day  or  oftener. 
It  has  been  successfully  used  in  chronic  bronchitis  and  consumption . 
Tar  may  also  be  usefully  employed  by  inhalation  for  pulmonary  troub- 
les. Stir  tar  in  hot  water  and  inhale  the  vapor. 

Tulip  Tree  ( Liriodendron  Tulipifera') . The  bark  from  the 
branches  has  simple,  bitter,  tonic  properties,  and  useful  when  simple  bit- 
ters are  desired. 

Turpentine  ( Oil  of,  Spirits  of  Turpentine') . Produced  by  distil- 
ling the  resinous  exudations  of  several  different  species  of  pine.'  Its 
sphere  of  usefulness  is  great.  Is  successfully  used  in  a variety  of  hem- 
orrhages, such  as  nose,  stomach,  bladder  and  womb,  and  is  especially 
valuable  in  the  typhoid  condition,  when  there  is  bloating  of  the  abdomen 
from  accumulation  of  gas.  In  typhoid  fever  it  is  often  used  with  happy 
results.  Dose,  five  to  twenty- five  drops,  in  emulsion  or  on  a lump  of 
sugar.  Turpentine  is  often  used  as  a counter-irritant  in  intense  inflam- 
matory diseases.  Take  a folded  piece  of  flannel,  dip  into  hot  water, 
wring  as  dry  as  possible,  then  sprinkle  freely  with  turpentine,  apply  to 
the  part  over  the  pain,  cover  with  a dry  cloth  to  present  evaporation, 
renew  as  often  as  found  necessary. 

Virginia  Snake  Root.  See  illustration. 

White  Cedar  ( Arbor  Vita).  The  strong  tincture  or  fluid  ex- 
tract is  highly  recommended  as  an  application  to  fungous  growths, 
warts,  etc.  Also  sometimes  used  internally  for  pulmonary  catarrh  and 
suppressed  menses.  Dose,  ten  to  fifteen  drops. 

White  Walnut  ( fuglans  Crnera).  Is  often  called  butternut 
and  oilnut.  The  medicinal  portion  is  the  inner  bark  of  the  root.  It  is 
a splendid  mild  purgative  and  especially  valuable  in  case  of  habitual 
constipation  of  the  bowels,  or  in  dysentery  and  biliousness.  It  can  be 
made  into  a tea,  using  an  ounce  of  bark  to  a quart  of  water.  Dose,  a 
wineglassful  before  going  to  bed. 

White  Oak  Bark.  See  Black  Oak. 

Wild  Cherry  ( Prunus  Serotina).  Is  found  in  most  all  parts  of 
the  United  States  ; has  a white  flower  with  a bitter  odor.  The  berry  is 
black  and  pleasant  to  the  taste.  The  medical  properties  are  found  in 
the  berries  and  inner  bark  of  the  roots  and  branches.  The  berries  are 
preserved  in  brandy  or  whiskey  which  extract  their  virtue.  The  bark 


MATERIA  MEDICA. 


431 


is  dried,  made  into  an  infusion,  produced  by  adding  a large  tablespoon 
heaping  full  to  a quart  of  cold  water  and  allowed  to  stand  twenty-four 
hours. 

Wild  Indigo  (Baptisia  Tinctoria).  See  illustration. 

Willow.  The  willow  tree  has  rendered  valuable  aid  in  relieving 
fever  and  ague  and  similar  complaints.  The  part  used  is  the  inner 
bark  of  the  trunk,  and  is  usually  taken  in  the  form  of  a strong  tea.  It 
has  been  found  to  exert  much  power,  but  quinine  is  decidedly  more  ef- 
fective. 

Witch  Hazel  ( Hamamelis  Virginica ).  See  illustration. 

Wormwood.  See  illustration. 

Yarrow  (. Archillcea  Millefolia).  Stimulant,  tonic,  promotes  the 
appetite  and  improves  the  digestion.  Highly  recommended  for  piles. 
delayed  menstruation,  leucorrhcea  and  flatulent  colic.  Administered  in 
infusion. 

Yellow  Dock  ( Rumex  Crispus).  See  illustration. 

o 

In  the  limited  space  devoted  to  this  department  of  “The  Cottage 
Physician”  it  has  been  impossible  to  compress  the  whole  Materia  Med- 
ica , yet  it  is  believed  that  no  really  important  remedy  has  been  omitted. 


Purely  Vegetable  Treatment 


HOME  MADE  REMEDIES, 

PREPARED  FROM  ROOTS,  HERBS,  BARKS,  ETC. 

f 

As  many  of  our  friends  may  prefer  tlie  treatment  of  disease  through  the 
medium  of  herbs  alone,  we  herein  give,  in  addition  to  the  herbal  preparations 
in  the  previous  parts,  many  other  formula;  and  amongst  them  will  be  found 
ilie  principal  forms  used  by  the  best  eclectic  physicians  and  botanical  medicine 
practitioners  of  America  and  Europe. 

Anti-dyspeptic  Powder. — Cayenne  and  golden  seal,  of  each  two  ounces; 
saleratus,  half  an  ounce — mix  in  powder.  Dose:  half  a teaspoonful  in  hot 
water,  fifteen  minutes  after  a meal,  in  indigestion,  pain  in  the  stomach,  etc. 

. Anti-dyspeptic  Pills. — Golden  seal,  powdered,  three  ounces;  cayenne, 
five  drams;  inspissated  oxgall,  Q.  S. — mix;  divide  into  five  grain  pills.  Dose: 
two  to  four,  three  times  a day.  They  rectify  acidity  and  wind  in  the  stomach, 
and  regulate  the  bowels. 

Anti-spasmodic  Tincture. — Lobelia  seed,  powdered,  one  pound;  va- 
ierian  and  cayenne,  of  each  four  ounces;  Holland  gin,  one  gallon — infuse  ten 
days,  closely  stopped,  shake  once  a day,  then  strain  for  use.  Dose:  a teaspoon- 
full  two  or  three  times  a day,  in  fits  of  all  kinds — hysteria,  hypochondria,  hy- 
drophobia, etc. 

Balmony,  or  Snake  Head — Is  an  excellent  bitter  tonic  and  laxative, 
and  is  useful  in  costiveness,  indigestion,  loss  of  appetite,  jaundice,  worms,  etc., 
given  in  infusions  and  other  forms. 

Bayberry. — A native  of  the  New  England  States.  The  bark  of  the  root 
is  the  part  used  in  medicine;  it  is  an  astringent  stimulant,  is  an  excellent  med- 
icine for  canker,  also  for  bowel  complaints,  and  if  given  freely  at  the  com. 
mencement,  is  said  to  be  a certain  cure.  The  powder  is  given  in  teaspoonful 
doses,  in  water,  sweetened;  or  a strong,  infusion  drunk  freely.  Taken  every 
two  or  three  hours. 

Barberry. — The  bark  is  the  part  used.  It  is  a bitter  tonic,  improve? 
the  appetite,  acts  on  the  liver.  Is  taken  in  powder  or  infusion,  similar  to 
golden  seal. 

Bethroot,  Wake  Bobin,  True  Love,  or  Jew’s  Harp.— The  root 

is  the  part  used.  It  is  an  astringent.  Useful  in  all  excessive  discharges  of  the 
bowels,  womb,  or  in  bleedings  internally  of  all  kinds.  The  powdered  root  may 
be  taken  in  infusion  of  one  ounce  to  the  pint  for  four  doses. 

m 


BOTANICAL  MEDICAL  PRACTICE. 


433 


Bitter  Boot,  or  Dog’s  Bane. — The  bark  of  the  root  is  the  part  used. 
It  is  a tonic,  anti-spasmodic,  and  stimulant.  A strong  infusion,  or  decoction 
drunk  in  small  teacupful  doses,  every  two  hours,  till  it  operates.  Cleanses  the 
stomach  and  bowels,  and  frees  from  bile. 

Black  Cohosh,  Black  Snakeroot,  or  Battleweed.— The  root  is 
the  part  used.  A syrup  made  of  its  decoction  is  useful  for  coughs;  and  a pouh 
tice,  made  by  thickening  the  decoction  with  slippery  elm,  is  useful  in  all  kinds 
of  inflammation. 

Boneset,  Thoroughwort,  Feverwort,  or  Indian  Sage. —The 
leaves  and  flowers  are  used.  It  is  a relaxant,  sudorific,  antiseptic,  stimulant, 
diuretic,  and  tonic.  The  infusion  of  two  ounces  in  one  quart  of  boiling  water, 
drunk  freely.  A teacupful  every  fifteen  minutes  (drunk  warm),  till  it  operates, 
will  produce  vomiting;  for  sweating,  two  tablespoonful  doses  every  hour.  As 
a tonic  and  laxative,  a small  teacupful  of  the  decoction  every  two  hours. 

Bugle  Weed,  Water  Hoarhound,  or  Betony.— Tonic,  sedative 
and  slightly  astringent.  It  lias  a marked  effect  on  the  heart,  reducing  the 
velocity  of  the  pulse.  It  is  useful  in  diabetes,  and  will  arrest  bleeding  from 
the  stomach  or  lungs,  and  also  will  give  relief  in  dyspeptic  and  all  gastric  de- 
rangements. It  may  be  used  in  an  infusion  of  leaves  or  stems,  or  in  one  to 
three  grain  doses  of  its  active  principle,  Ty copin.  The  warm  infusion  aids  per- 
spiration and  equalizes  the  circulation.  It  may  be  taken  freely  without  pro- 
ducing unfavorable  symptoms. 

Burdock. — This  a common  but  valuable  plant.  The  root  is  used.  It  is 
an  excellent  diuretic,  and  is  given  in  dropsies  and  urinal  diseases,  in  the  form 
of  decoction.  Dried  root  of  burdock,  sliced,  one  ounce;  water,  two  pints, 
boiled  down  to  half.  This  is  to  be  taken  in  about  six  doses,  in  twenty-four 
hours,  for  dropsy. 

Butternut,  or  White  Walnut. — The  inner  bark  or  the  root  is  used. 
It  is  a mild,  efficacious,  tonic  purge,  and  is  recommended  for  derangement  of 
the  liver,  costiveness,  worms,  and  dysentry,  also  in  lingering  fevers.  It  is  given 
in  decoction,  extracts;  pills,  syrups,  etc. 

Camomile,  or  Chamomile. — This  well-known  plant  is  a favorite  do- 
mestic remedy  for  sick  head-ache  and  stomach  derangements.  The  strong 
infusion,  drunk  warm,  is  emetic;  taken  cold,  in  small  half -teacupful  doses,  is 
stomachic. 

Camomile  Pills. — Extract  of  camomile,  four  drams;  camomile  flowers, 
dried  and  powdered,  two  drams;  extract  of  gentian,  two  drams;  Turkey  rhu- 
barb (powdered),  valarian  (powdered),  and  best  ginger  (powdered),  of  each  one 
dram;  oil  of  camomile,  ten  drops;  syrup  of  ginger,  Q.  S.  Mix  170  pills. 
Dose:  three,  twice  a day,  as  a stomachic,  for  headache,  etc. 

Canada  Snakeroot,  Wild  Ginger,  or  Colt’s  Foot.— A tonic, 
stimulant,  diaphoretic,  and  Expectorant.  The  root  is  used.  As  a warm 
stimulant  and  nervine;  useful  in  affections  of  the  lungs,  colds,  asthma,  croup, 
consumption,  etc.  The  ordinary  dose  is  a teaspoonful,  in  warm  water,  sweet- 
ened, thrice  a day. 


434 


BOTANICAL  MEDICAL  PRACTICE. 


Canker  j Compound  for. — Bay  berry,  one  ounce;  white  pond  lily,  one 
ounce;  cayenne,  two  drams;  loaf  sugar,  lialf-a-pound — all  finely  powdered, 
sifted  and  mixed.  Dose:  lialf-a-teaspoonful  in  honey,  or  molasses,  twice  or 
three  times  a day;  and  a teaspoonful  put  in  a teacupful  of  boiling  water,  to 
gargle  with.  Useful  in  all  cases  of  canker  in  the  mouth,  etc. 

Cayenne  Pills. — Cayenne  (powdered),  and  best  ginger  (powdered),  of 
each  two  drams;  angelica  root  (powdered),  one  dram;  syrup  of  ginger,  Q.  S. 
Mix  100  pills.  Dose:  two  or  three  twice  or  thrice  a day,  as  a warm  stimulant 
to  expel  wind,  warm  stomach,  etc. 

Cholera,  Diarrhoea,  or  Dysentery,  Powder  for.— Bayberrv,  golden 
seal,  and  rhubarb,  of  each  one  ounce;  cinnamon  and  dried  peppermint,  of  each 
half-an-ounce;  saleratus,  two  drams;  powdered  myrrh,  one  'dram;  loaf  sugar, 
three  ounces — all  well  powdered,  sifted,  and  mixed.  Dose:  put  a teaspoonful 
of  the  powder  in  lialf-a-teacupful  of  hot  water,  add  two  teaspoonfuls  of  loaf 
sugar — when  cool  enough  give  two  or  three  tablespoonfuls  every  fifteen  min- 
utes, till  the  looseness,  etc.,  is  .stopped;  and  relief  is  got;  or — 

Cholera,  Diarrhoea,  or  Dysentery,  Powder  for.— Powdered 
catechu,  six  ounces;  stomach  bitters  powder  and  best  ginger,  of  each  three 
ounces;  cinchona  bark  and  cinnamon,  of  each  two  ounces;  valerian,  cloves  and 
cayenne,  of  each  one  and  a-lialf  ounces;  bayberry,  and  myrrh,  of  each  one 
ounce — well  powdered,  sifted,  and  mixed.  Dose:  a teaspoonful  in  a cup  of 
ginger  tea,  every  ten  minutes  till  relief  is  got. 

Cholera,  Diarrhoea,  or  Dysentery,  Decoction  or  Syrup  for.— 
Green  peppermint,  two  ounces;  bayberry,  one  ounce;  white  pond  lily  root,  one 
ounce;  water,  three  pints — boil  down  to  two  pints,  and  strain — pour  the  boiling 
liquor  on  the  following  ingredients:  Powdered  rhubarb,  one  ounce;  powdered 

myrrh,  two  drams;  saleratus  and  cayenne,  of  each  one  dram;  loaf  sugar,  three 
ounces;  when  cold,  bottle,  and  add  best  brandy,  or  rectified  spirit  of  wine,  four 
ounces.  Dose:  take  half  a wine-glassful  every  two  hours,  till  relief  is  got. 

Colic,  Pemedy  for.— On  two  teaspoonfuls  of  composition  powder,  pour 
one  pint  of  boiling  water,  stir  together;  wizen  cool,  add  of  tincture  of  myrrh 
and  tincture  of  ginger,  of  each  two  drams.  Give  a wine-glassful  of  this  every 
ten  or  fifteen  minutes.  Apply  a hot  bran  poultice  to  the  part  where  the  pain  is, 
and  administer  an  enema.  This  course  will  mostly  relieve. 

Composition  Powder. — 1.  Bayberry,  two  pounds;  ginger,  one  pound; 
cayenne,  cinnamon,  and  prickly  ash,  of  each  two  ounces;  or — 2.  Bayberry,  three 
pounds;  ginger,  one  and  a-lialf  pounds;  cayenne  and  cloves,  of  each  three 
ounces;  or — 3.  Bayberry,  six  ounces;  ginger,  two  ounces;  pinus  canadensis, 
cloves  and  cinnamon,  of  each  half  an  ounce;  cayenne,  two  drams;  or — 4.  Bay- 
berry, eight  ounces;  poplar  bark  and  ginger,  of  each  four  ounces;  cloves,  one 
ounce;  cinnamon,  half  an  ounce,  cayenne,  two  drams.  Whichever  is  taken,  it 
must  be  finely  powdered,  sifted,  and  well  mixed.  They  are  stimulant,  carminative, 
tonic,  and  nervine.  The  dose  is  a teaspoonful  in  a cupful  of  warm  water, 
sweetened  and  made  to  palate,  with  milk  or  cream,  and  taken  two  or  three 
times  a day.  when  needed. 


BOTANICAL  MEDICAL  PRACTICE. 


435 


Comfrey.— The  root  is  used.  It  should  be  collected  in  early  spring  or 
late  in  the  fall,  cut  into  pieces,  dried,  and  kept  from  damp  air,  as  it  deteriorates 
by  long  keeping.  It  is  useful  in  cough?,  consumption,  dysentery,  soreness  of 
bowels,  etc.  Given  in  strong  infusion  or  powdered  root,  in  half  teaspoonful 
doses. 

Conserve  Stimulating,  or  Bread  of  Life. — Golden  seal,  prickly 
ash,  poplar  bark,  and  cinnamon,  of  each  two  ounces,  cayenne,  one  ounce; 
loaf  sugar,  four  pounds — all  finely  powdered  and  well  mixed,  kneeded  to  a stiff 
dough  with  mucilage  of  slippery  elm  adding  oil  of  pennyroyal  and  peppermint, 
of  each  two  drams;  made  into  cakes  of  convenient  size,  and  dried.  May  be 
eaten  freely.  Is  useful  for  coughs,  colds,  hoarseness,  and  as  a stomachic 
stimulant. 

Consumption,  Powder  for. — Stomach  bitters,  cough  powder,  and 
diabetes  powder,  of  each  four  drams.  Mix.  Take  a teaspoonful  in  a teacup- 
ful of  hot  water  three  times  a day — taking  cough  pills  and  syrup  also. 

Cough.  Drops,  or  Syrup. — 1.  Lobelia  herb,  four  ounces;  lioarliound, 
comfrey,  and  elecampane,  of  each  two  ounces;  boneset,  four  ounces;  water, 
three  quarts ; boil  to  three  pints — strain ; add  two  pounds  of  loaf  sugar,  and 
one  pint  of  Holland  gin.  Dose:  two  teaspoonfuls  every  hour,  in  asthma,  croup, 
consumption,  etc.  2.  Hoarhound,  hyssop,  polypoddy  root,  coltsfoot,  linseed, 
elecampane,  and  licorice,  of  each  one  ounce;  aniseed,  half  an  ounce;  water, 
three  pints,  boil  down  to  two — strain;  add  best  molasses,  two  pounds;  acid 
tincture  of  lobelia,  four  ounces.  Boil  slowly  twenty  minutes — skim — then  add 
when  cold,  tincture  of  ginger,  one  ounce;  oil  of  mint,  one  dram  (put  together 
these  two  to  dissolve  oil).  Dose:  from  one  teaspoonful  to  four  tablespoonfuls 
four  times  a day,  for  coughs,  consumption  and  most  diseases  of  the  lungs  and 
bronchial  tubes. 

Cough  Pills. — Gum  ammoniac,  one  ounce;  extract  of  lobelia,  lobelia 
herb,  cayenne,  elecampane,  and  an1  leed  (powdered),  of  each  two  drams — dis- 
solve the  gum  and  extract  in  a little  iot  water,  then  add  the  other  ingredients 
in  powder — mass  with  mucilage  of  gum  arabic,  Q.  S.  Mix  270  pills.  Dose: 
one  to  three  pills  twice  or  thrice  a day,  in  all  kinds  of  coughs. 

Cough  Powders.-  1.  Slippery  elm,  ounce;  lobelia  herb,  prickly  ash, 
skunk  cabbage,  wake  robin,  and  valerian,  of  each  half  an  ounce;  cayenne,  one 
dram — powder  well,  and  mix.  Dose:  half  a teaspoonful  in  hot  water,  sweet- 
ened, every  three  hours,  for  all  coughs,  consumption,  etc.  2.  Elecampane, 
licorice  powder,  and  skull  cap,  of  each  one  ounce;  polypoddy,  angelica,  and 
ginger,  of  each  two  drams;  lobelia  herbs  and  aniseed,  of  each  one  dram — pow- 
der and  mix.  Dose:  a teaspoonful,  same  as  composition  powders,  for  coughs, 
hoarseness,  etc. 

Cramp  of  Stomach,  Remedy  for. — Spasmodic  powder,  a teaspoon- 
ful; pour  on  to  it  half  a pint  of  boiling  water,  sweeten,  let  it  settle,  when  cool, 
strain.  Put  ten  drops  of  oil  of  mint  into  an  ounce  of  tincture  of  ginger — mix 
with  the  infusion.  Give  a tablespoonful  every  ten  minutes  till  relief  is  got. 


436 


BOTANICAL  MEDICAL  PRACTICE. 


Croup,  Syrup  for. — Lobelia,  ginger,  and  cayenne,  of  each  half  a dram; 
sugar,  half  a pound;  boiling  water,  one  pint — pour  on,  stir  till  sugar  is  dis- 
solved, leave  to  settle — mix  oil  of  peppermint,  one  dram,  with  tincture  of 
myrrh,  one  ounce — mix  with  the  other.  Dose:  from  a tea  to  a tablespoonful, 
according  to  age,  half  hourly,  till  relief  is  got. 

Curative  Powder. — Composition  powder,  one  ounce;  barberry  barkr 
half  an  ounce;  white  poplar  bark,  skunk  cabbage,  and  dandelion  root,  of  each 
two  drams;  cloves,  two  scruples;  cayenne,  one  scruple — all  well  powdered  and 
mixed.  Useful  in  stomach  and  liver  complaints'.  It  may  be  taken  similarly  to 
composition  powder,  two,  three,  or  four  times  a day. 

Diabetes,  Powder  for. — Bistort  root,  two  ounces;  comfrey  root,  Peru- 
vian bark,  and  golden  seal,  of  each  one  ounce;  white  resin  and  tormentil  root, 
of  each  half  an  ounce — all  well  powdered  and  mixed.  Dose:  a teaspoonful  three 
times  a day,  in  anything  convenient. 

Diuretic  Powder. — Buchu  leaves,  one  and  a half  ounces;  parsley  root 
and  uva  ursa,  of  each  one  ounce;  kercuma  and  blue  flag  root,  of  each  half  an 
ounce;  dandelion  root  and  dwarf  elder,  inner  bark,  of  each  two  drams;  cayenne, 
one  dram — powder  all  and  mix  well,  then  add  oil  of  juniper,  thirty  drops. 
Taken  same  as  composition  powder,  twice  or  thrice  a day,  for  bladder  affections, 
dropsy,  etc. 

Dock  Ointment. — Sharp  dock  root,  fresh  got,  sliced  and  bruised,  one 
pound;  pinus  canadensis,  two  ounces;  mutton  suet,  clarified,  four  ounces;  lard; 
one  and  a half  pounds — simmer  all  together  on  a slow  fire  two  hours — strain, 
stir  till  cold.  Useful  for  scurvy,  scrofula,  itch,  etc. 

Dropsy,  Decoction  for. — Blue  flag  root,  parsley  root,  ginger,  and 
juniper  berries,  of  each  one  ounce;  dwarf  elder  and  buchu  leaves,  of  each  half 
an  ounce;  bruise  roots  and  berries — boil  in  two  quarts  of  water  down  to  three 
pints;  tben  add  elder  and  buchu — boil  ten  minutes  longer,  strain  and  press  out. 
Ta^e  half  a wine-glassful  four  times  a day  along  with  the  diuretic  powder  and 
gravel  pills,  living  well  on  dry,  stimulating  food. 

Dropsy,  Powder  for. — Queen  of  the  meadow  root  and  parsley  root,  of 
each  one  and  a half  ounces;  buchu  leaves,  one  ounce;  uva  ursa,  ginger  and 
cinnamon,  of  each  half  an  ounce — powder  and  mix  well.  Taken  same  as  compo- 
sition powder,  twice  or  thrice  a day,  in  dropsy  and  bladder  affections. 

Elm  Poultice. — Slippery  elm,  two  teaspoonfuls;  lobelia  herb  and  gin- 
ger, of  each  one  teaspoonful — mix  well  with  warm  water.  Useful  in  all  cases 
of  pain  and  inflammation. 

Emetic  Powder. — Lobelia  herb,  lobelia  seed,  and  cayenne,  of  each  two 
ounces;  bayberry  and  valerian,  of  each  one  ounce — all  finely  powdered  and 
well  mixed.  Dose:  put  four  teaspoonfuls  in  a cupful  of  hot  water — leave  to 
settle.  Give  four  teaspoonfuls  of  the  tea  every  ten  minutes,  until  it  operates 
freely  as  an  emetic. 

Erysipelas,  or  St.  Anthony’s  Eire,  Decoction  for.— Yarrow,  bone- 
set,  figwort,  wood  sage,  meadow  sweet,  and  composition  powder,  of  each  half 
an  ounce;  water,  two  quarts,  boil  down  to  three  pints — strain — sweeten  with 


BOTANICAL  MEDICAL  PRACTICE. 


437 


coarse  sugar  to  taste.  Dose:  a wine-glassful  every  ten  minutes  till  the  patient 
sweats  freely,  and  the  slippery  elm  poultice  may  be  applied  to  the  painful  part 
— will  soothe  the  irritation. 

Excess  of  Menstruation,  or  Flooding,  Remedy  for.— Arch- 
angel crane’s  bill,  meadow  sweet,  raspberry  leaves,  and  bistort  root  (bruised),  of 
each  one  ounce;  cloves  (bruised),  two  drams;  water;  three  pints,  boil  down  to 
one  quart — strain,  and  add  whilst  hot,  female  restorative  powder,  half  an  ounce, 
and  stomach  bitters,  two  drams — boil  a few  minutes,  strain  through  muslin, 
and  add  white  sugar,  half  a pound.  Take  a wine  glassful  four  times  a day; 
half  an  hour  before  meals. 

Females,  Cordial  for. — Partridge  berry  vine,  three  ounces;  high  cran- 
berry, unicorn  root,  and  blue  cohosh,  of  each  one  ounce;  water,  two  quarts, 
boil  down  to  one — strain,  and  fine  sugar,  half  a pound;  best  brandy,  twelve 
ounces.  Given  to  pregnant  females  about  a fortnight  before  the  expected  time 
of  confinement;  it  strengthens  much  both  mother  and  child.  Dose:  from  half 
a wine-glassful  to  a whole  one,  twice  during  the  day,  and  at  bed-time  in  a little 
warm  water — it  eases  during  labor. 

Female  Corrective  Pills. — Germander  and  tansey  flowers  (dried  and 
powdered),  unicorn  root,  myrrh,  and  socotrine  aloes,  of  each  two  drams;  cay- 
enne, one  drams;  oil  of  mint,  pennyroyal,  and  thyme,  of  each  five  drops;  strong 
infusion,  or  juice  of  mugwort,  Q.  S.  to  mix  with — 165  pills.  Two  night  and 
morning.  Are  very  useful  in  female  obstructions,  or  suppression  of  menses. 

Female  Restorative  Pills. — Kino,  white  resin,  bistort  root,  myrrh, 
socotrine  aloes  and  cloves,  of  each  two  drams;  tincture  of  kino,  Q.  S. — mix  180 
pills.  Dose:  two  taken  twice  or  thrice  a day  for  profuse  menstruations,  whites, 
etc. 

Female  Corrective  Powders. — I.  White  poplar  bark  and  bayberry, 
of  each  one  ounce;  ginger,  six  drams;  cloves,  cinnamon  and  golden  seal,  of 
each  four  drams;  myrrh,  two  drams;  cayenne,  one  dram — all  finely  powdered 
and  well  mixed.  A teaspoonful  taken  four  times  a day — in  pennyroyal,  fever- 
few, tansey  tea,  or  the  like — in  obstruction  of  menses,  and  similar  diseases;  or — 
II.  Myrrh,  tansey  flowers,  unicorn,  and  cayenne,  of  each  four  ounces;  socotrine 
aloes,  four  drams — finely  powdered,  sifted,  and  well  mixed.  Dose:  half  a tea- 
spoonful three  or  four  times  a day,  in  honey  or  molasses,  in  obstructed  or  sup- 
pressed menses. 

Female  Restorative  Powders. — I.  Poplar  bark,  comfrey  root,  and 
tormentil  root,  of  each  two  ounces;  marsli-mallow  root,  white  pond  lily,  bal- 
mony,  and  cloves,  of  each  one  ounce;  catechu  and  bistort  root,  of  each  four 
drams;  cayenne,  two  drams — all  powdered  and  sifted.  Dose:  a teaspoonful  m 
a teacupful  of  hot  water,  sweetened,  two,  three,  or  four  times  a day,  in  whites, 
excessive  menstruation  and  general  debility.  II.  Poplar  bark,  eight  ounces; 
witch  hazel  leaves,  one  and  a half  ounces;  betliroot,  one  and  a half  ounces; 
cloves  and  cinnamon,  of  each  one  ounce;  cayenne,  six  drams;  loaf  sugar,  on<a 
pound — powder  and  mix.  Dose:  a teaspoonful  in  half  a teacupful  of  warm 
water  three  times  a day,  for  all  female  relaxations,  weaknesses,  bearings  down, 


438 


BOTANICAL  MEDICAL  PRACTICE. 


whites,  and  excessive  menstruations.  III.  Comfrey  root,  two  ounces;  elecam- 
pane, two  ounces;  white  resin,  one  ounce;  fine  sugar,  eight  ounces — powder 
and  mix.  Dose:  a teaspoonful  once  a day,  in  hot  water.  An  excellent  remedy 
against  whites,  etc. 

Female  Restorative  Strengthening  Syrup  — I.  Comfrey  root, 
marsh-mallow  root,  poplar  bark,  bistort  root,  white  pond  lily,  cloves,  and  gin- 
ger, of  each  one  ounce;  water,  two  quarts,  boil  down  to  three  pints — strain — 
add  loaf  sugar,  one  pound — boil  ten  minutes  and  skim ; then  add  French  brandy, 
one  pint;  or — II.  Comfrey  root,  four  ounces;  elecampane  root,  two  ounces; 
hoar  hound,  one  ounce;  water,  three  quarts,  boil  down  to  three  pints — strain,  and 
add  powdered  bethroot,  half  an  ounce;  loaf  sugar,  one  pound;  brandy,  one 
pint.  Dose:  three  or  four  tablespoonfuls  three  or  four  times  a day,  in  whites, 
bearings  down,  general  debility,  barrenness,  etc. 

Fevers,  Remedy  for. — Clear  the  stomach  and  bowels  with  a few  doses 
of  Indian  pills,  or  some  other  medicine,  then  make  the  following  decoction: 
Take  boneset,  vervain,  yarrow  flowers,  angelica  herb,  and  meadow  sweet,  of 
each  one  ounce;  water,  two  quarts,  boil  down  to  three  pints — then  strain,  and 
add  powdered  angelica  root,  four  drams;  powdered  crawley  root,  two  drams; 
cayenne,  one  dram — boil  ten  minutes  longer — strain.  Let  the  sufferer  have  a 
warm  or  vapor  bath,  then  go  to  bed,  taking  four  tablespoonfuls  of  the  above 
decoction  every  hour  till  perspiration  is  excited.  When  the  fever  is  overcome, 
and  the  symptoms  removed,  let  the  following  be  taken: 

Fever,  Tonic  Decoction  for  after. — Angelica,  centuary,  agrimony, 
hoarhound,  meadow  sweet,  camomile,  and  juniper  berries,  of  each  one  ounce; 
water,  five  pints,  boil  down  to  three — strain — add  golden  seal,  myrrh,  and  com- 
position powder,  of  each  two  drams — boil  ten  minutes  longer — strain— add  rec- 
tified spirit  of  wine,  or  brandy,  twelve  ounces.  Dose:  a wine-glassful  four 
times  a day. 

Flax,  Common. — The  seed  is  used  in  medicine  under  the  name  of  lin- 
seed; also  the  oil  expressed  therefrom.  The  infusion  of  the  seeds,  or  linseed 
tea,  is  a very  useful  demulcent  in  coughs,  colds,  strangury,  and  bladder  affec- 
tions. The  meal  made  of  the  seeds  is  used  for  poultices,  etc.,  and  the  oil  in 
ointments,  liniments,  etc. ; or,  if  taken  inwardly,  it  purges  gently,  and  may  be 
taken  as  follows: 

Flaxseed,  Emulsion  Of. — Linseed  oil,  two  ounces;  yolks  of  four  eggs 
— mix  together — then  add  tincture  of  rhubarb  and  tincture  of  ginger,  of  each 
four  drams,  syrup  of  buckthorn,  one  ounce;  peppermint  water,  to  make  up 
twelve  ounces — stir  till  well  mixed.  Dose:  two  or  three  tablespoonfuls  at 
night,  or  early  in  the  morning,  is  very  useful  in  habitual  costiveness. 

Fumitory. — Useful  against  scurvy  and  liver  complaints,  jaundice,  and 
the  like.  The  juice  is  best,  but  a strong  decoction  will  answer. 

Fumitory,  Compound  Decoction  of. — Fumitory,  dandelion  roots, 
and  liquorice,  of  each  two  ounces;  water,  two  quarts,  boil  down  to  one  quart. 
A teacupful  night  and  morning,  for  scurvy,  liver  affection,  jaundice,  and  to 
remove  visceral  obstructions  generally. 


BOTANICAL  MEDICAL  PRACTICE. 


439 


Ginger,  Syrup  of,  Compound.— Ginger,  sliced  and  bruised,  one 
ounce;  angelica  root,  sliced  and  bruised,  half  an  ounce;  peppermint,  half  an 
ounce:  boiling  water,  one  pint — infuse  in  a warm  place  an  hour— strain  it, 
press  off,  add  sugar,  two  pounds — simmer  and  strain.  Dose:  a tablespoonful 
when  required.  Is  useful  for  a pain  in  the  stomach,  wind,  colic,  and  the 
like. 

Golden  Seal,  or  Y ellow  Puccoon.— The  root  is  used.  It  is  a bitter 
stimulant  tonic.  Useful  in  debility,  indigestion,  etc.  A strong  decoction  is 
used  as  a stimulant  wash  to  sore  eyes,  old  sores,  ulcers,  etc. 

Gonorrhoea,  Pills  for. — Canada  balsam  of  fir,  one  ounce;  oil  of  cubebs 
thirty  drops;  liquorice  root,  Q.  S.,  to  mass  with,  divide  into  five  grain  pills. 
Two  taken  three  times  a day. 

Gravel  and  Stone,  Decoction  for.— Pareira  brava  root,  blue  flag 
root,  dandelion  root,  of  each  one  ounce,  sliced  and  bruised,  juniper  berries, 
bruised,  one  ounce;  dwarf  elder,  with  carrot,  and  parsley  piert,  of  each  half  an 
ounce;  golden  seal  root,  half  an  ounce;  water,  two  quarts,  boil  in  it  roots  and 
berries  till  reduced  to  three  pints,  then  add  the  herbs,  boil  ten  minutes  longer, 
strain,  and  press  off,  mix  one  ounce  of  compound  spirit  of  horse-radish  with  oil 
of  juniper,  one  dram,  and  when  the  decoction  is  cold  put  them  in  it.  Dose: 
a wine-glassful  four  times  a day. 

Gravel  and  Stone,  Pills  for.— Extract  of  dandelion,  parsley  roo„, 
buchu  leaves,  and  wild  carrot,  of  each  half  an  ounce;  oil  of  juniper,  one  dram; 
balsam  of  fir,  Q.  S.,  mix,  divide  into  five  grain  pills.  Dose:  two  three  times  a 
day,  with  the  above  decoction,  is  very  useful. 

Headache  Snuff. — Bayberry  and  sassafras  bark,  of  each  one  ounce; 
blood  root,  half  an  ounce — powder  and  mix.  Dose:  a pinch  to  be  taken  occa 
sionally. 

Healing  Salve. — Beeswax,  common  terpentine,  balsam  of  fir,  and  fresh 
butter,  of  each  two  ounces — melt,  simmer  gently,  and  stir  till  cold.  To  dress 
sores  with. 

Healing  Cleansing  Salve. — Burgundy  pitch,  six  ounces;  ripe  onions, 
sliced,  and  molasses,  of  each  four  ounces;  lard,  six  ounces;  beeswax,  six 
ounces;  boil  over  slow  fire  about  half  an  hour,  strain,  and  add  olive  or  linseed 
oil,  two  ounces;  stir  till  cold.  This  is  a useful  stimulating  dressing  for  slug- 
gish ulcers  and  sores. 

Healing  Salve,  Burgundy  Pitch.— Hog’s  lard  and  clarified  mutton 
suet,  of  each  four  ounces;  beeswax,  and  olive  or  linseed  oil,  of  each  two  ounces; 
simmer  all  together  in  a water  bath  or  oven — stir  till  cold.  Very  useful  after 
burns,  scalds,  etc. 

Healing  Softening  Salve. — Linseed  or  olive  oil,  four  ounces;  white 
wax,  two  ounces;  spermaceti,  one  ounce;  balsam  of  fir,  half  an  ounce — melt 
together,  and  stir  till  cold.  Useful  for  sore  nipples,  chapped  hands  or  face,  to 
anoint  with. 

Healing  Drawing  Plaster.— Mutton  suet,  clarified,  four  ounces;  white 
lesin,  brown  sugar,  and  brown  soap,  of  each  half  an  ounce — simmer  all  together 


440 


BOTANICAL  MEDICAL  PRACTICE. 


—strain  and  stir  till  cold.  Is  a useful  dressing  for  sore  legs,  sluggish  ulcers, 
etc.  Wash  over  with  tincture  of  myrrh,  and  dress  with  this  twice  a day.  Is 
said  to  have  worked  wonders. 

Hemlock  Tree. — The  bark  is  used.  It  is  called  the  pinus  canadienses. 
It  is  an  astringent  stimulant.  An  essential  oil  is  extracted  from  it  which  is 
used  in  combinations  to  rub  with  in  rheumatisms,  etc. , etc. 

Hepatic,  or  Liver  Pills. — I.  Extract  of  dandelion,  four  drams;  soco 
trine  aloes  and  best  hour  of  mustard,  two  drams;  cayenne,  one  dram;  mucilage 
of  gum  arabic,  Q.  S. — mix  135  pills.  II.  Blood  root,  golden  seal,  and  socotrine 
aloes,  of  each  two  drams;  kircuma  and  mandrake,  of  each  one  dram;  extract  of 
dandelion,  four  drams;  syrup  of  ginger,  Q.  S. — mix  180  pills.  Either  of  these 
is  useful  for  chronic  affections  of  the  liver,  jaundice,  etc.  Dose:  two  twice  or 
thrice  a day. 

Hysteria,  Hypochondriac,  or  Nervine  Pills.— I.  Assafoetida,  half 
an  ounce,  powdered  valerian,  myrrh,  and  socotrine  aloes,  of  each  two  drams; 
mucilage  of  gum  arabic,  Q.  S. — mix  150  pills.  II.  Assafoetida,  four  drams; 
skull  cap  and  valerian,  of  each  two  drams;  rhubarb,  myrrh,  socotrine  aloes, 
and  cayenne,  of  each  one  dram;  syrup  of  rhubarb,  Q.  S. — mix  195  pills.  These 
are  good  for  all  nervous  and  spasmodic  diseases,  low  spirits,  and  the  like.  Dose 
two  night  and  morning. 

Indian  Pills. — I.  Lobelia  seed,  cayenne,  valerian,  and  extract  of  dande- 
lion, of  each  four  drams;  slippery  elm,  two  drams;  mucilage  of  slippery  elm, 
Q.  S. — mix  270  pills.  Dose:  one,  two,  or  three  at  night,  in  constrictions,  head- 
ache, fevers,  and  liver  complaints,  II.  Extract  of  butternut,  powdered  rhu- 
barb, and  golden  seal,  of  each,  two  drams;  lobelia  seed,  cinnamon,  and  cay- 
enne, of  each  one  dram;  socotrine  aloes,  half  a dram;  slippery  elm,  four  drams; 
mucilage  of  gum  arabic,  Q.  S. — mix  200  pills.  Useful  purgative.  III.  Rhu- 
barb and  socotrine  aloes,  of  each  six  drams;  tumeric  and  ginger,  of  each  four 
drams;  lobelia  herb,  one  dram;  cayenne,  half  a dram;  syrup  of  ginger,  Q.  S. — 
mix  320  pills.  A purgative.  These  two  latter  are  useful  forms  of  pills  for  all 
biliary  obstruction,  indigestion,  flatulency,  and  most  stomach  complaints  where 
purgatives  aie  needed.  Dose:  < le  or  two  twice  a day  until  they  operate  freely. 

Indigestion,  Tonic  Draught  for. — Tansey,  wormwood,  quassia 
chips,  barberry  bark,  sweet  flag  root,  and  bucliu  leaves,  of  each  two  drams; 
water,  three  pints,  boil  down  to  two — strain,  then  add  cayenne,  ten  grains; 
Spanish  juice,  broken,  one  ounce — simmer  till  Juice  is  dissolved — strain — bottle 
for  use.  Three  tablespoonfuls  tlir  time  s a day. 

Inflammation  of  Eyes,  Lotion  for. — Green  tea,  ground  ivy,  and 
raspberry  leaves,  of  each  half  an  ounce;  water,  one  and  \ half  pints,  boil  down 
to  a pint,  and  strain.  When  cold,  add  tincture  of  myn  \,  one  ounce.  Bathe 
the  eyes  with  this  three  times  a day. 

Inflammation  of  Stomach,  Decoction  for. — Marsh-mallow  root 
and  comfrey  root,  of  each  one  ounce;  raspberry  leaves  and  ginger,  of  each  half 
an  ounce;  water,  three  pints,  boil  down  to  a quart,  and  strain — then  add  cay- 
enne, one  dram — sweeten  to  taste.  Give  a small  teacupful  frequently  to  pro* 
voke  perspiration.  Take  tonics  after. 


BOTANICAL  MEDICAL  PRACTICE. 


441 


Inflammation  of  Bowels,  Decoction  for.— Peppermint  yarrow, 
and  queen-of-the-meadow,  of  eacli  one  ounce;  camomile  and  ginger,  of  each 
half  an  ounce;  water,  three  pints,  boil  down  to  a quart,  strain,  and  whilst  hot, 
pour  the  liquor  on  to  composition  powder  and  cinnamon  powder,  of  each  two 
drams — leave  to  cool  and  settle.  Put  oil  of  peppermint,  twenty  drops,  essence 
of  camphor,  ten  drops;  and  tincture  of  myrrh,  four  drams — when  oil  is  dis- 
solved mix  with  the  liquor — bottle  for  use.  Dose:  two  to  four  tablespoonfuls 
half-hourly,  till  perspiration  is  produced. 

Inflammation  of  Kidneys,  Decoction  for. — Dwarf  elder,  juniper 
berries,  yarrow,  bucliu  leaves,  and  golden  rod,  of  each  one  ounce;  water,  two 
quarts,  boil  down  to  three  pints — strain.  Pour  it  on  to  diuretic  powder,  half 
an  ounce;  cayenne,  five  grains — sweeten.  Take  three  or  four  tablespoonfuls 

till  perspiration  is  excited  freely. 

Inflammation  of  Liver,  Acute,  Decoction  for.— Meadow  sweet, 
yarrow,  and  summer  savory,  of  each  one  ounce;  water,  three  pints;  boil  twenty 
minutes,  strain.  Add  cayenne,  thirty  grains.  Dose:  a wine-glassful  every  ten 
minutes  till  perspiration  is  excited. 

Inflammation  or  Liver  (Chronic  or  Liver  Complaint),  De- 
coction for. — Barberry  bark,  agrimony,  meadow  sweet,  buckbean,  dwarf 
elder,  and  hoarhound,  of  each  half  an  ounce;  water,  three  pints,  boil  down  to  a 
quart — strain.  Put  into  the  liquor  extract  of  dandelion,  curative  powder,  kir- 
cuma  and  Spanish  juice,  broken,  of  each  half  an  ounce — boil  five  minutes 
longer,  strain,  bottle  for  use.  A wine-glassful  taken  four  times  a day,  taking  at 
the  same  time  the  liver  pills  and  curative  pov/ders. 

Inflammation  of  the  Lungs,  Decoction  for. — Hyssop,  summer 
savory,  and  vervain,  of  each  one  ounce;  cough  powder,  lobelia  syrup,  and 
Spanish  juice,  broken,  of  each  half  an  ounce;  cayenne,  thirty  grains;  water, 
three  pints — boil  the  herbs  till  reduced  to  a quart,  then  strain.  Add  the  otlie* 
ingredients,  boil  five  minutes  longer,  strain.  A wine-glassful  taken  every  ter 
minutes  till  perspiration  is  excited,  applying  externally  a stimulating  poultice, 
or  the  like. 

Injection  Powder. — Bay  berry  and  lobelia  herb,  of  each  four  ounces; 
slippery  elm  and  valerian,  of  each  two  ounces:  cayenne,  one  ounce;  all  finely 
powdered  and  mixed.  To  use:  two  teaspoonfuls  infused  in  six  ounces  of  hot 
Water,  injected  when  about  blood  warm.  A stimulant  enema. 

Itch,  Wash  for. — Tincture  of  myrrh  and  tincture  of  lobelia,  of  each 
eight  ounces;  spirit  of  turpentine,  four  ounces — mix.  Apply  all  over  the  body 
night  and  morning. 

Jaundice,  Decoction  for. — Barberry  bark  and  dandelion  roots,  of  each 
one  ounce;  kircuma  root,  centuary,  gentian,  and  dwarf  elder,  of  each  half  an 
ounce — boil  roots  and  bark  in  two  quarts  of  water,  down  to  three  pints— then 
add  herbs — boil  ten  minutes  longer,  strain  and  pour  whilst  hot  upon  golden 
seal,  powdered,  half  an  ounce;  cayenne,  one  dram;  Spanish  juice,  broken,  one 
ounce;  when  juice  is  dissolved,  bottle  for  use.  Dose:  four  to  six  tablespoonfuls 
three  times  a day,  with  liver  pills. 


442 


BOTANICAL  MEDICAL  PRACTICE. 


Liniment  for  Gathered  Breasts. — Linseed  oil,  eight  ounces;  olive 
oil,  two  ounces;  camphor,  half  an  ounce,  dissolve  camphor  with  olive  oil,  then 
mix  with  the  other  oil.  Apply  on  a cloth,  frequently  wetting  it  with  the  oil. 

Liniment  of  Camphor. — Olive  oil,  eight  ounces;  ripe  onions,  sliced, 
half  an  ounce;  simmer  oil  and  onions  together  five  minutes,  strain,  and  add 
camphor,  two  ounces,  rub  till  dissolved.  Is  very  useful  to  rub  the  throat  with 
in  quinsies,  and  applied  to  scrofulous  swellings  and  tumors. 

Liniment  for  Cramp,  etc. — Whiskey  or  rum,  eight  ounces;  cayenne, 
half  an  ounce,  heat  spirit,  then  pour  on  the  cayenne.  Cloths  dipped  in  this 
applied  to  the  affected  part,  as  on  the  body  in  cholera  cases,  will  speedily  give 
ease. 

Liniment  of  Hartshorn. — Spirit  of  hartshorn,  two  ounces;  sweet  oil. 
eight  ounces;  cayenne,  one  dram — mix,  cork  up,  and  shake  daily  for  a week. 
Useful  for  sprains,  bruises,  etc. 

Lobelia,  Pills  of. — Extract  of  lobelia,  lobelia  herb,  powdered,  and 
liquorice  powder,  of  each,  four  drams;  cayenne,  two  drams;  mucilage  of 
gum  arable,  Q.  S. — mix  420  pills.  Dose:  one  to  three,  three  times  a day,  in 
asthma,  etc. 

Menstruation,  Retained,  Obstructed,  or  Suppressed,  Decoc- 
tion for. — Germander,  mugwort,  southernwood,  pennyroyal,  feverfew,  tansey, 
blessed  thistle,  and  female  corrective  powder,  of  each  half  an  ounce;  water, 
two  quarts,  boil  down  to  three  pints,  strain  and  press  off;  then  add  Spanish 
juice,  broken,  one  ounce,  stir  till  dissolved,  then  add  essence  of  pennyroyal,  one 
dram.  Three  tablespoonfuls  to  be  taken  four  times  a day  with  the  female 
corrective  at  the  same  time. 

Palpitation  of  the  Heart,  Decoction  for.— Black  lioarhound, 

motherwort,  rue,  blessed  thistle,  and  mugwort,  of  each  one  ounce;  water,  two 
quarts,  boil  down  to  three  pints — strain,  and  add  whilst  the  liquor  is  hot,  skull- 
cap  and  spasmodic  powder,  of  each  two  drams — mix  well  together.  Take 
three  tablespoonfuls  four  times  a day,  taking  the  nervine  pills. 

Piles,  Decoction  for. — Marsh-mallow  root,  bistort  root,  comfrey  root, 
white  poplar  bark,  crane’s  bill,  and  yarrow,  of  each  one  ounce;  cloves  and  cin- 
namon, of  each  two  drams;  water,  two  quarts — bruise  the  roots  and  boil  in  the 
water  twenty  minutes, . then  add  the  herbs,  cloves,  and  cinnamon — boil  ten 
minutes  longer,  strain.  Sweeten  with  sugar.  Take  a wine-glassful  four  times 
a day,  using  one  of  these  ointments. 

Piles,  Ointments  for. — I.  Hemlock  bark,  finely  powdered,  one  ounce; 
fresh  lard,  six  ounces,  mix  well.  Apply  to  the  part.  II.  Yarrow  flowers  and 
raspberry  leaves,  of  each  one  ounce;  hemlock  bark,  two  drams;  lard,  half  a 
pound,  simmer  together  half  an  hour,  strain  and  press  off,  and  stir  until  cold. 
Very  useful  applied  to  the  piles  three  or  four  times  a day. 

Pleurisy  Boot  or  Butterfly  Weed.— The  root  is  used.  It  is  diaph- 
oretic, expectorant;  and  anti-spasmodic,  and  is  therefore  useful  in  coughs 
pleurisy,  colic,  flatulence,  and  to  promote  perspiration.  It  may  be  given  in 
decoction,  or  powder,  a teaspoonful  at  a dose,  in  some  warming  herb  tea  every 
two  hours,  till  relief  is  got. 


BOTANICAL  MEDICAL  PRACTICE. 


443 


Poplar. — The  bark  of  this  well-known  tree,  especially  the  tremulous  kind, 
contains  many  valuable  properties  similiar  to  Peruvian  bark  and  willow  bark, 
and  may  be  given  in  similiar  forms  and  for  similiar  purposes  as  Peruvian  bark, 
but  in  rather  larger  doses.  Its  qualities  are  bitter,  diuretic,  astringent,  tonic, 
and  slightly  stimulant. 

Poultice  for  External  Inflammations. — Ripe  onions,  boiled  to  pulp, 
one  pound;  bran,  Q.  S.  for  a poultice — pour  the  onions  and  liquor  they  have 
been  boiled  in  on  to  the  bran  whilst  hot.  Mix  well  and  apply.  A very  useful 
poultice. 

Poultice,  Stimulating,  for  Internal  Inflammations. — Mustard 
flower  and  ginger,  powdered,  of  each  four  drams;  cayenne,  two  drams;  oatmeal* 
two  ounces — mix  till  dry;  then  add  boiling  vinegar,  Q.  S.  for  a poultice.  Apply 
to  the  part  from  ten  to  thirty  minutes,  dress  after  with  pure  lard  or  simple 
ointment. 

Poultice  for  Soothing  and  Softening.— Slippery  elm  bark,  powdered, 
one  ounce;  marsh-mallow  leaves,  cut  into  pieces,  one  ounce,  linseed  meal,  Q.  S. 
for  a poultice.  Boil  the  leaves  in  water,  mix  in  the  powder  and  meal,  grease 
with  lard  and  apply.  Useful  for  scrofulous  swellings,  gathered  breasts,  and 
hard  inflammatory  swellings. 

Prickly  Ash,  Toothache  Bush,  or  Yellow  Wood.— The  bark  and 
seed  vessels  are  used.  They  are  diaphoretic  and  stimulant,  used  in  rheumatic 
fever  and  ague.  It  is  given  in  the  form  of  powder  in  ten  or  twenty  grain  doses 
every  three  or  four  hours.  Also,  in  form  of  decoction  thus  made:  bark  of 
prickly  ash,  bruised,  one  ounce;  water,  two  pints — boil  twenty  minutes  and 
strain.  Dose,  warm:  one  to  two  teacupfuls  every  four  hours. 

Queen  of  the  Meadow,  or  Gravel  Boot. — The  root  of  this  plant  is 
used.  It  is  a powerful  diuretic,  useful  in  all  obstructions  of  the  urinary  organs. 
Used  in  strong  decoction,  drunk  freely. 

Quinsy,  or  Inflammatory  Sore-throat,  Decoction  for.— Rasp- 
berry leaves,  hyssop,  red  sage,  summer  savory,  hoarliound,  and  ground  ivy,  of 
each  half  an  ounce;  water,  three  pints — boil  twenty  minutes,  strain  whilst  hot 
on  to  ten  grains  of  cayenne;  when  cold  add  tincture  of  myrrh  and  acid  tincture 
of  lobelia,  of  each  half  an  ounce.  Dose:  three  or  four  tablespoonfuls  every 
hour,  fomenting  and  gargling,  till  relief  is  got. 

Bed  Baspberry. — The  leaves  of  this  well-known  fruit  possess  valuable 
astringent  properties,  useful  in  bowel  complaints;  also  a wash  for  sore  nipples. 
Used  in  strong  infusion  and  drunk  freely.  The  fiuit  made  into  raspberry 
vinegar  forms,  with  water,  a pleasant,  cooling  drink  in  fevers,  and  is  anti- 
scorbutic. 

Bheumatic,  Liniment  for. — Cayenne,  two  drams;  bay  salt,  one  ounce; 
best  vinegar,  one  pint — boil  the  vinegar,  pour  on  the  cayenne  and  salt,  shake 
together,  leave  to  cool.  Dissolve  one  dram  of  oil  of  organum  in  one  ounce  of 
tincture  of  myrrh — put  in  the  vinegar,  etc.,  when  cold.  Useful  stimulant  to 
rub  with  in  rheumatism,  palsy,  tic  doloreux,  etc.  To  be  rubbed  with  or  applied 
on  a cloth. 


444 


BOTANICAL  MEDICAL  PRACTICE. 


Scrofula  or  Scurvy,  Purifying  Powder  for.— Sarsaparilla,  powder- 

ed,  and  wintergreen,  powdered,,  of  each  four  ounces;  dock  root,  powdered,  dan- 
delion root,  powdered,  sassafras  root  bark,  powdered,  uva  ursa,  and  ginger,  of 
each  two  ounces;  cloves,  one  ounce — all  to  be  finely  powdered,  sifted,  and  mixed’ 
A teaspoonful  taken  three  times  a day  in  fumitory  or  dandelion  tea.  Is  excel- 
lent in  all  skin  diseases  and  as  a purifier  of  the  blood. 

Scrofula  or  Scurvy,  Purifying  Decoction  for.— Yellow  dock  root, 
dandelion  root,  sarsaparilla,  and  winter  green,  of  each  two  ounces;  blue  cohosh, 
one  ounce;  water,  four  pints,  boil  down  to  three  pints — strain;  when  cold  add 
Holland  gin,  one  pint.  Dose:  a wine-glassful  to  be  taken  once  a day  as  a 
gentle  purifier. 

Scrofula  or  Scurvy,  Alterative  Purifying  Powder  for.— Sar- 
saparilla and  ginger,  of  each  one  ounce;  rhubarb,  burdock,  wintergreen,  and 
dandelion  root,  of  each  half  an  ounce — powder  all  well,  and  mix. 

Scrofula  or  Scurvy,  Purifying  Powder  for.— Sassafras  bark,  rhu- 
barb,  comfrey  root,  and  dock  root,  of  each  one  ounce;  sarsaparilla  and  cubebs, 
of  each  half  an  ounce;  cayenne,  two  drams — all  finely  powdered,  sifted  and 
mixed.  Dose:  a tablespoonful  in  about  three-quarters  of  a pint  of  boiling  water. 
Sweeten  to  taste  and  take  a teacupful  occasionally  in  all  skin  diseases,  gonor- 
rhoea gleets,  etc.,  etc. 

Scrofula,  or  Anti-venereal  Powder. — Diuretic  powder,  four  ounces; 
cubebs,  sassafras  root  and  mandrake,  of  each  two  ounces;  gum  guiacum,  prick- 
ly ash,  and  sarsaparilla,  of  each  one  ounce;  lobelia  herb  and  gum  kino,  of  each 
four  drams,  powder  all  and  mix,  then  drop  in  ten  drops  each  of  oil  of  juniper, 
oil  of  rosemary,  and  balsam  of  copaiba — rub  till  well  mixed.  Dose:  a teaspoon- 
ful three  or  four  times  a day  in  a little  water.  Useful  in  skin  diseases,  gleets, 
gonorrhoea,  and  most  venereal  cases. 

Scrofula,  Scurvy,  or  Anti- venereal  Pills. — Blue  flag  root,  one 
ounce;  lobelia  seed,  four  drams;  mandrake,  mezerion  root,  and  cayenne,  of  each 
two  drams;  water,  one  and  a half  pints — boil  on  a slow  fire  down  to  a pint — - 
strain  off  and  express  the  juice,  evaporate  slowly  to  proper  consistence  for  pills, 
then  mix  in  extract  of  sarsaparilla,  four  drams;  add  tincture  of  myrrh  and 
liquorice  powder,  Q.  S.  for  pills — one  dram  must  be  divided  into  twelve  pills. 
Dose;  one  three  times  a day  is  useful  in  all  impurities  of  the  blood  and  fluids; 
also  in  all  venereal  affections. 

Scrofula,  Scurvy,  and  Anti- venereal  Syrup.— Sarsaparilla,  four 
ounces;  guiacum  chips,  three  ounces;  blue  flag  root,  liquorice  and  dog  mercury, 
of  each,  one  ounce;  prickly  ash  bark,  four  drams;  water,  three  pints,  boil  down 
to  two  pints — strain  off  and  express,  then  add  loaf  sugar,  two  pounds,  simmer 
and  skim — when  cold,  pour  off  the  clear  syrup.  Dissolve  oil  of  sassafras,  two 
drams,  in  one  ounce  of  tincture  of  myrrh,  and  add  to  the  syrup.  Three  table- 
spoonfuls taken  with  the  preceding  pills  is  excellent  in  all  impurities  of  the 
blood,  skin  diseases,  venereal  affections,  etc. 

Scrofula,  Scurvy,  and  Anti-venereal  Ointment.— Lard,  one^ 
pound;  mutton  suet,  four  ounces;  mandrake  root,  bruised,  two  ounces;  mezerion 


BOTANICAL  MEDICAL  PRACTICE. 


445 


bark,  one  ounce;  blood  root,  powdered,  and  prickly  asli,  bruised,  of  each  two 
drams;  lobelia  seed,  one  dram — simmer  all  together  on  a slow  fire  for  an  hour 
— then  strain  and  press  off.  A useful  ointment  for  all  venereal  sores,  chancres, 
etc. , as  well  as  scurvy  sores. 

Skullcap,  Hoodwort,  or  Blue  Pimpernell.— This  herb  is  a tonic, 
anti-spasmodic,  and  nervine.  Useful  in  all  nervous  affections.  The  warm 
effusions  may  be  drunk  freely,  or  a heaped  teaspoonful  of  the  powdered  leaves, 
with  as  much  sugar,  put  into  a teacupful  of  boiling  water  and  taken  for  dose. 
Repeated  three  or  four  times  a day  as  may  be  needed. 

Skunk  Cabbage. — Dracontium,  narcotic,  stimulant,  anti-spasmodic  and 
expectorant.  Useful  in  chronic,  rheumatism,  asthma,  chronic  catarrh,  whoop- 
ing cough,  hysteria,  and  dropsy.  In  large  doses,  it  causes  vomiting,  vertigo, 
and  dimness  of  sight.  Dose  of  the  powders  5 to  15  grains,  of  the  fluid  extract 
20  to  60  drops. 

Slippery  Elm. — The  bark  of  this  tree  is  very  useful  as  a softening  de- 
mulcent in  coughs,  bowel  complaints,  strangury,  sore  throats,  etc,  It  may  be 
taken  in  infusion,  and  externally  is  used  in  poultices  fpr  cleansing  and  healing 
foul  sores. 

Soap  Wort,  or  Bouncing  Boot. — A decoction  of  this  herb,  prepared 
similarly  to  sarsaparilla,  is  said  to  be  equal  to  that  as  a purifier  of  the  blood, 
therefore  useful  in  similar  cases,  skin  diseases,  jaundice,  visceral  obstructions, 
gout,  rheumatism,  syphilis,  etc.  The  whole  plant,  root  and  all,  are  used.  The 
dose  is  a wineglassful  three  times  a day,  gradually  increased  until  a pint  and  a 
half  is  taken  during  the  day. 

Solomon’s  Seal,  Seal  Boot  or  Drop  Berry. — The  root  of  this 
plant,  bruised,  is  an  excellent  application  to  bruises  from  blows,  black  eyes, 
etc.  The  leaves  dried  and  powdered  possess  astringent  and  anti-dysenteric 
properties;  and  beaten  into  a conserve  whilst  green,  with  sugar,  is  useful  for 
whites,  gleets,  etc.  The  seeds  are  purgative  and  emetic,  in  doses  of  from 
twelve  to  fourteen  grains.  Whilst  the  leaves  in  small  doses  are  astringent,  in 
larger  ones,  such  as  half  a dram  of  the  powder,  they  operate  as  a purgative. 

Spasmodic  Powder. — Stomach  bitters,  two  ounces;  valerian  root, 
powdered,  one  ounce;  skullcap  and  burdock  seeds,  powdered,  of  each  four 
drams;  lobelia  herb,  cinnamon,  powdered,  and  cayenne,  of  each  two  drams — 
sift  and  mix  well  together.  Thirty  grains  may  be  taken  every  two  hours  in  hot 
mint,  pennyroyal,  or  yarrow  tea,  in  cramps,  spasms,  convulsions,  or  the  like. 

Spiced  Bitters. — I.  Poplar  bark,  six  ounces;  prickly  ash  bark,  three 
ounces;  balmony,  golden  seal,  ginger,  and  cloves,  of  each  two  ounces;  cayenne, 
one  and  a half  ounces;  cinnamon,  one  ounce;  fine  sugar,  one  pound — powder 
all  and  mix;  or — II.  Poplar  bark,  golden  seal  and  ginger,  of  each  one  ounce; 
balmony,  cloves,  and  prickly  ash,  of  each  four  drams;  cinnamon,  two  drams; 
Turkey  rhubarb  and  cayenne,  of  each  one  dram;  fine  sugar,  three  ounces — 
powder  all,  sift,  and  mix  well.  A tonic  stomachic  useful  in  indigestion,  loss  of 
appetite,  colic,  jaundice,  and  general  debility.  Dose:  a teaspoonful  of  the 
powder  three  times  a day  an  hour  before  meals,  taken  either  dry  and  washed 
down  with  cold  water,  or  in  half  a teacupful  of  warm  water. 


446 


BOTANICAL  MEDICAL  PRACTICE, 


Spitting  of  Blood,  Pills  for, — Extract  of  henbane,  two  drams;  pow- 
dered foxglove  and  powdered  opium,  of  each  one  scruple — mix,  divide  in  40 
pills.  After  opening  the  bowels  take  two  of  these  pills  at  bed  time,  washing 
down  with  infusion  of  bramble  leaves  or  roots,  acidified  with  elixir  of  vitriol, 
and  sweetened,  or  with  infusion  of  roses. 

Stomach  Bitters. — I.  Cayenne  and  golden  seal,  of  each  one  ounce;  sal- 
eratus,  two  drams — mix  in  powder  half  a teaspoonful  in  half  a teacupful  of  hot 
water,  about  fifteen  minutes  after  eating.  Useful  in  pain  of  stomach  caused 
by  eating,  II.  Balmony,  one  ounce;  white  poplar  bark,  bay  berry  and  ginger, 
of  each  one  and  a half  ounces;  cinnamon,  half  an  ounce;  cayenne,  two  drama 
— powder  and  mix  a teaspoonful  as  last  for  indigestion.  III.  Poplar  bark,  five 
ounces;  golden  seal  and  barberry,  of  each  two  ounces;  ginger,  one  and  a half 
ounces;  prickly  ash,  four  drams;  balmony,  two  drams;  cloves,  six  drams;  cay- 
enne, three  drams — mix  well.  Dose:  as  the  preceding,  and  for  similar  pur- 
poses. 

Strengthening  Plaster. — Rosin,  one  pound;  beeswax  and  mutton  suet, 
of  each  one  and  a half  ounces;  camphor,  half  an  ounce;  brandy,  two  ounces; 
oil  of  hemlock,  two  drams — melt  wax  and  tallow,  then  add  camphor — stir  till 
dissolved,  then  add  oil  of  hemlock,  last  the  brandy  gradually.  Useful  for 
pains  in  back,  sides,  etc.,  also  for  rheumatism,  or  weakness  or  pain  in  any 
part  where  it  can  be  applied;  also  for  old  sores,  ulcers,  etc. 

Sudorific  Powders. — Lobelia  herb,  skunk  cabbage,  pleurisy  root,  and 
crawley  root,  of  each  one  ounce.  Dose:  fifteen  to  twenty  grains  every  hour  in 
some  warming  tea  till  perspiration  is  induced.  Is  useful  in  all  cases  of  fevers, 
and  coughs,  colds,  etc. 

Tincture  of  Balsam  of  Canada.— Balsam  of  fir,  one  ounce;  gum 
arabic,  powdered,  half  an  ounce — rub  up  with  spirit  gradually  till  dissolved — 
bottle  for  use.  Dose:  a teaspoonful  two  or  three  times  a day  in  cubeb  tea.  Is 
very  useful  for  gleets,  whites,  gravel,  and  most  bladder  affections. 

Tincture  of  Burdock,  etc.,  Compound.— Burdock  seed,  powdered, 
lobelia  seed,  powdered,  skullcap  and  myrrh,  of  each  two  ounces;  cayenne,  four 
drams;  prickly  ash  bark,  two  drams;  spirit  of  wine,  one  quart — infuse  seven 
days,  strain.  Dose:  from  ten  drops  to  two  drams,  twice  or  thrice  a day,  in  hot 
water,  as  a nervine,  in  all  hysterical  affections,  delirium  tremens,  spasms,  lock- 
jaw, etc. 

Tincture  of  Ginger,  Compound.— Ginger,  sliced  and  bruised,  two 
ounces;  aniseed,  powdered,  one  ounce;  cloves,  powdered,  four  drams;  spirit  of 
wine,  one  pint — infuse  seven  days,  shaking  daily,  then  strain.  Useful  carmin- 
ative stomachic  in  wind  and  pain  of  stomach,  colic,  etc.,  in  one  to  four  tea- 
spoonful doses,  in  water. 

Tincture  of  Guiacum  and  Sassafras.— Gum  guiacum,  powdered, 
two  ounces;  sassafras  root  bark,  powdered,  one  ounce;  spirit  of  wine,  one  pint 
— infuse  fourteen  days,  strain.  A useful  purifier  in  skin  diseases,  scrofula, 
scurvy,  syphilis,  and  in  rheumatic  cases.  Dose:  one  to  four  teaspoonfuls  ir 
water,  or  with  other  ingredients. 


Favorite  Family  Prescriptions. 


The  following  comprise  a choice  collection  of  special  pre* 
scriptions  from  the  most  successful  physicians  of  our  land, 
which  have  been  in  family  use  for  many  years. 


Asthma. — Tincture  of  lobelia  and  wine  of  ipecacuanha,  each  an  oz. 
Take  one-half  teaspoonful  every  half  hour  until  expectoration  or  nausea 
occurs. 

2.  Iodide  of  potassium,  two  drams  ; decoction  of  senega,  five  oz. ; tinct- 
ure of  lobelia,  one  oz. ; paregoric,  one  oz.  Take  a teaspoonful  three  times  a 
day. 

Biliousness. — Take  a powder  of  rhubarb  root,  magnesia,  and  prepared 
charcoal  powder,  each  a teaspoonful ; powdered  ginger,  one  teaspoonful. 
Mix,  and  divide  into  three  parts.  Take  one  every  morning. 

2.  Tartar-emetic,  four  grains ; powdered  ipecac,  twenty  grains ; water, 
four  oz. ; one  tablespoonful  every  twelve  minutes,  until  vomiting. 

To  act  on  the  Liver. — Dandelion  root,  sliced  and  bruised,  one  ounce ; 
water,  one  pint.  Boil  for  ten  minutes  in  a covered  vessel,  strain  as  above, 
and  add  sufficient  water  to  make  a pint.  A wineglassful  three  or  four  times 
a day. 

Bronchitis. — Nitrate  of  potassa,  two  drams  ; oxymel  of  squills,  one 
oz. ; tincture  of  digitalis,  a fluid  dram  ; vinegar,  a tablespoonful ; sugar  and 
gum  arable  each  two  drams ; water  enough  to  make  in  all  six  oz.  Mix. 
Take  a tablespoonful  every  three  hours. 

Bronchitis , with  Dry  Cough. — Tartar-emetic,  one  grain  ; syrup  of  squills, 
three  oz.  Take  a teaspoonful  every  four  hours. 

Catarrh. — Saturated  tincture  of  bloodroot,  or  sanguinaria,  two  oz. ; 
wine  of  ipecac,  two  oz.  Take  fifty  drops  every  four  hours.  An  excellent 
febrifuge. 

2.  Decoction  of  senega,  four  oz. ; iodide  of  potassium,  two  drams ; 
wine  of  antimony,  four  drams  ; syrup  of  tolu,  two  oz.  Mix,  and  take  a tea- 
spoonful four  times  a day. 

Cathartic. — Resin  of  jalap,  thirty  grains.  Divide  into  three  parts. 
Give  one  every  four  hours  till  they  operate. 

Powerful  Cathartic,  in  Rare  Cases. — Croton  oil,  five  drops ; crumb  of 
bread  or  conserve  of  roses,  a sufficient  quantity  to  make  four  pills.  Mix,  and 
divide.  Take  one  every  four  hours,  until  they  operate. 

Prompt  Cathartic. — Mix  a tablespoonful  each,  of  castor  oil  and  molasses, 
with  a pint  of  warm  water  in  which  a little  Castile  soap  has  been  dissolved. 
Inject  into  the  rectum  with  a syringe. 

Chapped  Hands  and  Face. — Bay-rum  and  glycerine,  each  half  an 
ounce ; quince-juice  jelly,  one  ounce.  Mix. 

447 


448 


FAVORITE  FAMILY  PRESCRIPTIONS. 


Cholera  Infantum. — Aromatic  spirit  of  ammonia,  twenty  drops; 
paregoric,  half  a fluid  dram  to  a fluid  dram  ; spiced  syrup  of  rhubarb,  an  oz.; 
peppermint  water,  enough  to  make  two  oz.  Mix.  Give  a teaspoonful  every 
three  hours. 

To  check  the  Diarrhoea  of  Cholera  Infantum. — Tincture  of  krameria  and 
paregoric,  each  a fluid  dram ; sugar  and  gum  arabic,  each  half  a dram  ; 
water  enough  to  make  two  oz.  Give  a teaspoonful  every  three  hours. 

Incipient  Cholera  Infantum. — Calomel,  three  grains;  bicarbonate  of 
soda,  one  scruple  ; powder  of  ginger,  twelve  grains.  Mix,  and  divide  into 
twelve  powders.  Give  one  three  or  four  times  daily. 

Early  Stage  of  Cholera  Infantum. — Mercury  with  chalk  and  powder  of 
cinnamon,  each  fifteen  grains.  Mix,  and  divide  into  twelve  powders.  Give 
one  thrice  daily. 

Colic. — Chloroform,  a fluid  oz. ; camphor-water,  water,  and  mucilage 
of  gum  arabic,  each  a fluid  oz.  Mix.  Dose,  from  a teaspoonful  to  a table- 
spoonful, repeated  cautiously. 

2.  Bicarbonate  of  soda,  half  a dram ; aromatic  spirit  of  ammonia, 
half  a fluid  dram ; solution  of  morphia,  half  a fluid  dram  ; syrup  of  ginger, 
half  an  oz. ; water  enough  to  make  two  oz.  Mix.  Dose,  a teaspoonful, 
repeated  if  necessary. 

3.  Spiced  syrup  of  rhubarb,  tincture  of  cardamom,  paregoric  and 
cinnamon-water,  each  a fluid  ounce.  Mix.  Tablespoonful.  May  be  repeated 
in  an  hour  if  not  relieved. 

Common  Summer  Cholera  Morbus. — Magnesia,  a dram;  aromatic 
spirit  of  ammonia,  a dram ; water,  four  oz.  Mix.  To  be  shaken  before 
administration.  Take  a teaspoonful  every  half  hour. 

2.  Chloroform,  half  a troy  oz. ; camphor,  one  dram  ; the  yolk  of  one 
egg  ; water,  six  oz.  Rub  the  yolk  in  a mortar,  first  by  itself,  then  with  the 
camphor  previously  dissolved  in  the  chloroform,  and  lastly  with  the  water, 
gradually  added.  This  is  the  “ Mixture  of  Chloroform  ” of  the  United 
States  Pharmacopoeia.  Dose,  two  teaspoonfuls. 

Constipation. — Rhubarb  root  and  Castile  soap,  each  forty  grains ; 
oil  of  anise,  four  drops.  Mix,  and  divide  into  twenty  pills.  Take  one  or 
two  as  required. 

To  act  upon  the  Bowels. — Cut  a piece  of  good  yellow  soap  to  the  shape, 
and  rather  less  than  the  size,  of  the  last  joint  of  the  little  finger.  Dip  it  in 
lard,  and  introduce  it  within  the  rectum. 

Torpor  of  the  Bowels. — Compound  extract  of  colocynth  and  white  soap, 
each  forty  grains  ; extract  of  nux  vomica,  five  grains.  Mix,  and  divide  into 
twenty  pills.  Take  one  night  and  morning. 

Habitual  Constipation. — Rhubarb  and  aloes,  each  half  a dram  ; extract 
of  belladonna,  four  grains  ; oil  of  cloves,  three  drops.  Mix,  and  divide  into 
twenty  pills.  Take  one  twice  daily. 

Constipation  in  Infants. — Resin  of  podophyllum,  one  grain ; simple  syrup 
of  rhubarb,  an  oz. ; oil  of  fennel,  one  drop.  Mix.  Dose,  half  a teaspoonful. 

Consumption. — Cod-liver  oil,  thirty  drams;  alcohol,  twelve  drams  ; 
essence  of  peppermint,  twenty-four  grains.  Mix.  Take  a dessert-spoonful 
thrice  daily. 

2.  Muriate  of  ammonia,  thirty  grains  ; powdered  opium,  ten  grains ; 
powdered  digitalis,  twenty  grains ; powdered  squills,  twenty-five  grains. 
Make  thirty  pills.  Take  one  every  six  hours,  to  promote  expectoration  in 
early  stages. 


FAVORITE  FAMILY  PRESCRIPTIONS. 


44& 


Cough. — Musk,  two  scruples;  syrup  of  orange-peel,  two  oz.;  mucilage  of 
gum  arabic,  three  oz.  Mix.  Take  a tablespoonful  every  two  or  three  hours. 

Violent , Troublesome  Cough. — Dilute  hydrocyanic  acid,  twenty  drops; 
syrup  of  wild  cherry  and  camphor-water,  each  one  oz.  Mix.  Dose,  a tea- 
spoonful every  two  or  three  hours. 

Coughs  and  Colds. — Iceland  moss,  half  an  ounce ; water,  one  pint. 
Boil  for  fifteen  minutes,  strain  with  squeezing,  and  add  sufficient  water 
through  the  strainer  to  make  the  tea  measure  a pint.  Wineglassful  every 
three  or  four  hours. 

Croup. — Powder  of  ipecacuanha  and  powder  of  alum,  each  a teaspoon* 
ful.  Mix  with  water.  Repeat  in  ten  minutes  until  vomiting. 

Inflammatory. — Calomel,  fifteen  grains  ; nitrate  of  potassa,  one  dram  ; 
sugar,  one  scruple.  Mix,  and  divide  into  twelve  powders.  Take  one  every 
three  hours. 

Membranous. — Nitrate  of  silver,  ten  grains;  water,  half  an  oz.  Dis- 
solve. Apply  with  a camel’s-hair  pencil  to  the  throat. 

2.  Tartar-emetic,  one  grain;  powdered  ipecac,  ten  grains;  warm 
water,  four  oz.  Give  a teaspoonful  every  ten  to  fifteen  minutes  until  the 
child  vomits. 

Dandruff. — Carbonate  of  potash,  half  an  ounce  ; alcohol,  one  ounce ; 
water  enough  to  make  eight  ounces.  Mix.  Use  little  at  a time ; rub  well 
into  scalp  until  it  forms  a lather. 

Delirium  Tremens. — Solution  of  sulphate  of  morphia  and  fluid 
extract  of  valerian,  each  two  ounces.  Take  two  teaspoonfuls  at  a time 
until  quietude  is  secured. 

Diarrhoea. — Compound  spirits  of  lavender,  an  oz. ; spirit  of  camphor, 
a fluid  dram  ; laudanum,  half  a fluid  dram  ; sugar  and  gum  arabic,  each  a 
dram  ; cinnamon-water,  enough  to  make  six  oz.  Mix.  Dose,  a tablespoon- 
ful once  in  three  hours. 

Obstinate. — Acetate  of  lead,  fifteen  grains ; acetate  of  morphia,  one 
grain ; gum  arabic,  two  drams  ; cinnamon-water  enough  to  make  eight  oz. 
Mix.  Take  a teaspoonful  every  three  or  four  hours. 

Slight  Diarrhoea. — Spiced  syrup  of  rhubarb,  half  an  oz. ; magnesia, 
twenty  grains  ; cinnamon-water,  and  camphor-water,  each  two  fluid  drams. 
Mix.  Take  in  two  doses,  three  hours  apart. 

To  check  Diarrhoea. — Tannic  acid,  thirty-six  grains  ; powder  of  opium, 
three  grains.  Divide  into  ten  pills.  Take  one  every  three  hours. 

Diphtheria. — One  part  of  muriatic  acid,  and  three  parts  of  honey.* 
apply  to  the  throat  in  diphtheria  with  a soft  sponge,  fastened  to  a piece  of 
whalebone. 

2.  Chlorate  of  potassa,  three  drams  ; peppermint-water,  five  ounces. 
Dissolve.  Take  a tablespoonful  every  three  hours. 

3.  Chlorate  of  potassa,  two  drams ; tincture  of  chloride  of  iron,  one 
dram;  simple  syrup  and  water,  each  two  fluid  ounces.  Mix.  Take  a table- 
spoonful every  three  hours. 

4.  Carbolic  acid,  twenty-five  minims ; acetic  acid,  half  a dram ; honey, 
two  drams ; tincture  of  myrrh,  two  drains ; water  enough  to  make  six 
ounces.  Mix  together  the  acids  first,  and  then,  gradually,  the  honey  and 
water. 

Dropsy. — Extract  hemlock,  or  conium,  one  dram ; powdered  canthar- 
ides,  forty  grains  ; calomel,  thirty  grains ; powdered  ipecac,  twenty  grains. 
Mix,  and  divide  into  forty  pills.  Take  one  three  times  a day. 


450 


FAVORITE  FAMILY  PRESCRIPTIONS. 


Dysentery. — Camphor,  eighteen  grains;  ipecacuanha,  six  grains; 
opium,  five  grains.  Mix,  and  divide  into  twelve  pills.  Take  one  every 
three  or  four  hours. 

Incipient  Dysentery. — Blue  mass,  twelve  grains  ; powder  of  ipecacuanha, 
six  to  twelve  grains.  Mix,  and  divide  into  ten  pills.  Take  one  every  three 
hours. 

Incipient  Acute  Dysentery . — Mix  one  tablespoonful  of  castor-oil  thor- 
oughly with  three  tablespoonfuls  of  spiced  syrup  of  rhubarb,  and  administer 
it  immediately  after  mixture.  To  the  above  prescription  add  ten,  or  twenty, 
or  thirty  drops  of  laudanum.  Useful  in  incipient  acute  dysentery. 

Early  Stage  of  Dysentery. — Blue  mass,  ten  grains ; ipecacuanha,  six 
grains ; camphor,  twelve  grains.  Mix,  and  divide  into  twelve  pills.  Take 
one  every  three  hours. 

Chronic  Dysentery. — To  four  fluid  ounces  of  flaxseed  tea  made  without 
boiling,  add  fifty  drops  of  laudanum,  and  from  four  to  ten  grains  of  sulphate 
of  zinc.  Mix,  and  inject  into  the  rectum. 

Dyspepsia. — Hydrocyanic  acid,  sixty  drops  ; extract  belladonna,  ten 
grains  ; tincture  colomba,  one  oz. ; simple  syrup,  one  and  a half  oz. ; water, 
one  and  a half  oz.  Mix,  and  take  a teaspoonful  four  times  a day. 

2.  Extract  nux  vomica,  thirty-two  grains  ; tincture  cardamom,  one 
and  a half  oz. ; syrup  of  ginger,  one  oz. ; water,  one  and  a half  oz.  Take 
twenty-five  drops  three  times  a day. 

Earache. — Glycerine  and  warm  water,  each  one  teaspoonful.  Mix. 
Pour  into  the  ear  from  a teaspoon  night  and  morning. 

Emetic  of  Alum  and  Ipecac. — Powder  of  ipecacuanha  and  powder  of 
alum,  each  half  a teaspoonful.  Mix  with  water.  Repeat  in  ten  minutes  if 
it  does  not  vomit.  Good  in  threatening  croup. 

Mustard  Emetic. — Teaspoonful  of  mustard  flour  in  a teacupful  of 
warm  water.  To  be  taken  every  ten  minutes  until  vomiting  is  produced. 

Salt  Emetic. — Two  teaspoonfuls  of  common  salt  in  a teacupful  of  warm 
water.  To  be  taken  every  ten  or  fifteen  minutes  until  vomiting  is  produced. 

Eruptions  on  the  Face. — Oxide  of  zinc,  three  drams ; lard,  one  oz. 
Mix.  Apply  locally. 

Eye-Washes.  In  Weak  Eyes. — Common  salt,  one  dram ; warm  water, 
one  pint.  Mix,  and  wash  the  eyes  well. 

2.  Sulphate  of  zinc,  two  grains  ; alcohol,  ten  drops ; pure  water,  one 
ounce.  Mix.  Apply  under  lids  with  camel’s  hair  brush  twice  a day. 

Inflammation  of  the  Eye. — Borax,  one  teaspoonful;  water,  one  pint. 
Mix.  Wash  the  eyes  well  three  or  four  times  a day. 

2.  Tincture  of  arnica,  five  drops  ; pure  water,  one  ounce.  Mix.  often 
of  benefit  in  weak  and  sore  eyes. 

Fever. — Epsom  salts,  one  oz. ; tartar-emetic,  one-half  grain  ; syrup, 
one  oz. ; pure  water,  six  oz.  Mix,  and  take  a tablespoonful  every  hour. 

Intermittent  Fever. — Sulphate  of  cinchona,  fifty  grains ; aromatic  sul- 
phuric acid  (elixir  of  vitriol),  a fluid  dram  and  a half ; compound  tincture  of 
cardamom,  half  an  oz. ; water,  enough  to  make  four  oz.  Take  a teaspoonful 
or  two  as  required. 

In  the  Chill  of  Pernicious  Fever. — Powdered  capsicum,  a dram.  Divide 
into  twelve  pills.  Take  one  every  hour. 

Typhoid  Fever. — Liquor  of  acetate  of  ammonia,  three  and  a half 
oz. ; sweet  spirits  of  nitre,  half  an  oz.  Mix.  Take  a tablespoonful  every 
two  hours. 


FAVORITE  FAMILY  PRESCRIPTIONS. 


451 


For  Flatulent  Pain  in  the  Bowels. — Oil  of  cajeput,  half  a dram ; 
compound  spirit  of  lavender,  an  oz. ; syrup  of  ginger,  two  fluid  drams ; 
mucilage  of  gum  arabic,  enough  to  make  two  oz.  Take  a dessert-spoonful  at 
once. 

Gargle. — Dissolve  seven  drops  of  creosote  in  two  oz.  of  glycerine, 
diluted  with  an  equal  bulk  of  water ; one  pint  of  water,  two  heaping 
tablespoons  of  common  salt,  a heaping  teaspoonful  of  powdered  alum,  and  a 
level  tablespoonful  of  ground  red  pepper ; or,  a pint  of  red  pepper  tea,  and  a 
level  tablespoonful  of  salt  and  alum. 

2.  Chlorate  of  potash,  one  teaspoonful ; glycerine,  two  tablespoonfuls  ; 
water,  a tumblerful.  Mix.  For  ordinary  sore  throat. 

Gravel. — Bicarbonate  of  soda,  three  drams ; sweet  spirits  of  nitre, 
five  fluid  drams ; peppermint-water,  enough  to  make  six  oz.  Dissolve. 
Take  a tablespoonful  three  or  four  times  daily. 

Headache. — A cup  of  strong  tea  is  sometimes  a temporary  remedy; 
but  for  sick  headache  take  two  teaspoonfuls  of  pulverized  charcoal  in  half 
a glass  of  water. 

Neuralgic  Headache. — Squeeze  the  juice  of  a lemon  in  a small  cup  of 
strong  black  coffee. 

Sick  Headache  (Sour  Stomach ). — Aromatic  spirit  of  ammonia,  six 
drams;  bicarbonate  of  soda,  one  and  a half  drams;  infusion  of  cascarilla, 
eight  oz.  Take  two  tablespoonfuls  twice  a day. 

Hemorrhages. — Gallic  acid,  two  drams ; syrup  of  cinnamon,  four 
oz.  Mix.  Take  a dessert-spoonful  every  two,  three,  or  four  hours. 

Hooping-cough. — Hydrocyanic  acid,  twenty-five  drops ; wine  of  ipe- 
cac, two  drams ; syrup  of  tolu,  one  and  a half  oz. ; water,  three  oz.  Take  a 
teaspoonful  every  four  hours. 

Severe  Hooping-cough. — Extract  of  belladonna,  one  grain ; mucilage 
of  gum  arabic,  three  oz.  Mix.  Give  two  teaspoonfuls  thrice  daily. 

Inflammation  (subdue  and  relieve  pain). — Nitre,  half  an  ounce;  sal 
ammoniac,  two  drams ; vinegar,  three  tablespoonfuls ; camphor-water,  one 
pint.  Apply  with  sponge  or  cloth. 

Piles. — Tannic  acid,  one  dram ; powdered  opium,  one  dram ; lard, 
fresh,  one  ounce. 

Rheumatism. — Iodide  of  potash,  carbonate  of  potash,  each  two  drams  ; 
wine  of  colchicum,  half  an  ounce ; water  enough  to  make  three  ounces.  Mix. 
Teaspoonful  three  times  a day. 

Stomach-ache. — Gastralgia. — Extract  belladonna,  twelve  grains  ; 
sulphate  quinine,  thirty  grains.  Make  thirty  pills.  Take  one  three  times  a 
day. 

2.  Laudanum,  three  drams  ; tincture  Cayenne  pepper,  two  and  a half 
drams;  sulphuric  ether,  three  and  a half  drams;  tincture  camphor,  three 
drams  ; chloroform,  one  dram.  Take  a tablespoonful  when  needed. 

To  Produce  Sleep. — Chloral  hydrate,  fifteen  grains;  syrup  of  orange 
peel,  half  an  ounce.  Mix.  Take  at  bedtime. 

Tonics.  To  improve  the  digestion  and  give  tone  to  the  system. — Tincture 
of  iron,  five  and  a half  drams ; quinine  sulphate,  one  dram ; glycerine, 
one  ounce;  water  enough  to  make  four  ounces.  Mix.  Teaspoonful  in 
water  three  times  a day. 

Worms. — Leaves  of  senna  and  root  of  spigelia,  each  half  an  ounce; 
boiling  water,  a pint  and  a quarter  ; infuse,  covered,  for  two  hours.  A wine- 
glaxisful  morning  and  night. 


ACCIDENTS  AND  INJURIES. 


WHAT  TO  DO  TILL  THE  DOCTOR  COMES. 


Domestic  Surgery  and  Emergencies 
of  ttae  Home. 


How  to  Bandage. — There  is  not  a more  important  art 
connected  with  domestic  surgery  than  that  of  bandaging.  To 
do  it  well  requires  much  practice  and  no  little  judgment.  The 
material  employed  in  bandaging  is  usually  stout  unbleached 
cotton,  from  two  or  three  to  nine  fig.  99. 

or  ten  inches  wide,  and  from  six 
to  twelve  yards  long ; the  former 
length  and  breadth  will  do  best 
for  the  leg.  If  commenced  at 
the  ball  of  the  foot,  and  evenly 
applied  so  that  each  fold  over- 
laps the  other  about  one-third,  it 
will  reach  to  the  knee.  Fig.  99  will 
best  show  the  mode  of  applica- 
tion. The  bandage  having  been  first  tightly  rolled  up,  is  taken 
in  the  right  hand  of  the  operator ; the  end  is  passed  under  the 
foot,  and  held  there  by  the  left  hand  until  it  is  secured  by  one 
turn  of  the  bandage  over  it ; an  upward  direction  is  then  taken, 
so  that  a couple  of  folds  brings  the  bandage  up  to  the  front  of 
the  leg,  over  the  instep ; the  next  turn  will  naturally  pass 
above  the  heel  behind;  and  then,  if  proper  care  be  observed, 
it  will  go  on  fold  above  fold,  each  overlapping  the  other  slightly, 
all  up  the  leg.  The  bandage  is  passed  from  the  right  to  the 
left  hand  each  time  it  goes  round  the  leg,  and  great  care  should 
be  taken  to  hold  it  firmly,  and  equalize  the  pressure,  as  well  as 
to  smooth  out  any  wrinkles  that  may  occur  in  the  process  of 
binding.  A firm  and  even  support  is  thus  afforded  to  the  limb, 
which  is  not  likely  to  crease,  or  get  displaced  by  the  motion 
which  may  be  afterwards  necessary ; it  may  be  made  fast  above 

452 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


453 


the  calf,  by  a couple  of  pins,  or  a needle  and  thread.  Great 
care  should  be  taken  in  this,  as  in  all  similar  operations,  to  get 
the  bandage  rolled  up  tightly  and  smoothly,  before  commenc- 
ing; it  may  thus  be  grasped  in  the  hand,  and  kept  well  under 
the  command  of  the  operator,  who  should  on  no  account  let  go 
his  hold  of  the  bandage,  so  as  to  relax  the  pressure. 

fig.  ioo.  The  arm  does  not  require  so  long 

or  broad  a bandage  as  the  leg; 
about  two  inches,  by  three  or  four 
yards,  being  the  average  size ; this 
limb  is  rather  more  difficult  toman- 
age,  half-turns  being  necessary  to 
effect  a proper  envelopment.  How 
this  is  effected  may  be  seen  by  Fig. 
100.  The  bandage  is  folded  back 
upon  itself,  so  as  to  take  a different 
direction,  and  cover  the  space  which 
would  be  left  exposed  by  the  ordinary  method  of  folding;  these 
half-turns,  unless  they  are  done  tightly  and  evenly,  will  be  apt 
to  slip  and  derange  the  whole  binding.  Some  operators  avoid 
half-turns,  by  letting  the  roller  take  its  natural  course,  and 
then  coming  back  to  cover  the  exposed  parts;  but  this  method, 
besides  requiring  a larger  bandage,  does  not  effect  the  required 
purpose  so  neatly  and  efficient^*.  One  mode  of  fastening  a 
bandage  is  to  split  it  up  a short  distance,  so  as  to  leave  two 
ends,  which  can  be  passed  round  the  limb,  and  tied.  It  should 
always  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  chief  art  in  applying  band- 
ages is  to  give  firm  and  uniform  support,  without  undue  pres- 
sure upon  any  part;  and  to  ef- 
fect this  properly,  the  strain  in 
winding  should  be  upon  the 
whole  roll  held  in  the  hand,  and 
not  upon  the  unrolled  portion  of 
it.  This  strain  should  not  be 
relaxed  during  the  progress  of 
the  operation. 

Fig.  101  represents  the  mode 
of  applying  what  is  called  a many-tailed  bandage. — useful  to 
apply  over  a wound,  or  wherever  it  requires  frequent  changing, 
or  in  cases  in  which  it  is  desirable  not  to  exhaust  the  patient 
by  much  movement  of  the  limb.  This  is  a strip  of  cotton  some- 
what longer  than  the  limb  to  be  enveloped : on  it  are  sewn,  at 
right  angles,  other  strips,  about  one-half  longer  than  the  cir- 
cumference of  the  limb,  each  overlapping  the  other  about  one- 


454 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


Fig.  102. 


third  of  its  breadth,  so  that  when  drawn  tightly  over  in  regular 
succession,  each  secures  the  other.  The  end  of  the  strip  passes 
under  the  heel,  and  coming  up  on  the  other  side,  is  made  fast 
to  the  bandage  there,  and  so  all  is  kept  firm. 

For  keeping  poultices  on  the  lower 
part  of  the  back,  or  in  the  groin,  a 
cross-bandage  is  used,  the  fashion  of 
which  is  this:  make  a cotton  band, 
large  enough  to  pass  round  the  loins, 
and  tie  a buckle  in  front;  to  this  is 
attached  another  piece,  which  pro- 
ceeds from  the  centre-  of  the  back 
to  the  anus,  where  it  divides  into 
two,  which  pass  under  the  thighs, 
up  on  either  side,  and  are  fastened 
to  the  band  in  front.  The  bandage 
is  used  to  close  a vein  after  bleeding 
is  made,  thus : lay  the  tape  obliquely 
across  the  wound,  pass  it  round  the 
arm  above  the  elbow,  and  bring  it 
back  again  over  the  same  spot;  then 
let  it  go  round  the  arm  below  the  elbow,  and  returning,  let  the 
two  ends  be  tied  in  a secure  bow,  in  the  bend  of  the  arm,  with 
the  free  movement  of  which  the  bandage  should  not  be  tight 
enough  to  interfere,  although  it  must  be  sufficiently  so  to  retain 
its  position.  This  mode  of  bandaging  is  called  the  figure  of  8, 
from  its  resemblance  to  that  figure.  Fig.  102  will  make  the  ex- 
planation clearer. 

For  a sprained  ankle,  place  the  end  of  the  bandage  upon 
the  instep,  then  carry  it  round,  and  bring  it  over  the  same  part 
again,  and  thence  round  the  foot  two  or  three  times,  finishing 
off  with  a turn  or  two  round  the  leg  above  the  ankle. 

For  a sprained  wrist,  begin  by  passing  the  bandage  round 
the  hand,  across  and  across,  like  the  figure  8;  exclude  the 
thumb,  and  finish  with  a turn  or  two  round  the  wrist. 

For  a cut  finger,  pass  the  bandage  (a  narrow  one)  round 
the  finger  several  times,  winding  from  the  top,  and  splitting 
the  end;  fasten  by  tying  round  the  thick  part  above  the  cut; 
or,  if  it  be  high  up,  tie  round  the  wrist. 

The  best  bandage  for  the  eyes  is  an  old  silk  handkerchief 
passed  over  the  forehead,  and  tied  at  the  back  of  the  head.  For 
the  head  itself,  it  is  best  to  have  a cross-bandage,  or  rather  two 
bandages, — one  passing  across  the  forehead,  and  round  the 
back  of  the  head,  and  the  other  over  the  top  of  the  head,  and 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


455 


below  the  chin,  as  in  Fig.  103.  Or,  better  than  this,  perhaps, 
a large  handkerchief  which  will  extend  all  over  the  forehead 


FIG.  103. 


Fig.  104. 


and  crown,  two  ends  of  it  passing  to  the  back,  and  after  cross- 
ing from  thence  round  the  neck,  then  tying  the  other  two  be- 
neath the  chin,  as  in  Fig.  101. 

For  a bandage  to  support  a pad  or 
poultice,  under  the  armpit,  a hand- 
kerchief may  be  used,  put  on  as  in 
Fig.  105;  or  a broad  piece  of  cot- 
ton, arranged  in  the  same  way. 

For  fracture  of  the  ribs,  band- 
ages should  be  about  nine  inches 
wide,  and  drawn  round  the  body 
very  tightly.  In  this  case,  as  in 
that  of  any  other  fracture  or  dis- 
location, only  a properly  qualified 
person  should  attempt  their  ap- 
plication. See  articles  on  Dis- 
locations and  Fractures. 

We  have  not  yet  spoken  of  the  T bandage,  which  is  simply 
a broad  band  to  pass  round  the  body,  or  elsewhere,  having 
attached  to  it  one  of  the  same  width,  or  narrower,  like  the 
upright  part  of  the  letter  after  which  it  is  named ; or,  there 
may  be  two  stems— if  they  can  be  so  called — in  which  case  it  is 
a double  T bandage,  as  in  Fig.  106. 


Fig.  105. 


456 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


Starcli  bandages  are  those  in  fig.  106. 

which  the  roller,  before  it  is  put  on, 
is  saturated  in  a strong  solution  of 
starch.  Sometimes  a covering  of 
brown  paper  is  put  over  this,  and 
another  dry  bandage  is  applied.  This 
makes  a firm  and  compact  case  for  the 
limb.  It  is  useful  in  cases  of  fracture, 
especially  if  the  patient  has  to  be  re- 
moved to  a distance.  Sometimes,  when  it  is  not  desirable  to 
make  the  covering  so  thick  and  durable,  the  displacement  of 
the  bandages  is  guarded  against  by  brushing  a weak  solution 
of  starch  or  gum  over  the  folds. 

Bandaging  should  be  performed,  in  nearly  all  cases,  from 
the  extremities  upwards,  or  inwards  to  the  heart,  except 
where  the  injury  is  situated  above  the  seat  of  the  vital  action. 
If  they  give  much  pain,  there  is  reason  to  suspect  inflammatory 
swelling  beneath;  and  they  should  bo  loosened,  if  moistening 
with  cold  water  does  not  relieve  the  pain.  Flannel  for  band- 
ages is  used  where  warmth  as  well  as  support  is  required. 

Burns  and  Scalds. — There  are  no  more  frequent,  distress- 
ing, and  dangerous  accidents,  than  those  which  result  in  the 
above.  They  cause  great  pain,  often  amounting  to  agony ; local  in- 
juries of  a most  serious  character,  and  permanent  constitutional 
derangement,  even  if  death  does  not  immediately  or  quickly 
ensue.  The  first  rule  to  be  observed  in  the  event  of  the  clothes 
catching  fire,  is  to  avoid  running  away  for  assistance,  as  the 
motion  will  only  fan  the  flame,  and  increase  the  evil.  Presence 
of  mind  in  the  sufferer  is  rare  on  such  an  occasion,  but  the  best 
plan  is  to  lie  down  and  roll  on  the  floor, — screaming,  of  course, 
for  assistance.  Whoever  answers  the  call  should  snatch  up  a 
rug,  or  a piece  of  carpet,  or  other  woollen  article,  and  com- 
pletely envelope  the  person  in  it.  This  will  be  sure  to  extin- 
guish the  flame.  Then  cut  the  clothing  away  from  the  burnt 
parts,  taking  care  to  use  no  violence  where  it  adheres,  nor  to 
break  any  blisters  which  may  be  raised.  The  great  object  is 
now  to  exclude  the  air  from  the  blistered  or  raw  surfaces,  and 
it  is  a usual  plan  to  cover  them  with  flour,  and  then  wrap  them 
in  wadding,  or  cotton-wool.  A good  application  is  either  of  the 
above  substances  saturated  in  lime-water  and  linseed-oil,  equal 
parts  mixed ; this  is  extremely  cool  and  soothing,  and  it  greatly 
assists  the  healing  operation.  It  should  not  be  disturbed  for 
some  days,  unless  the  discharge  should  be  great,  and  the 
wounds  painful,  in  which  case  a fresh  application  of  the  same 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


457 


should  be  prepared,  and  put  on  immediately  on  the  removal  of 
the  other.  The  wadding  or  cotton-wool  covering  is  sometimes 
applied  quite  dry,  with  good  effect;  and  where  the  tissues  are 
not  deeply  or  extensively  injured,  a lotion  composed  of  an  ounce 
and  a half  of  vinegar  to  a pint  of  water  is  a good  application, 
as  is  also  a saturated  solution  of  carbonate  of  soda.  The  flour 
dredging  is  that  which  is  the  most  readibly  available,  and  it  is 
as  good  as  any.  It  should  be  applied  immediately,  and  repeated 
as  often  as  moisture  is  perceived  issuing  through  the  crust 
which  it  forms  over  the  burnt  parts ; if  these  have  fresh  sweet- 
oil  brushed  over  them  with  a feather,  previous  to  the  applica- 
tion of  the  flour,  it  will  adhere  better. 

That  which  is  to  be  most  apprehended  in  severe  burns  is 
the  great  constitutional  depression  which  often  follows  the  ex- 
citement and  severe  pain;  especially  is  this  the  case  with 
children,  and  when  the  seat  of  this  injury  is  the  chest  or  abdo- 
men, or  other  vital  part.  Hence  the  effects  should  be  closely 
watched,  and  stimulants  administered,  if  there  are  such  symp- 
toms as  shivering,  pallor  of  the  countenance,  sinking  of  the 
pulse,  or  coldness  of  the  extremities.  Ammonia,  wine,  or  spirits, 
must  then  be  given  in  doses  sufficient  to  rouse  the  failing 
powers,  without  too  much  exciting  the  brain.  If  there  is  ex- 
cessive pain,  a slight  opiate  should  be  administered  to  allay  the 
irritation  of  the  nervous  system,  which,  however,  frequently 
receives  so  severe  a shock  as  to  lose  its  sensibility  for  a time; 
and  when  this  is  the  case  there  is  great  reason  to  apprehend  a 
fatal  result.  A burn,  if  oroperly  treated,  and  unless  very 
severe,  will  generally  do  well,  and  require  little  after  dressing ; 
but  if  the  blisters  are  suffered  to  break,  and  the  true  skin 
beneath  becomes  inflamed  by  exposure,  matter  will  be  secreted, 
and  troublesome  ulcerations  formed.  Bread-and-water  poulticing 
will  be  the  best  treatment  in  this  case,  with  goulard  lotion,  if 
there  is  much  inflammation,  or  an  ointment  composed  of  ex- 
tract of  goulard,  one  dram,  mixed  with  one  ounce  of  fresh  lard. 
This  should  be  applied  spread  on  soft  linen. 

When  the  burn  is  deep,  after  the  flour  has  been  on  for 
some  days,  poultices  as  above  should  be  applied  until  the  coat- 
ing of  flour  all  comes  away,  and  the  wound  looks  clean  and 
clear;  after  which,  the  simple  water  dressing  will  be  best,  and 
when  nearly  healed,  the  goulard  ointment  as  above. 

When  parts  immediately  contiguous  are  involved  in  the  burn, 
care  must  be  taken  to  interpose  dressings,  or  they  may  become 
permanently  united. 

After  the  more  immediate  constitutional  effects  of  a severe 


458 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


burn  have  passed  off,  it  will  be  necessary  to  be  careful  as  to  the 
patient’s  diet,  which  should  be  sufficiently  nourishing  and 
stimulative,  especially  while  discharge  is  going  on, — taking 
care,  however,  to  reduce  it  if  febrile  symptoms  should  set  in. 
So  constantly  are  these  painful  accidents  occurring,  and  so 
frequently  does  it  happen  that  the  care  of  a medical  man  can 
not  be  obtained  for  them,  that  it  behooves  all  heads  of  families  to 
make  themselves  acquainted  with  the  best  remedial  measures. 
It  should  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  principal  aims  in  the  treat- 
ment of  such  cases  are,  first,  the  protection  of  the  injured  park? 
from  atmospheric  influence;  secondly,  to  keep  down  inflam- 
matory action,  both  local  and  constitutional;  thirdly,  to  soothe 
the  nervous  irritation  which  may  arise,  and  to  sustain  the  sys' 
tern  should  too  great  depression  take  place. 

Bruises. — The  main  thing  to  be  attended  to  in  treating  s 
bruise,  is  to  prevent  inflammation  coming  on.  Apply  constantly 
to  the  part  equal  portions  of  goulard  water  and  vinegar,  of 
spirits  and  water.  Or,  bathe  the  part  in  warm  water,  and 
afterwards  rub  it  gently  with  cold  vinegar  and  water  once 
every  hour  or  so  for  a few  days.  Bruises  are  also  well  treated 
by  the  following  lotion:  tincture  of  arnica,  one  part;  water, 
eight  parts ; apply  with  a cloth.  Pouring  cold  water  from  a 
height  two  or  three  times  a day  on  the  bruise  is  very  good. 
Apparent  Death  from  Drowning ; 

1.  Treat  the  patient  instantly,  on  the  spot,  in  the  open  air, 
except  in  severe  weather,  freely  exposing  the  face,  neck,  and 
chest,  to  the  breeze. 

2.  Send  with  all  speed  for  medical  aid,  and  for  articles  of 
clothing,  blankets,  etc. 

3.  Place  the  patient  gently  on  the  face,  with  one  arm  under 
the  forehead,  so  that  any  fluids  may  flow  from  the  throat  and 
mouth  ; and,  without  loss  of  time, — 

I.  To  excite  respiration : 

4.  Turn  the  patient  on  his  side,  and  (a)  apply  snuff  or  other 
irritant  to  the  nostrils ; ( b ) dash  cold  water  on  the  face,  previ- 
ously rubbed  brisklv  until  it  is  warm.  If  there  be  no  success, 
again  lose  no  time,  fcut, — 

II.  To  imitate  respiration : 

5.  Replace  the  patient  on  his  face  (when  the  tongue  will  then 
fall  forward,  and  leave  the  entrance  into  the  windpipe  free) ; 
then, — 

6.  Turn  the  body  gently,  but  completely,  on  the  side,  and  a 
little  beyond  (when  inspiration  will  occur),  and  then  on  the  face, 
making  gentle  pressure  along  the  back,  when  expiration  will 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


459 


take  place,  alternately.  These  measures  must  be  repeated  de- 
liberately, efficiently,  and  perseveringly,  fifteen  times  in  the 
minute  only.  Meanwhile, — 

III.  To  induce  circulation  and  warmth , continue  these  mea- 
sures,— 

7.  Rub  the  limbs  upivards  with  firm  pressure  and  with 
energy,  using  handkerchiefs,  etc.,  for  towels. 

9.  Replace  the  patient’s  wet  clothing  by  such  other  covering 
as  can  be  instantly  procured,  each  bystander  supplying  a coat, 
waistcoat,  etc. 

Returning  life  is  first  usually  discoverable  by  the  symptoms 
of  sighing,  gasping,  slight  palpitation  or  pulsation  of  the  heart. 
The  efforts  to  restore  life  should  then  be  redoubled,  for  the 
feeble  spark  still  requires  to  be  solicited  and  nourished  into  a 
flame,  and  it  has  often  gone  out  from  a relaxation  of  labor.  A 
spoonful  or  two  of  warm  wine  and  water,  should  be  introduced 
into  the  mouth,  as  soon  as  the  power  of  swallowing  is  suffici- 
ently restored,  which  should  be  shortly  succeeded  by  light, 
warm,  and  nourishing  food  of  any  kind,  with  gentle  laxative 
clysters,  a well-heated  bed,  and  perfect  tranquillity. 

Apparent  Death  from  Lightning— When~  a person  is 
struck  by  lightning,  strip  the  body  and  throw  buckets  of  cold 
water  over  it  from  ten  to  fifteen  minutes ; inflate  the  lungs,  as 
described  in  the  directions  respecting  drowning,  and  apply 
continual  frictions  all  over  the  body ; apply  also  blisters  to  the 
breast,  and  administer  stimulants,  as  brandy  and  sal  volatile. 
In  this  case,  nothing  answers  so  well  as  electricity,  and  if  a 
skillful  person  can  be  procured  to  administer  them,  gentle 
shocks  should  be  made  to  pass  through  the  chest,  until  return- 
ing life  manifests  itself. 

As  trees,  haystacks,  and  other  elevated  objects  serve  to  con- 
duct lightning  rather  than  ward  it  off,  a person  overtaken  by  a 
thunderstorm  should  never  seek  shelter  near  these;  it  is  much 
better  to  get  wet  to  the  skin  than  expose  one’s  self  to  this  dan- 
ger. It  is  also  dangerous  to  stand  near  leaden  spouts,  iron 
gates,  or  palisades,  at  such  times, — metals  at  all  times  having 
so  strong  a conducting  power  for  lightning  as  frequently  to  lead 
it  out  of  the  course  which  it  would  otherwise  have  taken. 
When  in  the  house,  avoid  sitting  or  standing  near  a window  or 
door  ; the  nearer  you  are  placed  towards  the  centre  of  the 
room  the  better. 

Apparent  Death  from  Exposure  to  Noxious  Vapors  — 

Lei  the  body  be  placed  in  the  open  air;  dash  cold  wkter  over 
th*  foce,  head,  neck,  and  breast  frequently,  and  let  warmth  bd 


460 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


gradually  applied.  If  necessary,  let  the  lungs  be  inflated  ac- 
cording to  the  directions  laid  down  in  the  article  on  drowning. 

Apparent  Death  from  Cold. — Let  the  body  of  the  person 
be  rubbed  with  snow,  ice,  or  cold  water,  and  after  a while  let 
heat  be  applied  in  the  most  gentle  manner ; then,  if  necessary, 
the  means  for  restoring  suspended  animation  from  drowning 
may  be  resorted  to.  Nothing  can  be  more  pernicious  than  ap* 
plying  heat,  either  internally  or  externally,  in  the  first  stage. 

Apparent  Death  from  Hanging  or  Strangling.— Re* 
move  the  tie  or  neck-cloth  from  the  neck,  place  the  body  in  the 
open  air,  expose  the  chest,  and  open  a vein  in  the  arm  as  soon 
as  possible.  If  necessary,  resort  to  the  means  recommended  in 
restoring  suspended  animation  from  drowning. 

In  hanging,  cut  the  body  down,  dash  cold  water  upon  it,  open 
a vein,  and  apply  stimulants  liberally  externally. 

Apparent  Death  from  a Blow  or  Fall.— Stunning,  or 
insensibility,  is  usually  caused  by  a blow  on  the  head.  It  may 
be  of  greater  or  less  severity,  and  requires  prompt  relief. 

Treatment.— Place  the  sufferer  in  a recumbent  position, 
with  the  head  raised.  Dash  cold  water  from  the  hand  over 
the  face,  or  place  a wetted  handkerchief  on  the  forehead;  apply 
warmth  to  the  feet  and  legs,  and  hartshorn  or  smelling-walts  to 
the  nostrils.  Keep  the  patient  quiet,  and  recovery  partially 
or  wholly  will  soon  ensue. 

Apparent  Death  from  Hunger. — Great  caution  must  be 
used  in  administering  food.  If  fed  too  freely,  a fatal  result  is 
probable.  Injections  of  small  quantities  of  milk,  mutton-broth, 
or  beef-tea  may  be  used.  When  the  patient  can  swallow,  give 
drop  by  drop  of  warm  milk,  and  increase  the  quantity  till  he 
can  take  a teaspoonful,  when  a few  drops  of  brandy  may  be 
added.  Small  quantities  of  nourishment  may  be  given  every  ten 
or  fifteen  minutes. 

Abrasion  of  the  Skin.- — This  is  a wound  of  the  skin 

caused  by  friction. 

Treatment. — Remove  any  sand  or  dirt  from  the  part  by 
bathing  it  in  warm  water;  then  apply  spirits  and  water  to  it 
till  the  pain  is  somewhat  abated ; lay  a piece  of  dry  lint  over 
it,  or  lint  wetted  wdth  water,  and  over  that  a piece  of  oiled  silk 
to  retain  the  moisture.  If  there  is  much  pain  or  swelling  from 
inflammation,  apply  a bread-and-water  poultice,  or  a piece  of 
linen  moistened  with  goulard  water.  When  this  comes  off,  if 
the  skin  is  not  healed,  dress  with  simple  ointment.  Or,  take 
tincture  of  arnica  or  wolf  s-bane,  dilute  it  with  twenty  parts  of 
water,  or  thirty  parts  where  the  skin  is  broken;  apply  the 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


461 


liquid  with  a linen  rag  v/rapped  round  the  injured  part.  If 
this  mixture  should  prove  too  strong,  dilute  it  with  more  water. 

Cllt  Throat — The  danger  to  apprehended  in  this  case  is 
death  from  hemorrhage ; or,  if  the  wound  is  sufficiently  deep 
to  open  the  windpipe,  from  suffocation,  from  an  influx  of  blood 
into  the  passage.  In  the  latter  case,  any  pressure  upon  the 
part  would  but  hasten  the  crisis ; but,  if  the  windpipe  is  not 
deeply  wounded,  this  may  be  applied.  Should  there  be  a 
gushing  out  of  dark  blood,  showing  that  a superficial  vein  i( 
wounded,  place  the  fingers  on  the  course  of  the  vein,  a littli 
above  the  cut,  between  it  and  the  head,  and  keep  a firm,  though 
gentle,  even  pressure,  there.  If  there  is  bright  red  blood  com* 
ing  forth  in  jets,  an  attempt  should  be  made  to  tie  the  divided 
arter  s,  for  it  would  be  impossible  to  app'y  a sufficient  amount 
of  pressure  to  stop  the  bleeding.  For  directions,  see  page  350. 
It  is  possible  that  the  windpipe  may  be  severed  without  bleed- 
ing to  such  an  amount  as  to  produce  death.  In  this  case,  place 
the  patient  on  his  face  or  on  one  side,  with  the  neck  bent  for- 
ward, so  that  the  blood  will  naturally  take  an  outward  direc- 
tion; when  it  has  stopped,  do  not  at  once  close  the  wound,  but 
put  a piece  of  cambric  lightly  over  it,  and,  at  the  end  of  three 
o four  hours,  stitch  it  up.  Dress  as  directed  for  wounds. 

Choking. — This  accident,  caused  by  substances  getting 
into  the  gullet,  or  stopped  between  the  mouth  and  the  stomach, 
is  extremely  dangerous,  and  generally  the  effect  of  careless- 
ness. 

Treatment. — Slap  the  back  smartly  but  not  too  heavily,  and 
in  the  mean  time  let  the  person  swallow  some  crumbs  of  bread, 
and  drink  a draught  of  water.  Or,  press  a finger  immediately 
dwvn  the  throat  as  far  as  possible.  Or,  take  large  draughts  of 
water,  and  make  great  efforts  to  swallow.  The  quantity  of 
water  distends  the  gullet  above  the  lodged  food,  alters  its  po- 
sition, and  both  water  and  food  pass  into  the  stomach  with  a 
sudden  jerk.  If  th°  foregoing  efforts  fail,  make  a hook  with  a 
strong  iron  wire,  ora  *.Mn  and  narrow  flat  piece  of  iron,  suffici- 
ently long  not  to  slip  out  of  the  operator’s  hand.  The  hook 
should  be  covered  by  sewing  over  it  a piece  of  wash-leather  or 
tape.  This  is  to  be  introduced  into  the  throat,  and  by  that 
means  the  obstruction  removed.  A strong  emetic  will  some- 
times effect  the  purpose  when  other  means  fail;  mustard 
mixed  with  warm  water  is  as  efficacious  as  any. 

Frost-Bite  — Lengthened  exposure  to  the  cold  is  apt  to 
render  parts  of  the  body  numb  and  inanimate.  The  fingers, 
toes,  lips,  nose,  and  ears,  are  especially  liable  to  be  affected. 

Treatment. — To  restore  the  natural  warmth  of  the  part 


462 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


gradually  must  be  the  main  object;  and  on  no  account  must  a 
considerable  degree  of  heat  be  applied  suddenly,  as  it  would 
either  kill  the  part  outright,  or  cause  violent  inflammation  to 
result.  Friction  with  snow  or  cold  wrater  merely  should  be 
used,  until  the  circulation  is  somewhat  restored,  and  then  equal 
parts  of  brandy  or  some  other  spirit  mixed  with  cold  water 
may  be  applied,  until  the  restoration  is  completed.  Frost- 
bites are  apt  to  leave  troublesome  sores,  which  are  difficult  to 
heal.  The  red  precipitate  ointment  is  the  best  application; 
and,  if  much  inflamed,  they  should  be  poulticed. 

Sudden  Accidents  and  Injuries. — These  generally  take 
place  in  traveling.  The  first  thing  is  to  remove  any  pressure 
on  the  body,  and  allow  the  air  to  come  freely  to  the  injured 
portion.  If  violent  bleeding  be  perceived  from  any  part,  en* 
fig.  io7.  deavor  to  arrest  it,  by  placing 

on  it  a pad  of  folded  linen  and 
a bandage  (see  Fig.  107). 
Should  it  be  a limb,  and  the 
blood  be  of  a bright  scarlet, 
tie  a bandage  tightly  above 
the  part ; the  tightness  may  be  increased  by  inserting  a piece 
of  stick,  and  twisting  it  round,  as  in  Fig.  108.  Should  no  medi- 
cal man  be  obtainable,  the  bleeding  must  be  stopped  by  using 
fig.  io8.  a little  hook  called  a tenacu- 

lum, the  nearest  approach  to 
which  is  a shoemaker’s  sewing- 
awl.  This  is  put  into  the  wound, 
and  the  vessel  from  which  the 
blood  flows  hooked  and  drawn 
forward;  a piece  of  silk  is  then 
tied  round  the  vessel,  and  if  the 
blood  ceases  to  flow,  the  wound  is  drawn  together,  and  bound 
over  with  plaster.  If  blood  is  still  ejected  from  the  wound, 
there  must  be  other  arteries  injured,  which  must  be  treated  in 
fig.  m the  same  manner  before  the  wound 

be  closed.  Often  pressure,  long 
continued  with  the  finger,  will  stop 
the  bleeding,  as  in  Fig.  109.  If  no 
wound  be  perceptible,  and  the  lips 
and  face  pale,  the  hands  and  feet 
cold,  lay  the  person  out  flat,  apply 
warmth  to  the  body,  and  administer 
a little  brandy  and  water  every  few 
minutes,  and  afterwards  beef-tea, 
for  if  the  person  has  only  fain  tea  he  will  speedily  recover;  but 


CARPUS 


7)"~  v!?>XOr  9arPi  ulnaris. 

/{  Palmans  longus. 
?'~?u?aris  brevis. 

m ~w]lduct?r  Jninimi  dieiti. 
M.- F-lexor  brevis  minimi 

*r  fbgiti. 

—Tendon  flexor  sublimis 
of  4th  finger. 

*—Ten don  flexor  sublimis 
or  3d  finger. 

f''T^f^n«flexor  sublimis 
or  2d  finger. 

h— Tendon  flexor  sublimis 
of  1st  finger. 

-Flexor  sublimis  digitorum 
—Flexor  carpi  radialis?  ’ 
-Opponens  pollieis. 
-Abductor  pollieis. 

-flexor  brevis  pollieis. 
-Adductor  pollieis. 

-flexor  longus  pollieis. 

— Lumbncalis. 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


465 


if  the  injury  be  greater,  the  remedies  must  be  persevered  in 
for  hours,  and  every  attention  rendered.  Should  the  effects 
proceed  from  a blow,  that  is,  the  person  be  stunned,  then  raise 
the  head,  apply  warmth  to  the  feet,  and  some  pungent  smelling- 
salts  to  the  nose.  If  the  flesh  be  cut,  bathe  with  a sponge  and 
cold  water  until  all  the  dirt  be  cleared  away  and  the  bleeding 
stop ; then  bring  the  edges  of  the  wound  carefully  together, 
and  keep  them  so  by  strips  of  sticking-plaster  (see  Fig.  110). 
On  the  extremities,  a piece  of  linen  may  be  laid  over  the  wound, 
and  then  bandaged.  But  should  the  wound  be  extensive,  take 
a needle  threaded  with  silk,  dip  it  in  oil,  and  enter  the  skin 


Fig.  110. 


Fig.  111. 


about  one-eight  of  an  inch  deep,  tie  each  sticn  with  a knot  (see 
Fig.  Ill),  and  about  thirty  hours  afterwards  cut  the  silk,  and 
draw  out  the  thread.  If  the  part  have  a throbbing  sensation, 
bathe  it  with  cold  water.  In  cases  where  the  flesh  is  torn,  bring 
the  parts  gently  together,  and  lightly  strap  them  with  sticking- 
plaster.  If  a part  be  bruised,  let  it  remain  as  much  at  rest  as 
possible:  but,  if  severe,  get  the  person  to  bed,  and  apply  a 
cloth  dipped  in  cold  water  every  few  minutes.  Should  the 
part  bleed,  the  vessel  can  be  tied  as  before  directed.  Many 
persons  feel  themselves  shaken  without  any  positive  injury; 
but  we  would  advise,  in  this  case,  that  at  least  an  hour’s  rest 
be  taken  on  a couch  or  bed. 

Cuts. — For  small  and  simple  cuts,  treat  as  follows : 

Tie  it  up  at  once  with  a piece  of  linen  rag ; this  is  usually 
sufficient  to  stay  the  bleeding.  The  small  quantity  of  blood 
which  may  exude  quickly  dries  up  the  wound,  and  forms  a sort 
of  glue  which  effectually  excludes  the  air.  As  no  better  dress- 
ing can  be  used,  it  may  be  left  on  till  the  cut  is  well.  If  the 
bleeding  should  be  excessive,  it  should  be  checked  by  the  use 
of  cold  water  or  astringents,  such  as  turpentine  or  Friar’s  bal- 
sam, and  the  edges  of  the  cut  surface  brought  firmly  into  con- 
tact by  strips  of  sticking-plaster,  and,  if  necessary,  bandaged. 


466 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


Cuts  from  the  Flesh. — If  a piece  of  flesh  be  cut  out, 

wash  it,  and  the  part  from  which  it  was  cut,  without  a mo- 
ment’s loss  of  time,  replace  it  exactly  in  its  proper  place,  and 
keep  it  there  with  a piece  of  sticking-plaster.  If  the  piece  can 
not  be  replaced,  bath  the  part  with  cold  water  until  the  bleed- 
ing stops,  and  place  over  it  a piece  of  soft  linen,  as  directed 
on  p.  350. 

Stabs. — The  danger  of  such  accidents  is,  that  there  may 
be  some  important  deeply-seated  part  injured.  They  are 
treated  as  common  wounds  : the  bleeding  stopped  by  cold 
water  and  a sponge,  then  the  edges  brought  together  with 
strapping,  and  bound  up.  If  inflammation  set  in,  foment  with 
cold  water  for  a day  or  two,  then  with  warm  water,  and  apply 
poultices.  At  times,  when  apparently  healing,  there  will  be  a 
painful  sensation ; and  matter  formed  below  will  force  its  way 
out;  this  may  happen  more  than  once.  The  patient  should  be 
kept  quiet  in  bed  for  several  days. 

Bandy  Legs. — A child  is  sometimes  born  bandy,  but  more 
frequently  becomes  so  through  being  suffered  to  walk  or  stand 
before  the  legs  have  strength  sufficient  to  support  the  body.  In 
either  case,  the  evil  may  be  removed  or  considerably  amended 
by  proper  care  and  attention. 

Treatment. — Bathe  the  legs  two  or  three  times  a day  in 
bay-salt  and  water,  and  afterwards  rub  them  briskly  with  the 
hand.  Where  sea-bathing  can  be  obtained,  it  is  of  course  the 
best;  and  where  it  is  inconvenient  to  take  the  child  to  the  sea, 
sea-water  can  be  brought  into  the  house  for  the  purpose.  With 
regard  to  irons,  splints,  bandages,  etc.,  it  is  better  not  to  apply 
these  except  under  medical  advice  and  supervision.  In  many 
cases  the  appliances  will  do  more  harm  than  good. 

With  females,  bandy  legs  are  more  serious  deformities  than 
with  males,  as  they  are  connected  with  malformation  of  the 
pelvis,  and  other  bones  which  enclose  the  uterus,  and  so  inter- 
fere with  the  formation,  growth,  or  delivery  of  the  foetus. 

Proud  Flesh. — This  is  a name  applied  to  the  red  granula- 
tions which  often  appear  on  the  surface  of  wounds  and  ulcers. 
If  they  rise  above  the  level  of  the  skin  they  may  be  destroyed 
by  a caustic  application,  such  as  the  nitrate  of  silver  or  sulphate 
of  copper  (blue-stone) ; a few  grains  of  red  precipitate,  or  a 
little  powdered  lump-sugar.  The  first-named  of  the  above  is 
the  most  effectual,  but  care  should  be  taken,  in  applying  it, 
only  to  touch  the  spots  themselves. 

Ingrowing  Nails. — It  often  happens  that  a tight  or  ill- 
made  shoe,  by  continual  pressure  on  one  part  of  the  nail,  forces 
it  into  tfle  flesh;  arid  then  causes  great  pain  and  inconvenience. 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


467 


Treatment  for  the  Toe. — First  procure  an  easier  shoe,  which 
will  allow  the  nail  to  take  its  natural  course ; then  take  a piece 
of  glass,  and  with  it  scrape  the  whole  length  of  the  middle  of 
the  nail  persistently,  and  yet  with  a delicate  hand.  By  this 
means  the  centre  of  the  nail  will  eventually  be  rendered  so 
thin,  that  it  may  be  readily  bent,  and  in  this  flexible  condition 
it  gives  way  to  the  upward  pressure  of  the  skin  on  its  outward 
edges,  readily  bends,  and  offers  no  further  resistance.  The 
cause  of  irritation  being  withdrawn,  the  tenderness  soon  heals, 
and  the  proud  flesh  drops  down. 

An  ingrowing  nail  may  be  caused  by  an  improper  mode  of 
cutting  it.  Nails  should  never  be  clipped  at  the  corners,  but 
cut  straight  across  the  top,  if  anything,  slightly  scopped  in  the 
middle.  This  leaves  a sufficient  amount  of  resistance  at  the 
corners;  for  wear  what  shoes  we  may,  there  must  always  be  a 
certain  degree  of  pressure  on  the  nail,  which  should  be  pro- 
vided for. 

Treatment  for  the  Finger. — Wrap  the  affected  finger  in  a 
compress  moistened  with  a lotion  made  as  follows  : Liquor  of 
ammonia,  one  ounce ; camphorated  alcohol,  one  drachm ; bay  salt, 
quarter  of  an  ounce ; water,  three  quarters  of  a pint ; mix,  and 
shake  well  together.  After  ten  minutes,  remove  this,  and  re- 
place it  by  a compress  anointed  with  camphor  pomatum,  and 
kept  in  place  till  next  dressing  by  a rubber  finger-stall  drawn 
over  it.  Then  dissolve  one  and  a quarter  ounces  of  camphor  in 
a .gill  of  brandy,  wet  a narrow  band  wbh  this  solution,  place  it 
round  the  root  of  the  nail,  and  let  it  remain  there  until  the  next 
dressing. 

The  finger-nails  should  be  cut  of  an  oval  shape,  correspond- 
ing with  the  form  of  the  finger  ; they  should  not  be  allowed  to 
grow  too  long,  as  they  thereby  are  rendered  more  liable  to 
accident ; neither  should  they  be  too  short,  as  they  thus  deprive 
the  ends  of  the  fingers  of  their  protection  and  support.  When 
the  nails  are  naturally  ragged  or  ill-formed,  they  should  be 
gently  scraped,  afterwards  rubbed  with  lemon,  then  rinsed  with 
water,  and  well  dried  with  a towel.  If  the  nails  grow  more  to 
one  side  than  the  other,  they  should  be  cut  in  such  a manner 
as  to  make  the  points  come  as  near  as  possible  to  the  centre  of 
the  end  of  the  finger. 

Dislocations. — By  this  term,  we  understand  a displace- 
ment, by  violence,  of  one  part  of  a joint  from  its  natural  con- 
nection to  the  other.  By  a knowledge  of  the  structure  of  the 
joint,  we  are  enabled  to  lay  down  rules  by  which  the  displaced 
bone  may  be  returned  or  reduced.  The  ligaments  which  have 


468 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


been  torn  asunder  re-unite,  and  the  joint  regains  its  healthy 
structure.  The  sooner  this  is  done  the  better,  and  the  easier 
will  it  be  effected  ; but  the  attempt  may  be  made  even  after 
the  expiration  of  three  or  four  weeks,  if  in  the  larger  joints. 
After  this  period,  the  displaced  hone  adheres  to  the  part  it  is 
in  contact  with,  and  the  attempt  should  not  be  made  but  by  an 
experienced  surgeon.  After  the  reduction,  inflammation  of  a 
mild  character  may  follow,  which  the  application  of  a few 
leeches  will  suffice  to  remove.  The  joint  may  be  bound  up 
lightly  with  a wet  band,  and  cold  water,  or  vinegar  and  water, 
applied. 

Dislocation  of  the  Lower  Jaw. — Symptoms. — The 
mouth  is  fixed  open,  pain  in  front  of  the  ear,  and  extending  up 
to  the  temples.  This  state  of  the  jaw  occurs  suddenly,  while 
gaping,  eating,  or  talking,  while  the  jaw  is  in  motion,  and  is  apt 
to  recur. 

Treatment. — Place  the  patient  on  a low  seat,  cover  the  two 
thumbs  with  a silk  pocket-handkerchief,  pass  the  thumbs  into 
the  mouth,  and  press  with  force,  slowly  applied,  on  the  last  four 
lower  teeth,  and  at  the  same  time  raise  the  chin,  pushing  the 
jaw  backwards.  Considerable  pressure  is  required  by  the 
thumbs ; two  pieces  of  wood  may  be  employed  as  a substitute 
for  the  thumbs. 

Dislocation  of  the  End  of  the  Collar-Bone. — Either 

end  of  the  collar-bone  may  be  dislocated  by  a blow  or  a fall, 
indicated  by  a swelling  over  the  joints  which  the  bone  forms 
either  with  the  breast-bone  or  shoulder-blade,  and  by  the  sud- 
denness of  its  occurrence.  The  treatment  is  very  much  lik 
that  of  the  fracture  of  the  collar-bone,  to  which  reference  must 
be  made.  A pad  of  lint  should  be  put  on  the  swelling,  and  the 
arm  raised  high  in  a sling.  This  accident  will  require  three 
weeks’  rest. 

Dislocation  of  the  Shoulder. — Symptoms.  — Flatness  of 
the  shoulder,  compared  with  the  roundness  of  the  sound  side; 
inability  to  move  the  arm ; the  elbow  placed  at  from  two  to 
three  inches  from  the  side ; the  attempt  to  press  it  to  the  side 
occasioning  pain  in  the  shoulder.  If  the  fingers  be  passed  up 
under  the  arm  to  the  armpit,  the  head  of  the  bone  will  be  felt 
out  of  the  socket,  and  may  be  revolved  to  make  it  perceptible. 

Treatment. — A round  or  jack  towel,  through  which  the  arm 
should  be  drawn;  the  towel  carried  up  to  the  armpit  and 
twisted  over  the  shoulder,  and  the  two  ends  thus  twisted  passed 
over  the  back  of  the  neck,  and  fixed  into  a staple  by  a rope,  or 
otherwise.  Wash-leather,  or  other  soft  material,  to  be  wound 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


4GD 


around  the  arm,  just  below  the  elbow ; a close  liitch-knot  of 
quarter-inch  line  made  upon  it.  The  patient  to  be  placed  in  a 
chair  and  held  firmly,  or  to 
lie  down  on  a bed,  and  fixed. 

The  arm  may  be  drawn 
slowly  and  steadily,  at  an 
angle  half  way  between  hori- 
zontal and  vertical,  and  the 
extension  to  be  continued  for 
ten  minutes  to  a quarter  of 
an  hour, — during  which,  fre- 
quently, the  surgeon  or  su- 
perintendent should  raise 
the  arm,  near  the  upper  or 
dislocated  end,  upward,  with 
his  two  hands,  with  some  force:  the  head  will  return  into 
the  socket  with  a sound  or  slight  shock.  If  the  head  of  the 
bone  be  thrown  forward  on  the  chest,  the  extension  to  be  car- 
ried a little  backward ; if  backward,  a little  forward.  After 
reduction,  a sling  and  three  weeks’  to  a months’  rest.  The  re- 
duction may  also  be  effected  by  laying  the  patient  on  the 
ground  on  his  back,  while  the  operator  places  his  right  heel  in 
the  left  armpit  (as  in  Fig.  112),  if  the  dislocation  occur  on  the 
left  side ; and  his  left  heel  in  the  right  armpit,  if  it  occur  on  the 
the  right  side,  and  makes  a powerful  extension  on  the  affected 
arm  by  both  hands. 

Dislocation  of  the  Elbow-Joint. — The  elbow-joint  con- 
sists of  three  bones — the  bone  of  the  arm  spreading  out  across 
the  joint,  and  the  radius  outside,  the  ulna  inside.  The  me 
common  dislocation  is  when  both  radius  and  ulna  are  throY 
backward. 

Fig.  113.  THE  elbow-joint. 

1,  the  Humerus,  or  upper  hone  of  tlk 
arm;  2,  the  Ulna;  3,  the  Radius;— these 
two  being  the  lower  bones,  they  are  all  held 
together  by  ligaments  connected  with  both 
extremities  of  the  bones,  and  with  the 
shaft ; 4 marks  the  insertion  of  the  external 
lateral  ligament,  which  passes  beneath 
into  the  orbicular  ligament  5,  of  which  the 
hinder  part  (6)  is  spread  out  at  its  inser- 
tion into  the  Ulna;  7 marks  the  situation 
of  the  anterior  1 gament,  scarcely  seen  in 
this  view;  and  8 is  the  posterior  ligament, 
thrown  into  folds  by  the  extension  of  the 
joint.  There  are  other  ligaments  not 
shown  here : nor  are  the  muscles  by  which 
the  complicated  movements  of  the  joint 
are  effected. 

Symptoms. — The  joint  motionless,  a little  bent;  skin  tight 
in  front  of  the  joint;  a projection  behind  formed  by  the  elbow, 


470 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


which,  with  its  tendon,  is  pushed  back.  The  joint  can  neither 
he  bent  nor  straightened. 

Treatment. — Two  men  will  be  sufficient  generally,  unless 
the  patient  be  very  muscular.  Extension  to  be  made  in  a 
straight  direction  by  both.  The  force  required  is  not  gen- 
erally very  great,  and  the  reduction  takes  place  commonly 
with  a snap.  Both  bones  may  be  forced  forwards — when  this 
accident  occurs,  the  elbow  is  broken.  The  imperfect  line  of 
the  joint  will  be  readily  observed  when  a comparison  is  made 
with  the  opposite  joint. 

Reduction. — Simple  extension,  as  before ; and,  when  reduced, 
the  joint  should  be  placed  straight,  and  bound  on  to  a splint. 
This  accident  will  require  from  five  to  six  weeks.  Other  acci- 
dents of  this  kind  occur  to  the  elbow-joint,  but  they  may  all  be 
treated  on  the  same  principle,  namely,  forcing  the  bones  back 
to  their  natural  position,  which  may  be  ascertained  on  com- 
parison with  the  opposite  sound  limb,  or  the  limb  of  another 
person. 

Dislocation  of  the  Fingers  and  Toes. — Dislocation  of 
the  fingers  and  toes  are  of  rare  occurrence ; and,  when  they  do 
happen,  it  is  generally  between  the  first  and  second  joints. 
They  may  be  easily  known  by  the  projection  of  the  dislocated 
bones,  and  reduced  without  much  difficulty,  if  done  soon  after 
the  accident. 

Treatment. — Fig.  114  will  show  the  method  of  reduction; 
the  clove-hitch,  made  with  a piece  of  stout  tape,  may  be  used  if 
there  is  much  difficulty ; the  wrist  during  the  operation  should 
have  a slight  forward  inclination  given  to  it.  This  -will  relax 
he  flexor  muscles. 

Dislocation  of  the  Wrist- Joint. — The  hand  may  be 
breed  backward  or  forward, 
at  this  accident  is  very  un- 
common. The  nature  of  the 
case  will  be  apparent  to  the 
slightest  observation. 

Treatment. — The  hand  should 
be  grasped  firmly  by  a power- 
ful man,  and  drawn  straight.  If  the  hand  slips,  a bandage  may 
be  applied  around  it  to  aid  the  application  of  the  extending 
force:  but  all  that  is  required  is  full  extension,  by  which  the 
hand  may  be  drawn  straight.  The  same  observation  will  apply 
to  dislocation  of  the  fingers. 

Dislocation  of  the  Hip-Joint. — These  dislocations  are 
very  important  and  very  numerous,  being  not  less  than  four  in 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


471 


iiuinber.  The  hip-joint  consists  of  the  head  of  the  thigh-bone 
and  the  socket  formed  by  the  pelvis,  or  continuation  of  the 
haunch-bone,  toward  the  middle  of  the  body.  These  accidents 
generally  arise  from  a fall  from  a height,  or  a very  severe  blow, 
and  are  attended  with  severe  injury  to  the  structure  of  the 
joint  and  surrounding  parts,  although  the  consequences  are  not 
generally  so  severe  as  fracture  of  the  neck  of  the  thigh,  de- 
tailed above. 

The  head  may  be  thrown  from  the  socket  in  four  direc- 
tions: First — upward  and  backward.  Second — backward. 

Third — downward  and  inward.  Fourth — upward  and  inward. 

The  most  frequent  is  the  first — upward  and  backward. 

Symptoms. — Shortening  of  the  ieg  to  the  extent  of  about 
two  inches.  The  foot  is  turned  in,  and  lies  over  the  opposite 
foot;  the  ball  of  the  great  toe  toward  the  opposite  instep;  the 
leg  cannot  be  turned  out,  nor  the  attempt  made  without  pain. 
On  examining  the  side  of  the  buttock  where  the  head  is  thrown, 
it  will  be  felt  on  the  bone,  with  the  great  projection  formed  by 
the  end  of  the  shaft  of  the  bone,  placed  in  front  of  it.  If  the 
leg  is  rotated,  the  head  and  the  great  process,  or  prominence 
(trochanter),  will  be  felt  to  revolve  also.  The  line  of  the  thigh 
is  altogether  too  far  outwards. 

Treatment. — A round  or  jack  towel  should  be  applied,  as  in 
the  case  of  the  dislocation  of  the  shoulder,  and  drawn  up  around 
the  thigh  as  high  as  possible,  and  twisted  over  the  hip-bone 
somewhat  tightly,  and  fixed  behind  into  a staple.  Wash-leather 
or  a soft  towel,  to  be  wound  around  the  thigh,  about  the  knee, 
and  around  this  the  cord  or  line  with  two  clove-hitches,  one  on 
each  side  of  the  thigh.  The  aid  of  six  men  will  be  required, 
who  must  draw  very  slowly  and  very  cautiously.  The  patient 
should  be  placed  nearly  on  the  sound  side,  and  the  limb  should 
be  drawn  a little  across  the  other  limb;  and  after  it  has  begun 
to  descend,  yet  a little  more  across  the  opposite  leg.  When 
the  thigh  is  fully  extended  it  will  generally  reduce  itself,  and 
may  be  heard  to  return  into  the  socket  with  a snap.  Should  it 
not  do  so,  the  superintendent  should  take  the  thigh  high  up  to- 
wards the  trunk  in  his  hands,  and  raise  it,  and  use  a round 
towel,  passed  under  the  limb  and  over  his  neck,  and  raise  it, 
twisting  it  outwards  at  the  same  time. 

Dislocation  Backward.  — Symptoms. — The  symptoms 
are  nearly  the  same,  except  that  the  shortening  is  less,  and  the 
turning  in  of  the  foot  less  also ; but  both  the  symptoms  exist 
in  a degree.  The  head  of  the  bone  lies  lower  down,  and  is  less 
apparent  to  the  hand  when  pressing  on  it. 


472 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


Treatment . — The  reduction  is  effected  by  the  application 
of  nearly  the  same  means.  The  limb  should,  however,  be  drawn 
rather  more  over  the  opposite  limb.  When  fully  extended,  it 
should  be  turned  outwards,  when  the  head  will  slip  into  the 
socket. 

Dislocation  Downward  and  Inward— Symptoms.— 
The  leg  is  a little  lengthened,  and  is  drawn  forward  on  the 
trunk;  or,  if  placed  straight  downward  on  the  ground,  the 
trunk  will  be  bent  forward  as  in  a stooping  posture ; the  toe 
points  a little  outward.  The  line  of  the  thigh,  when  compared 
with  its  fellow,  is  directed  too  much  inward  toward  the  middle 
of  the  body,  and  also  too  far  backward.  The  thigh  should  be 
moved  in  all  directions,  slightly,  to  ascertain  that  it  is  fixed  in 
this  position. 

Treatment. — Apparatus  applied  as  before,  patient  lying 
upon  his  back ; extension  to  be  made  downward  and  outward, 
and  when  brought  down,  after  some  minutes7  extension,  the 
thigh  should  be  forced  in  its  upper  end,  outwards,  by  the  hand, 
or  the  towel  being  placed  between  the  thigh  and  drawn  in  the 
direction  opposite  to  that  of  the  dislocation,  namely,  upwards 
and  outwards. 

Dislocation  Upward  and  Inward— This  is  the  most 
formidable  of  all  these  dislocations. 

Symptoms. — The  leg  is  shortened,  and,  like  the  last  disloca- 
tion, drawn  forward  on  the  body,  as  though  in  the  act  of  step- 
ping to  walk.  Both  these  last  symptoms  are  more  strongly 
marked  than  in  the  former.  A swelling,  caused  by  the  head  of 
the  bone,  is  apparent  at  the  groin,  and  the  bone  is  firmly  fixed. 

Treatment. — The  same  means  as  before,  and  nearly  the 
same  direction  as  the  last  accident,  except  that  the  limb  should 
be  drawn  outward  and  more  backward.  These  two  last  dis- 
locations may  be  reduced  in  the  sitting  posture  of  the  patient, 
and  in  that  position  drawn  round  a bed-post.  A month’s  rest  is 
required,  or  even  more. 

Dislocation  Of  the  Knee-pan— The  knee-pan  {'patella) 
may  be  forced  off  the  end  of  the  thigh-bone  either  outward  or 
inward ; but  the  latter  is  very  rare.  Displacement  outward  is 
generally  caused  by  sudden  and  violent  action  of  the  muscles  of 
the  thigh. 

Symptoms. — The  appearance  of  the  bone  on  the  outside  of 
the  knee  joint,  instead  of  in  front,  attended  with  pain,  stiffness 
of  the^knee,  and  inability  to  walk  without  much  pain. 

Treatment. — The  leg  must  be  bent  forwards  on  the  trunk, 
and  the  knee  straightened  as  much  as  possible;  the  bone  is 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


473 


then  to  be  forced  back  by  the  pressure  of  the  hand.  When  it 
is  returned,  the  knee  should  be  very  slightly  bent,  and  placed 
over  a pillow.  From  three  weeks  to  a month  will  be  required. 

The  Ankle. — The  ankle  is  the  joint  fig.  115. 

which  connects  the  foot  with  the  leg. 

It  is  called  a hinge-joint,  and  is  formed 
of  the  extremities  of  the  large  and 
small  bones  of  the  latter  (1,  2),  and  the 
smooth  surface  of  the  Astralagus  (3),  a 
bone  of  the  former,  articulated  to- 
gether, and  kept  in  their  places  by 
strong  ligaments  (4,  5). 

Dislocation  of  th3  foot  at  the 
Ankle-joint — The  foot  may  be  forced 
inward,  outward,  forward,  and  back- 
wards. Of  these  the  second  (outwards)  is  by  for  the  most  fre- 
quent. It  is  generally  accompanied  by  fracture  of  the  small  or 
outer  bone  of  the  leg,  about  four  inches  above  the  ankle-joint. 
On  comparing  the  dislocated  with  the  opposite  foot,  the  distor- 
tion will  be  apparent. 

Treatment. — The  foot  should  be  held  firmly  by  a strong 
man,  by  the  heel  and  by  the  front,  and  drawn  steadily  down- 
wards, and  forced  back  into  its  position.  A little  backward  and 
forward  movement  of  the  foot  or  the  ankle  will  facilitate  its 
return. 

The  other  dislocations  may  be  ascertained  by  comparison 
with  the  opposite  foot,  and  should  all  be  reduced  on  the  same 
principle,  and  by  the  same  means,  as  the  dislocation  outwards, 
above  described. 

Fractures. — One  of  the  commonest  accidents,  to  which  all 
are  liable,  is  a fracture  of  one  or  other  of  the  bones,  which  is 
often  produced  by  a slight  fall,  or  some  other  trifling  accident, 
especially  in  very  cold  weather,  when  the  bones  are  more  brit- 
tle than  at  any  other  time. 

Treatment. — The  patient  should  be  laid  on  a door  or  shutter, 
the  limbs  tied  together  or  placed  as  near  as  possible  in  a natural 
position,  and  carried  by  two  or  four  bearers.  For  a few  days, 
a limb  should  not  be  “ put  up,”  but  loosely  bandaged  in  its 
proper  posture,  and  an  evaporating  lotion  applied  till  the  swell- 
ing begins  to  abate.  The  consequence  of  a broken  bone  is  the 
entire  incapacity  of  the  limb  or  the  part  to  perform  its  func- 
tions in  the  economy,  until  the  bone  is  not  only  united,  but  so 
firmly  knit  as  to  render  it  fitted  for  a cautious  return  to  its 
duties.  A bone  requires  for  this  purpose  a period  proportion- 


474 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


ate  to  its  size,  bulk,  etc.,  the  extremes  being  from  about  three 
weeks  to  twelve — or  what  is  termed  simple  fractures ; but  in 
compound  fractures — where  the  soft  parts  about  the  broken 
bone  are  largely  torn,  communicating  with  the  external  air  by^ 
a wound  of  the  integument — these  periods  must  be  greatly  ex- 
tended. 

Fractures  of  the  Skull— Little  can  be  said  on  this  sub- 
ject, inasmuch  that  the  injury  is  essentially  dangerous  in  its  na- 
ture, and  the  aid  from  surgery  comparatively  less  than  in  or- 
dinary fractures.  It  may  be  attended  with  deep  sleep,  snoring, 
and  insensibility  to  pain,  evidenced  by  pinching,  Ac.,  it  may  be 
inferred  that  a portion  of  bone  is  pressing  on,  or  into  the  brain. 

Whether  the  external  skin  be  broken  or  not,  an  examina- 
tion should  be  made,  provided  the  situation  of  the  blow  be 
clearly  indicated  by  the  fracture  being  perceptible  to  the  touch, 
or  by  blood  being  effused  under  the  skin.  A cut  may  be  made 
two  or  three  inches  in  length  down  to  the  bone;  if  arteries 
bleed,  they  should  be  seized  with  a pair  of  forceps  and  tied 
with  a piece  of  silk  thread,  the  ends  of  which  may  be  cut  off. 
When  the  bone  is  exposed,  by  one  or  two  incisions  as  may  be 
required,  the  depressed  bone  should  be  raised  by  a chisel,  or 
some  similar  instrument,  to  its  natural  level;  any  pieces  of 
separated  bone  should  be  removed  entirely,  the  surface  sponged 
clean,  and  lastly,  the  skin  or  scalp  brought  together ; the  hair 
around  having  been  shaven  off,  the  wound  is  to  be  re-united  by 
sticking-plaster.  Twenty-four  hours  after,  when  inflammation 
appears,  give  doses  of  five  to  ten  drops  of  tincture  of  veratrum 
viride,  every  one  or  two  hours,  if  the  pulse  becomes  full,  and 
the  skin  hot,  and  the  brain  excited. 

Fracture  of  the  Finger. — After  employing  extension, 
and  thus  bringing  the  ends  of  the  bone  together,  place,  a small 
smooth  piece  of  wood,  or  of  gutta  percha,  on  the  under,  and 
another  on  the  upper  side,  and  proceed  to  bandage  somewhat 
tightly,  so  as  to  keep  the  finger  extended ; put  the  arm  in  a 
sling,  and  keep  it  so  for  a month.  If  the  injured  part  swells 
and  becomes  painful,  the  bandage  must  be  loosened,  and  a cold 
lotion  applied ; this  is  generally  by  no  means  a difficult  case  tc 
treat. 

Fracture  of  the  Bones  of  the  Hand  or  Finger  — 

These  bones,  which  intervene  between  the  wrist  and  the  fingers 
should  be  treated  in  the  following  manner:  place  in  the  palm 
of  the  hand,  a soft,  but  firm,  spherical  body,  and  closing  the 
fingers  and  thumb  over  it,  in  a grasping  position,  keep  them  sc 
with  a bandage ; by  this  means  the  natural  arch  is  preserved 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


475 


which  it  will  not  be  if  flat  splints  are  applied.  In  this  case, 
too,  the  arm  had  better  be  slung,  and  from  a month  to  five 
weeks  will  be  required  to  effect  a union. 

Fracture  of  the  Fore-Arm. — May  be  either  of  the  ulna 
or  the  radius,  or  of  both : the  former  is  the  outer  and  thicker 
bone  of  the  two  (see  Fig.  116),  and  the  fracture  of  this  does  not 
much  disturb  the  general  outline  of  the  arm ; it  may  be  broken 
at  any  part  of  its  length,  or  at  the  elbow  process,  called  Ole * 
cranon  (3),  or  at  (4).  In  the  first  case  the  plan  will  be  to  bend 
the  elbow,  and  bring  the  hand  into  such  a position  that  the 
thumb  points  upwards ; use  extension  until  no  unevenness  can 
be  discovered  in  the  course  of  the  bone,  and  then  apply  two 
splints,  the  inner  one  reaching  from  the  bend  of  the  elbow  tc 
the  tips  of  the  fingers,  and  the  outer  from  a little  beyond  the 
elbow  to  the  middle  of  the  back  of  the  hand,  which  should  be 
raised  well  towards  the  chest  so  as  to  make  a 
sharp  angle  and  draw  the  ulna  from  the  radius. 
When  the  fracture  is  in  this  latter  bone  (2)  the 
same  method  must  be  adopted,  only  that  the  hand 
must  be  depressed  instead  of  raised,  in  order  to 
keep  the  two  bones  apart.  When  these  are  both 
fractured,  the  setting  is,  of  course,  more  difficult, 
and  much  time  has  often  to  be  spent  in  extension 
and  manipulation,  before  the  four  broken  ends 
can  be  brought  properly  together.  The  splints 
should  be  put  on  as  above  directed,  bandaging 
the  hand  firmly  to  the  longer  one,  and  placing  it 
so  that  it  is  neither  raised  nor  depressed,  but  in  a 
right  line  with  the  axis  of  the  arm.  When  there 
is  fracture  of  the  olecranon  there  is  little  or  no  power 
of  extension  in  the  elbow,  behind  which  a bony 
lump  may  be  felt.  A true  osseous  union  in  this 
case  is  scarcely  to  be  looked  for;  but  the  injury 
will  probably  be  repaired  by  a band  of  ligament. 
There  is  commonly  inflammation  and  swelling, 
which  must  be  reduced  before  pressure  can  be 
applied ; the  arm  should  be  kept  straight,  and 
wet  with  cold  lotion;  and  apply  a splint  as  soon 
as  it  can  be  borne;  let  it  be  a long  one,  reaching 
*>n  the  inside  from  the  shoulder  to  the  hand.  Bandage  the  arm 
in  a straight  position,  beginning  from  the  top,  and  making,  as 
you  go,  extension  downward,  so  as  to  get  the  broken  bone  into  its 
place;  it  is  long  ere  the  limb  is  in  a serviceable  condition  after 
a fracture  like  this.  When  the  coronoid  process  is  broken,  the 


476 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


matter  is  more  easily  managed.  The  fore-arm  must  be  ban- 
daged in  a bent  position,  and  kept  so.  In  about  a month,  slight 
exertion  of  the  limb  may  be  allowed,  but  there  must  be  great 
care  taken  that  it  is  not  too  violent. 

Fracture  Of  the  Humerus,  or  upper  arm-bone,  very 
commonly  takes  place  in  the  shaft,  or  any  part  of  which,  within 
an  inch  and  a half  of  the  extremities.  It  is  easily  detected  by 
the  mobility  of  the  limb  at  the  seat-of  the  injury,  and  the  pa* 
tient’s  incapability  of  raising  the  elbow  ; the  broken  ends  of  the 
bone,  too,  may  readily  be  felt,  and  the  crepitation  heard,  when 
they  are  rubbed  together.  In  this  case,  two  wooden  splints 
will  be  required — one  to  go  before  and  the  other  behind;  cr. 
if  the  arm  is  very  muscular,  four  may  be  fig.  117. 

necessary  to  embrac  it  properly ; they 
should  be  padded  with  tow,  wadding,  or 
lint,  ^s  here  represented,  and  furnished 
with  tapes,  to  buckle  or  tie,  as  may  be 
most  convenient.  The  padding  should 
be  placed  upon  a soft  piece  of  cotton  or  linen,  a little  longer 
than  the  splint  at  each  end,  and  three  times  as  broad ; turn  in 
the  ends  and  sides,  so  that  the  pad  is  a little  larger  than  the 
splini  every  way,  and  about  half  an  inch  thick,  and  make  all 
fast  by  tacking ; place  the  turned- 
in  ends  of  the  cotton  next  the  wood, 
so  that  there  is  a smooth  surface 
presented  to  the  skin.  The  tapes, 
three  in  number,  are  put  on  to  the 
splints  double,  so  that  there  is  a 
loop  at  one  end  (1),  through  which, 
after  it  has  encircled  the  limb,  the 
other  end  is  passed  (2),  then  drawn 
tight  and  tied  to  remaining  end  (3),  with  a bow-knot,  as  shown 
in  Fig.  118.  A bandage,  very  easity  loosened,  may  be  made  in 
this  way  of  a strip  of  cotton  or  broad  tape.  The  setting  of  the 
bone  is  not  difficult  in  this  case;  the  ends  are  easily  brought 
together,  and  being  so,  the  splints  may  be  placed  and  made 
firm  by  the  means  of  the  looped  tapes;  these  should  not,  at 
first,  be  drawn  tighter  than  is  required  to  keep  the  splints  right, 
and  prevent  movement  of  the  arm.  After  the  first  few  days, 
when  the  swelling  has  subsided,  a more  permanent  invest- 
ment of  the  limb  may  be  made.  First  give  it  a pretty  firm  roll 
of  bandage,  then  place  two  splints,  one  on  each  side,  of  stout 
paste-board,  gutta-percha,  or  leather,  cut  so  that  they  will  come 
down  and  cover  part  of  the  fore-arm,  as  represented  by  the 


Fig.  118. 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


477 


dotted  lines  in  Fig.  119.  The  splints  should  have  been  pre- 
viously shaped,  or  moulded,  to  the  sound  arm,  and  should  be  well 
fixed  by  more  bandage,  which,  as  it  is  rolled, 
should  be  brushed  over  with  starch  to  pre- 
vent it  slipping.  Sometimes,  where  there  is 
not  much  muscle,  the  starch  bandage  is  alone 
used;  but,  in  this  case,  the  whole  of  it  must 
be  well  saturated  with  strong  starch,  paste, 
gum,  or  white  of  egg,  with  strips  of  brown 
paper  stuck  down  across  the  folds  here  and 
there.  Care  must  be  taken  not  to  move  the 
arm  until  all  this  is  dry  and  firmly  set.  The 
hand  and  wrist  must  be  supported  with  a 
sling,  but  the  elbow  had  better  hang  free,  as 
its  weight  will  tend  to  keep  the  bone  straight 
and  the  muscles  extended. 

Fracture  of  the  Neck  of  the  Humerus  is  that  which 
takes  place  when  the  upper  extremity,  or  head,  is  broken  off. 

The  symptoms  here  are  very  much 
like  those  which  attend  dislocation  of 
the  shoulder,  and  the  treatment  must 
be  much  the  same.  DraAv  down  the 
shaft  of  the  bone,  and  push  up  the 
head  by  means  of  a pad  in  the  arm-pit; 
then  bringing  the  arm  close  to  the 
body,  with  the  lower  part  at  right 
angles  with  the  upper,  fix  it  to  the 
chest  by  a splint  on  its  outside,  and  a 
long  bandage  encircling  it  and  the 
whole  body,  as  shown  in  Fig.  120. 

Fracture  of  the  Condyles— This 
is  when  the  lower  part  of  the  humerus 
is  the  seat  of  the  injury,  the  condyles 
being  the  rounded  eminences  which  fit  into  the  socket-like  hol- 
lows at  the  head  of  the  ulna  to  form  the  elbow-joint. 

Treatment. — Bend  the  elbow  to  a considerable  angle,  and 
keep  it  so  by  means  of  bent  splints  of  gutta-percha,  or  mill- 
board,  moulded  to  the  shape,  the  first  being  softened  by 
heat,  the  last  by  moisture.  Bandage,  and  keep  all  quiet  un- 
til adhesion  of  the  bone  takes  place,  then  put  the  arm  in  a 
sling,  and  let  it  remain  thus  supported  for  a month  or  six 
weeks. 

Fracture  of  the  Shoulder-Blade. — This  commonly  hap- 
pens near  the  neck,  and  is  very  likely  to  be  confounded  with 


Fig.  120. 


478 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


dislocation  of  the  shoulder,  or  fracture  of  the  neck  of  the  hu* 
merus,  like  which  it  should  be  treated,  only  that  the  arm,  in- 
stead of  being  drawn  down,  must  be  supported. 

Fracture  of  the  Collar-Bone. — This  is,  perhaps,  one  of 
the  commonest  accidents  of  the  kind  that  can  happen,  and  one 
of  the  most  easily  detected.  It  is  generally  occasioned  by  a 
blow  on  the  shoulder,  which  falls  forward,  pushing  the  ends  of 
fig.  121.  the  broken  bone  one  over  the  other. 

The  main  object  in  the  treatment 
must  therefore  be,  to  keep  the 
shoulder  back  until  the  bone  has 
united,  and  become  sufficiently  firm 
to  do  this  without  artificial  aid. 
This  end  is  accomplished  by  various 
means,  but  the  following  plan  is  the 
most  simple  and  successful  for  un- 
professional adoption  (see  Fig.  121). 
A wedge-shaped  pad  of  any  soft 
material — a pair  of  old  stockings, 
for  instance — is  made,  and  put  in 
the  middle  of  a small  shawl,  or  a 
large  handkerchief ; it  is  then  placed  well  under  the  arm,  but 
on  the  injured  side  (1) ; the  ends  of  the  envelope  are  brought, 
back  and  front,  over  the  opposite  shoulder,  then  crossed,  and 
tied  beneath  the  sound  arm  (2)  ; another  broad  bandage  of 
some  kind  is  then  passed  several  times  round  the  body  and 
injured  arm  (3),  so  as  to  bind  the  latter  closely  to  the  for- 
mer in  such  a manner  that  the  pad  beneath  the  arm-pit  acts 
as  a fulcrum,  and  allows  the  outer  end  of  the  broken  collar- 
bone to  be  pulled  backward  and  outward  during  the  process 
of  binding,  which,  when  completed,  sets  it  fast  in  the  right 
position.  We  have  then  only  to  envelop  the  whole  of  the 
fore-arm  in  a sling,  and  the  apparatus  is  complete  ; it  should 
be  worn  a month  at  least.  If  the  arm  exhibits  a tendency 
to  swell,  it  must  be  bandaged  from  the  fingers  upwards. 

Sometimes  the  collar-bone  is  broken  externally,  near  the 
point  of  attachment  to  the  coracoid  process.  In  this  cass 
there  is  scarcely  any  displacement  of  the  fractured  ends,  and 
little  need  be  done  beyond  keeping  the  patient  quiet,  and 
slinging  the  arm.  In  any  fracture  withinside  of  this  point, 
the  arm  falls  down,  and  is  drawn  inward,  and  the  above 
should  be  the  plan  of  treatment. 

Fractures  of  the  Ribs  commonly  result  from  a fall  or 
blow,  and  may  be  complete  or  only  partial,  involving  one  or 
more  of  the  bones. 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


479 


Symptoms. — A sharp  pain  is  felt  at  the  injured  spot,  especi 
ally  in  breathing  and  coughing  ; irregularity  to  the  touch 
and  distinct  crepitation. 

Treatment. — The  chief  risk  involved  is  injury  to  the  lungs, 
from  the  sharp  ends  of  the  bone  and  consequent  inflammation. 
Leeches  are  sometimes  applied  to  the  seat  of  pain,  and  hot-bran 
bags.  A band  of  stout  cotton  or  flannel,  from  eight  to  ten 
inches  wide,  should  be  passed  round  the  chest  several  times, 
beginning  close  under  the  armpits  and  going  down  to  the  end 
of  the  ribs.  It  should  be  drawn  so  tightly  as  to  keep  the  ribs 
from  rising  and  falling  in  the  act  of  respiration.  If  inflamma- 
tion follow,  the  pulse  must  be  quieted  by  five  to  eight  drops  of 
tincture  of  veratrum  viride,  every  one  or  two  hours.  The 
patient  should  be  kept  perfectly  quiet,  and  on  low  diet,  for  a 
fortnight  at  least,  assuming  the  position  which  is  found  most 
easy,  which  will  probably  be  a half-sitting  one,  supported  by 
pillows. 

Fracture  of  the  Lower  Jaw  sometimes  occurs  from  a 
blow  on  the  face,  and  in  extracting  a tooth.  The  nature  of  the 
mischief  in  this  case  is  sufficiently  evident;  the  grating  is  dis- 
tinct, and  the  fracture  can  be  felt.  Professor  Fergussorfls 
treatment  is  the  simplest  and  surest.  Cut  two  narrow  wedges 
of  cork,  an  inch  and  a half  long,  a quarter  thick  at  the  base,  and 
sloping  away  to  an  edge ; place  them  between  the  teeth,  one  on 
each  side;  warm  a piece  of  gutta-percha,  or  soften  a piece  of 
thick  pasteboard  in  water,  and  mold  it  to  the  injured  jaw,  and 
keep  in  its  place  by  means  of  either  of  the  head-bandages  fig- 
ured bandage  343.  This  must  be  tight  enough  to  prevent  any 
motion  in  the  jaw.  The  cork  wedges  will  keep  an  open  space 
between  the  teeth  for  the  passage  of  food,  which  must  be  in  a 
liquid  form.  The  mouth  should  be  rinsed  frequently  with  a 
wash  of  tincture  of  myrrh  and  water,  in  the  proportion  of  two 
drains  of  the  former  to  half  a pint  of  the  latter. 

Fracture  of  the  Leg  between  the  Knee  and  the 
Ankle-Joints. — The  leg  is  composed  of  two  bones,  an  inner 
larger  (the  tibia),  an  outer  smaller  bone  (the  fibula).  One  or 
both  may  be  broken.  The  tibia  is  more  frequently  broken 
about  two-thirds  of  the  way  down.  It  is  detected  without 
much  difficulty  by  passing  the  hand  down  the  line  of  the  shin, 
although  the  displacement  may  not  be  great.  It  is  not  easy  to 
detect  a fracture  of  the  fibula,  nor  is  it  of  great  importance  to 
do  so. 

Treatment.— Extension  must  be  made  as  in  the  other  fractures, 
and  sufficiently  go  to  bnpg  the  broken  surfaces  together.  The 


480 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


old-fashioned  straight  splint  would  probably  be  the  most  readily 
available  in  domestic  treatment.  It  is  shaped  as  shown  in  Fig.  122, 
and  should  be  sufficiently  long  to 
extend  from  a little  above  the 
knee  to  four  inches  beyond  the 
sole  of  the  foot.  It  may  be 
quickly  made  out  of  half-inch  board,  planed  smooth ; the  breadth 
should  be  about  three  inches , this  must  be  padded  throughout 
its  whole  length,  except  the  notched  end,  which  is  to  project 
beyond  the  foot,  with  tow,  lint,  or  other  soft  material,  taking 
care  to  have  the  pad  thicker  at  the  lower  part,  to  suit  the  dim- 
inution in  the  size  of  the  leg.  This  splint  must  be  carefully 
placed  against  that  side  of  the  limb  from  which  the  foot  ex- 
hibits a tendency  to  turn.  We  will  suppose  that  a stout  cotton 
bandage,  about  two 
and  a half  inches 
wide,  and  twelve 
inches  long,  has  been 
provided.  With  this, 
beginning  at  the  foot, 
and  bringing  it  down  from  the  instep  between  the  notches  at 
the  bottom  of  the  splint,  envelope  the  limb  evenly,  fold  over 
fold  (as  directed  on  page  342)  up  nearly  to  the  knee,  just  below 
which  a broad  piece  of  tape  should  riG. 

be  passed,  with  the  ends  through 
the  holes  in  the  top  of  the  splint, 
which  ends  are  to  be  firmly  tied  at 
the  moment  when  extension  of  the 
limb  is  made  by  an  assistant ; the 
bandage  is  then  to  be  carried  on 
over  the  head  of  the  splint,  and 
made  secure.  In  Fig.  123  we  see 
the  limb,  before  this  process  is  com- 
pleted. When  both  bones  are  broken,  it  is  generally  necessary 
to  apply  the  angular  splint  adapted  to  the  ankle,  of  which  Fig. 
124  exhibits  the  outer  and  inner  sides. 

Fracture  Of  the  Knee-pan. — Sometimes  happens  from 
the  mere  muscular  exertion  of  kicking  or  throwing  out  the  leg 
violently.  It  may  be  at  once  detected  by  the  depression  in 
the  bony  plate,  and  separation  of  the  broken  fragments ; these 
cannot  be  kept  in  close  apposition,  and  the  injury  is  made 
good  by  a ligamentous  band,  which  connects  them.  To  facil 
itate  this  process,  the  leg  should  be  kept  in  a straight  position, 
above  the  level  of  the  hip,  so  that  the  muscles  of  the  thigh, 


Fig.  123. 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


481 


which  are  attached  to  the  upper  edge  of  the  knee-pan,  may  be 
relaxed.  A long  splint,  bound  beneath  the  leg  from  the  thigh 
to  the  foot,  will  effect  this  object.  Over  the  broken  patella,  a 
piece  of  cotton  is  bound,  and  the  knee  is  bandaged  tightly 
above  and  below  this,  so  as  to  bring  the  broken  pieces  as  closely 
together  as  possible,  and  to  keep  them  so.  The  bandage  will  have 
to  remain  on  probably  for  two  months,  as  a fracture  of  this  kind 
unites  very  slowly.  The  knee  is  generally  weak  after,  and  it  is 
best  to  support  it  with  an  elastic  knee-cap. 

Fracture  of  the  Thigh. — This  is  a very  serious  accident. 
The  bone  may  be  broken  just  above  the  knee,  in  the  shaft,  or 
near  the  neck.  In  the  first  of  these  cases  the  nature  of  the  in- 
jury is  sufficiently  obvious,  as  the  broken  bone  can  be  felt 
beneath  the  skin.  This  also  is  the  case  with  the  second,  in 
which,  as  in  the  third,  there  is  shortening  of  the  limb,  and  gen- 
erally turning  out  of  the  foot.  This  accident  may  be  readily 
distinguished  from  dislocation  of  the  hip,  by  the  mobility  of  the 
hip-joint. 

Treatment. — There  is  always  much  difficulty  in  keeping  the 
ends  of  the  bone  in  apposition  here,  in  consequence  of  the 
power  exerted  by  the  muscles  of  the  thigh,  which  are  con- 
stantly pulling  lengthways  and  causing  the  ends  to  over-lap,  or, 
as  we  say,  “ ride  ” upon  each  other ; this  is  especially  the  case 
if  the  fracture  is  oblique.  It  is  best  to  use  the  long  straight 
splint  first,  in  either  of  these  cases,  and  to  put  it  on  with  a light 
bandaging,  gradually  tightening  it,  to  accustom  the  limb  to  the 
pressure.  The  splint  must  be  made  in  the  same  way  as  that 
shown  in  Fig.  119,  but  much,  longer,  reaching  from  the  hip  to 
beyond  the  toes.  When  inflammation  has  subsided,  and  the 
pressure  can  be  borne,  the  case  had  better  be  treated  in  this 
way:  let  the  patient  lie  on  a hard  mattress,  with  the  leg  ex- 
tended and  uncovered ; then  commence  operations  by  bandag- 
ing the  leg  evenly  from  the  toes  to  the  knee ; then  place  the 
splint,  previously  well  padded,  in  its  place,  and  make  it  fast 
with  rollers  to  the  foot,  ankle  and  leg,  taking  care  that  the  for- 
mer is  in  the  position  which  it  is  to  occupy — that  is,  pointing 
straight  upward ; next,  take  a silk  handkerchief,  in  the  middle 
of  which  some  wool  has  been  rolled  up,  to  make  it  of  consider- 
able thickness,  and  pass  it  between  the  legs,  bringing  one  end 
up  behind,  and  one  before;  these  ends  pass  through  the  holes 
at  the  top  of  the  long  splint,  and  tie  them  as  tightly  as  possible, 
without  displacing  the  fracture.  Then  after  confining  the 
splint  to  the  waste,  with  a bandage,  insert  a short  stick  between 
the  loop  of  the  handkerchief,  and  give  two  or  three  turns ; this 


482 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


will  have  the  effect  of  shortening  the  handkerchief,  and  pulline 
down  the  splint,  which  will  carry  with  it  the  part  of  the  limb 
attached  to  it  below,  producing  the  necessary  extension.  Keep 
on  at  this  until  you  find  that  the  injured  leg  is  as  long  as  the 
sound  one ; and  when  this  is  the  case,  lay  a short  splint  along 


Fro.  126. 


the  inside  of  the  thigh,  and  bandage  tightly  and  smoothly,  from 
the  knee  up  to  the  hip.  When  it  is  completed,  the  patient  will 
appear  as  in  Fig.  125.  The  extension  must  be  kept  up  for  about 
six  weeks,  at  the  end  of  which  time  the  fracture  may  be  suffi- 
ciently united  to  bear  the  strain  of  the  muscles  upon  it. 

Fracture  of  the  Pelvis  sometimes  occurs  in  falls  from 
great  heights,  or  in  being  run  over,  or  having  some  crushing 
weight  thrown  on  the  body.  When  it  occurs  there  is  generally 
serious  injury  to  the  viscera  of  the  abdomen  and  pelvis,  indi- 
cated by  the  passage  of  blood  from  the  bladder  and  bowels, 
The  nature  of  the  mischief  in  this  case  is  not  easily  detected, 
and  little  can  be  done  beyond  enjoining  perfect  rest  and  to 
lowering  diet,  unless  there  are  symptoms  of  collapse,  in  which 
case  stimulants  must  be  given. 

Compound  Fractures. — The  term  compound  is  applied 
to  a fracture  in  which  the  skin  is  broken  or  torn,  the  wound  of 
which  communicates  with  the  broken  bone.  This  case  is  more 
serious  and  much  more  tedious  than  of  common  fractures,  espe- 
cially when  the  wound  is  large ; but  be  it  ever  so  small,  it 
proves  great  violence  and  injury  done  to  the  soft  parts,  mus- 
cles, etc.  Some  weeks  after  the  injury  elapse  before  the  bone 
begins  to  unite,  in  consequence  of  the  large  formation  of  matter 
that  generally  takes  place,  and  the  process  of  union  of  the  bone 
does  not  begin  until  this  action  has  ceased.  During  this  stage, 
the  patient  becomes  often  seriously  ill,  and  his  vital  powers 
are  exhausted  by  the  large  quantity  of  matter  poured  out  around 
and  among  the  injured  parts.  In  young  and  healthy  persons, 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


483 


in  whom  the  injury  to  the  muscles,  etc.,  is  not  very  great,  these 
stages  are  not  very  strongly  marked,  and  the  cure  proceeds 
more  rapidly. 

Treatment. — The  wound  must  be  healed,  if  possible,  the 
edges  being  brought  together  by  adhesive  plaster.  The  splints, 
whatever  bone  may  be  affected,  should  be  applied  as  in  simple 
fracture,  care  being  taken,  however,  not  to  press  on  the  wound 
if  possible,  and  this  may  be  avoided  by  dividing  the  pad  that 
lies  over  the  wound,  into  two  parts,  leaving  a space  for  the 
wound,  which  should  be  untouched;  the  pad  should  be  very 
thick.  A better  method  than  this,  however,  is  to  divide  the 
splint,  and  to  connect  the  two  parts  by  means  of  an  arch  of 
iron,  so  that  the  wound  may  be  dressed  without  difficulty.  This 
is  called  an  interrupted  splint.  If  the  wound  does  not  heal  at 
once,  the  plaster  may  be  removed,  and  a linseed-meal  poultice 
substituted. 

During  the  stage  of  formation  of  matter  (suppuration),  the 
patient  will  require  tonic  medicines,  as  bark,  porter,  etc.,  and 
small  doses  of  opium  at  night,  and  nourishing  diet,  if  the 
stomach  will  bear  it;  but  this  treatment  should  not  be  carried 
too  far.  Strong  purgatives  are  injurious.  The  case  will  continue 
to  progress  very  slowly  for  some  weeks;  abscesses  may  form ; 
and,  should  matter  collect  under  the  skin  so  as  to  be  felt  on  ex- 
amination, or  the  skin  become  red  and  thin,  the  part  should  be 
punctured,  and  great  relief  will  be  afforded  by  its  escape. 

The  splints  should  be  removed  as  often  as  the  matter  ren- 
ders the  pads  foul,  or  the  wound  appears  to  suffer  from  their 
presence;  perhaps  this  maybe  required  every  other  day,  or 
even  oftener.  When  the  suppurative  stage  has  passed,  which 
may  occupy  from  one  month  to  two,  the  wound  will  look  florid 
and  healthy;  and  as  soon  as  it  begins  to  heal,  the  bone  will 
begin  to  unite,  but  not  until  then.  A month  or  five  weeks  will 
still  be  required  before  the  union  is  complete,  and  two  or  three 
weeks  yet  longer  before  the  patient  is  enabled  to  use  the  limb. 
The  above  periods  refer  to  compound  fracture  of  the  thigh- 
bone. Compound  fractures  of  other  bones  pass  through  these 
stages  more  readily. 

Injuries  to  Archillis  Tendo. — This  is  the  great  tendon 
which  passes  from  the  muscles  of  the  calf  down  to  the  heel, 
upon  which  it  acts  with  the  whole  force  of  those  muscles.  It 
sometimes  happens  that  by  a sudden  jerk,  or  violent  exertion, 
the  tendon  gets  torn  across,  or  ruptured,  and  great  pain  or 
lameness  is  the  consequence. 

Treatment. — On  the  first  occurrence  of  the  accident,  if  swell- 


484 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


Fig.  126. 


ing  and  inflammation  ensues,  apply  three  or  four  leeches,  and 
encourage  the  bleeding  for  a time  with  warm  fomentations,  or 
a linseed  poultice.  Afterward  resort  to 
cooling  lotions,  as  the  following:  Liquor  of 
acetate  of  lead  and  tincture  of  opium,  of  each 
two  drams;  common  vinegar,  once  ounce; 
distilled  water,  fifteen  ounces ; keep  lint  or 
linen  rag  wet  with  this  lotion  constantly  ap- 
plied. When  the  inflammation  has  subsided, 
if  there  be  still  swelling  and  stiffness,  rub  in, 
night  and  morning,  this  liniment : strong  liquor 
of  ammonia  and  tincture  of  opium,  of  each, 
one  dram ; spirits  of  turpentine  and  soap 
liniment,  of  each  one  ounce.  If  it  is  merely 
a strain  of  the  tendon,  a little  rest  and  the 
above  remedial  measures  will  soon  afford  a 
cure ; but  if  a positive  rupture , there  may  be 
much  difficulty  in  getting  the  parts  to  unite.  To  accomplish 
this  end,  it  is  best  to  use  a slipper  with  a strap  attached  to  the 
heel,  which,  passing  up  and  encircling  the  thigh,  may  be  drawn 
tight  and  kept  so,  as  in  Fig.  126.  During  the  process  of  uniting, 
if  the  patient  walk  at  all,  it  should  be  with  a crutch ; and  after 
the  cure  has  been  effected,  a high-heeled  laced  boot  should  be 
worn  to  protect  the  part. 

Foreign  Substances  in  the  Eye. — Pieces  of  metal  and 
other  bodies  often  fly  into  the  eye,  causing  great  pain.  Draw 
down  the  lower  lid  with  the  fore  finger  of  the  left  hand,  as  in 
Fig.  127,  and  remove  by  a piece  of  moistened  paper.  If  the 
substance  be  under  the  upper  lid,  place  a bodkin  across  the 
lid,  and  draw  back  the  lid  so  that  it  is  completely  inverted,  as 


Fig.  127. 


Fig.  128. 


shown  in  Fig.  128.  Inflammation  is  very  apt  to  occur  after 
these  accidents.  The  eye  should  be  well  bathed  with  warm 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


485 


water  several  times  a day,  and  afterwards  an  eye-water  may  be 
used,  made  of  a dram  of  alum  to  a pint  of  water,  two  or  three 
times  a day. 

Sprains  or  Strains  are  injuries  done  to  ligaments,  ten- 
dons and  other  structures  surrounding  the  joints.  They  are 
produced  by  jumping,  falling,  or  other  causes  which  forcibly 
stretch  or  lacerate  them.  The  joints  most  liable  to  sprains 
are  the  wrist  and  ankle  joints.  The  wrist  joint  becomes  sprained 
in  consequence  of  the  arm  being  naturally  thrown  out  by  persons 
in  falling  to  prevent  their  being  seriously  injured,  by  which 
means  the  whole  weight  of  the  body  is  thrown  on  the  wrists, 
which  not  only  sprain  those  joints,  but  sometimes  fracture 
them.  The  ankle-joint  is  frequently  sprained  by  jumping  from 
a considerable  height,  or  the  foot  turning  under  the  weight  of 
the  body.  Sprains  are  attended  with  great  pain  at  the  time  of 
the  accident,  and  also  with  considerable  swelling  and  discolora- 
tion of  the  injured  part;  the  swelling  and  discoloration  arising 
from  the  effusion  of  blood  into  the  surrounding  structures. 
The  joints  at  first  can  be  easily  moved,  but  as  the  swelling  and 
inflammation  increase,  all  motions  become  painful,  and  the  pa- 
tient is  unable  to  use  the  injured  limb  under  any  circumstance 
whatever. 

Treatment. — The  injured  limb  must  be  kept  in  a perfect 
state  of  quietude,  and  in  such  a position  as  to  relax  the  muscles 
in  connection  with  the  affected  tendons,  as  well  as  to  favor  the 
return  of  the  blood  to  the  heart.  The  patient  must  be  kept  in 
a recumbent  position ; evaporating  lotions  should  be  kept  con- 
stantly applied  to  the  injured  parts,  by  means  of  linen  rags 
wetted  in  the  following  lotion,  and  which  should  be  renewed  as 
often  as  they  become  warm : — 

Take  of  goulard  water,  eight  ounces;  gin,  four  ounces; 
camphor  mixture  and  mindererus  spirit,  of  each  two  ounces; 
make  a lotion,  which  should  be  kept  in  a cool  situation  until  re' 
quired  for  use.  Tincture  of  arnica  is  an  excellent  application, 
or  a poultice  of  arnica  flowers. 

This  practice  should  be  continued  for  the  first  twenty-four 
or  forty-eight  hours ; after  which  period,  should  the  swelling 
or  pain  increase,  leeches  may  be  freely  applied  to  the  parts 
affected,  and  the  bleeding  freely  encouraged  by  means  of  a 
sponge  and  warm  water  constantly  applied  to  the  leech-bites. 
Hot  fomentations  should  afterwards  be  applied  by  means  of 
flannel  wrung  out  of  a decoction  of  camomile-flowers  and  poppy- 
heads,  and  the  bowels  kept  in  a free  state  by  the  following  mix- 
ture: Take  of  epsom  or  rochelle  salts  one  ounce,  antimonial 


486 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


wine  half  an  ounce,  mindererus  spirit  one  ounce,  syrup  half  an 
ounce,  camphor  mixture  three  ounces — mix.  Two  tablespoons- 
ful  to  be  taken  every  three  or  four  hours  until  the  bowels  are 
freely  acted  upon.  By  this  treatment  the  disease  will  rapidly 
subside,  and  the  parts  will  return  to  their  usual  healthy  con- 
dition in  persons  of  sound  health.  The  patient  should  not  be 
allowed  to  make  use  of  his  limb  too  soon,  as  the  irritation  and 
inflammation  of  the  joint  will  be  kept  up,  and  thus  he  may  suf- 
fer from  it  for  months,  or  even  years.  When  all  signs  of  the 
disease  have  disappeared,  the  motions  of  the  part  may  be  pro- 
moted by  gentle  exercise,  and  the  following  liniment  may  be 
rubbed  night  and  morning: — Take  of  soap  liniment  one  ounce, 
olive  oil  half  an  ounce,  tincture  of  French  flies  half  an  ounce, 
mix;  the  parts  may  be  afterwards  supported  by  a roller,  or  it 
may  be  found  necessary  to  envelope  them  in  straps  of  soap 
plaster,  in  addition  to  applying  the  bandage. 

Bites  and  Stings  of  Snakes,  Insects,  etc. — Bites  of 
serpents  and  venomous  reptiles  are  sometimes  very  trouble- 
some. As  soon  as  the  injury  is  received,  tie  a piece  of  string 
tightly  round  the  part,  as  near  as  possible  to  the  wound,  and 
between  it  and  the  heart,  to  prevent  the  return  of  the  blood  to 
this  organ.  Wash  well  with  warm  water,  and  place  one  end  of 
a large  quill,  or  small  tube,  over  the  wound,  and  keep  sucking 
at  the  other,  which  will  produce  a vacuum,  and  act  as  a cup- 
ping-glass. Then  thoroughly  suck  the  wound,  or  soak  it  in  hot 
water,  to  encourage  bleeding  from  it ; apply  caustic,  or  cut  out 
the  bitten  part,  and  give  hot  brandy  and  water,  or  some  sal 
volatile  in  water,  as  a stimulant  to  the  nervous  system.  The 
most  efficacious  remedy,  administered  internally  in  India,  is  a 
draught  composed  of  thirty  drops  of  solution  of  arsenic,  ten 
drops  of  tincture  of  opium,  a tablespoonful  of  lemon  or  lime 
juice  given  in  a wineglassful  of  water,  or  peppermint-water, 
and  clysters  administered  to  purge,  until  the  symptoms  abate. 
If  the  symptoms  are  slight,  the  swollen  parts  may  be  well 
rubbed  with  a liniment  of  oil,  turpentine,  and  liquid  ammonia; 
also  apply  leeches  and  hot  fomentations,  with  cordials  to  pre- 
vent fainting. 

For  the  bite  of  the  rattle-snake,  give  large  quantities  of 
alcoholic  drinks — gin  or  whiskey;  keep  the  body  thoroughly 
saturated  till  the  symptoms  decline. 

Bites  from  Insects. — Examine  the  parts  with  a magnify- 
ing glass,  and  extract  the  sting  with  a pair  of  pincers  or  for- 
ceps. Apply  to  the  wound  turpentine,  hot  vinegar,  hartshorn, 
spirit,  or  eau-de-Cologne.  Soap  or  camphor  liniment  may  be 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


487 


used  to  remove  any  swelling  that  remains.  For  the  bites  of 
bugs,  fleas,  gnats,  musquitoes,  etc.,  the  best  remedy  is  eau-de- 
Cologne,  or  some  spirits,  to  convert  the  itching  into  a slight 
smarting ; and  the  application  of  any  strong  perfume,  such  as 
lavender,  a bitter  infusion  of  quassia,  wormwood,  or  gentian, 
will  act  as  a preventive  against  their  nightly  visits.  There  are 
two  great  classes  of  insects  which  give  rise  to  poisoned  wounds : 
those  which  sting,  as  bees,  wasps,  hornets,  ichneumons ; those 
which  suck,  as  the  gnat,  horse-fly,  flea,  bug,  etc.,  and  have  a set 
of  lancets  at  the  mouth  to  pierce  the  skin. 

Spinal  Weakness  and  Deformity— The  weakness  of 
the  spine  is  generally  connected  with  debility  of  constitution ; 
the  curvature  of  the  spine,  or  the  “ growing  out  ” at  the  system, 
and  sometimes,  from  a habit  of  lolling  about. 

Treatment. — Administer  such  medicines  as  will  give  tone 
to  the  muscular  system,  and  invigorate  the  health,  such  as  steel, 
quinine,  or  cod-liver  oil;  aperients,  if  the  bowels  are  confined. 
In  the  early  stages  other  measures  must  consist  of  the  shower- 
bath,  with  friction  by  means  of  a rough  towel,  sleeping  on  a 
mattress,  exercise  in  the  open  air  (short  of  fatigue),  lying  on 
the  back  after  exercise,  gymnastic  exercise  that  shall  bring  in- 
to full  play  the  weak  side,  and  sea-bathing.  If  these  means, 
steadily  persevered  in  for  some  months,  fail  to  do  good,  me- 
chanical contrivances  must  be  had  recourse  to  under  medical 
advice. 

Wounds  are  either  incised,  lacerated,  contused,  or  punc- 
tured. They  are  called  incised  wounds  when  they  are  made 
with  a sharp  cutting  instrument,  as  when  a shoemaker  cuts  him- 
self with  his  knife,  or  a carpenter  with  his  chisel.  They  are 
called  lacerated  when  the  flesh  is  torn,  either  by  machinery, 
hooks,  or  other  blunt  instruments.  Wounds  are  said  to  be  con- 
tused when  there  is  an  irregular  breach  of  surface,  accompanied 
by  injury  and  a bruised  condition  of  the  surrounding  parts ; they 
are  generally  produced  by  falls  or  blows  of  blunt  instruments. 
Punctured  wounds  are  produced  by  the  forcible  entry  of  sharp 
instruments,  such  as  bayonets,  swords,  scissors,  hooks,  or  the 
pointed  ends  of  broken  bones. 

Incised  Wounds  consist  of  a mechanical  division  of  the 
parts  by  a cutting  instrument ; all,  therefore,  that  is  necessary 
to  be  done,  is  to  bring  the  edges  of  the  wound  nicely  together, 
and  maintain  them  in  that  position  until  union  takes  place. 
This  is  affected,  if  the  wound  be  trifling,  by  means  of  straps  of 
sticking-plaster,  wdiich  should  be  so  applied  as  to  preserve  the 
ed^es  of  the  wound  in  apposition.  Collodion  answers  admira- 


488 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


bly.  If  the  wound  be  of  considerable  extent,  and  bleeds  freely, 
the  first  thing  to  be  done  will  be  to  arrest  the  hemorrhage ; 
this  will  be  affected,  if  the  bleeding  vessels  be  small,  by  mak- 
ing pressure  with  a sponge  for  some  considerable  time.  All 
extraneous  matter  should  be  cleared  off,  and  the  lips  brought 
together;  a piece  of  lint  should  be  dipped  in  the  blood  and 
placed  over  its  edges.  This  is  found  to  be  an  excellent  applica- 
tion, as  the  blood  in  drying,  in  consequence  of  its  adhesive 
qualities,  seems  to  maintain  the  union  of  the  edges  of  the 
wound.  In  the  course  of  four  or  five  days,  the  parts  will  be 
found  to  be  united,  unless  some  accidental  circumstances,  such 
as  too  great  a degree  of  inflammation  or  an  untimely  meddling 
with  the  dressings,  should  occur.  The  strappings  or  dressings 
should  on  no  account  be  disturbed  before  the  fourth,  fifth,  or 
sixth  day,  unless  the  parts  should  be  in  great  pain  or  much 
swollen.  If  the  incision  takes  place  about  the  cheeks  or  lips, 
or  other  parts  which  are  unsupported,  and  where  sticking-plas- 
ter could  not  be  applied,  it  will  be  necessary  to  put  in  two  or 
three  sutures,  according  to  the  extent  of  the  wound.  Should 
the  parts  swell,  a cooling  lotion  may  be  applied,  such  as  gou- 
lard  water,  and  the  bowels  should  be  kept  in  a free  state. 
Frequently  the  edges  of  the  wound  must  be  maintained  in  ap- 
position by  means  of  sutures. 

Sutures  are  for  the  purpose  of  holding  together  the  edges 
of  a wound  in  soft  fleshy  parts  that  are  loose  and  movable, 
where  sticking-plaster  would  not,  of  itself,  hold  sufficiently 
They  consist  of  stitches,  from  half  to  three-quarters  of 
an  inch  apart,  between  which  strips  of  plaster  are 
placed,  and  are  not  drawn  out  for  several  days  if  they 
do  not  irritate  the  part  much ; but  if  they  do,  then 
they  must  only  be  continued  one  or  two  days.  The 
needle  should  be  threaded  with  silk  or  hemp  thread 
well  waxed  and  flattened.  It  should  always  be  borne 
in  mind  that  the  edges  of  wounds  are  never  to  be 
drawn  together  with  any  degree  of  strain  or  force  to 
the  parts,  as  then  the  process  of  healing  will  not  take 
place.  In  what  is  technically  called  the  interrupted 
suture,  a stitch  is  taken  straight  through  the  edges  of 
the  wound,  as  in  ordinary  sewing,  and  then  knotted. 

Jffh)  Iu  the  twisted  suture  fine  steel  needles,  with  flattened 
(r  ' L.  points,  are  passed  through  the  edges  of  the  wound  ; 

>3)  then  silk  is  twisted  in  the  figure  of  eight  around  them, 
" as  a boy  twists  his  kite  twine  on  a stick.  It  is  better 
not  to  cut  the  silk,  but  continue  each  end  down  to  the  next 


secure. 

Fig.  129. 


* | 
i 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


489 


needle,  and  so  on ; secure  the  ends  with  a small  knob  of  wax. 
Fig.  129  shows  the  mode  of  making  and  tying  sutures. 

Lacerated  Wounds,  in  consequence  of  the  great  injury 
done  to  the  parts,  and  from  the  fact  of  their  not  bleeding  much, 
are  very  subject  to  active  inflammation.  If  the  wound  be  con- 
siderable and  the  parts  much  injured,  the  patient  should  enjoy 
perfect  rest;  the  parts  should  be  covered  with  cooling  lotions 
(see  Prescription  recommended  in  Sprains),  all  dirt  and  extrane- 
ous substances  being  previously  washed  off;  the  bowels  should 
be  opened  by  the  common  black  draught.  If  inflammation  run 
high,  leeches  should  be  applied,  and  the  bleeding  encouraged 
by  the  application  of  hot  water  ; the  cold  lotion  should  now 
give  way  to  fomentations  and  poultices ; the  patient  should  live 
low.  When  the  inflammation  has  subsided,  the  wound  may  be 
dressed  with  basilicon  or  Turner’s  cerate.  Erysipelas  fre- 
quently follows  lacerated  wounds  of  the  scalp ; in  this  case  the 
parts  should  be  freely  fomented  with  hot  water,  and  the  patient 
should  take  a fever  mixture.  Tetanus,  lock-jaw,  and  spasm, 
often  arise  from  lacerated  wounds ; in  such  cases  opium  should 
be  administered  in  doses  suited  to  the  age  and  circumstances 
of  the  patient.  One  grain  might  be  given  every  three  or  four 
hours  until  relieved. 

Contused  Wounds  will  require  the  same  treatment  as 
that  already  described.  Cold  applications  in  the  first  instance, 
and  if  inflammations  sets  in,  leeches  and  hot  fomentations.  They 
generally  terminate  in  suppuration  and  sloughing,  or  mortifica- 
tion of  the  parts,  according  to  the  extent  of  the  injury.  In  or- 
der to  expedite  these  processes,  poultices  of  bread  and  water, 
or  linseed-meal,  should  be  applied  three  or  four  times  a day, 
and  when  the  abscess  opens  or  the  slough  is  thrown  off,  they 
are  to  be  treated  as  common  ulcers  with  basilicon  or  some  other 
stimulating  ointment,  for  the  purpose  of  promoting  healthy 
granulations,  and  thus  healing  them.  During  the  active  stage 
of  inflammation,  the  patient  should  live  sparingly ; but  tonics, 
such  as  quinine,  and  a generous  diet  should  be  allowed  under 
the  stage  of  suppuration  or  sloughing. 

Punctured  Wounds. — Punctured  wounds  are  extremely 
dangerous — much  more  so  than  the  others  already  described. 
A punctured  wound  from  a nail,  hook,  or  any  other  pointed 
instrument,  gives  rise  to  inflammation  of  the  absorbents  (a  set 
of  vessels  running  from  the  wound  into  the  neighboring  glands), 
and  is  manifested  by  red  lines  taking  the  course  of  these  ves- 
sels. Abscesses  of  the  glands,  and  of  other  parts  of  the  body, 
in  their  course,  frequently  ensue ; and  if  the  matter  be  deep 


490 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


seated,  such  a degree  of  irritative  fever  is  produced  as  xo  cause 
death. 

Lock-jaw  (tetanus)  and  frightful  convulsions  are  often  the 
result  of  tendons  or  sinews  receiving  punctured  wounds.  In 
the  first  instance  the  puncture  should  be  laid  open  with  the 
lancet,  cold  lotions  should  then  be  applied,  and  if  inflammation 
sets  in,  the  parts  should  be  covered  with  leeches,  according  to 
the  age  and  strength  of  the  patient ; the  diet  should  be  sparing, 
fomentations  and  poultices  should  be  constantly  applied,  and 
the  limb  should  be  supported  on  an  inclined  plane,  m order  to 
favor  the  gravitation  of  the  blood  towards  the  body.  All 
stimulating  drink  should  be  cut  off.  The  bowels  should  be  kept 
freely  open,  and  the  patient  should  observe  perfect  rest.  As 
soon  as  matter  has  formed,  it  should  be  let  out  by  free  incisions 
with  the  lancet,  after  which  the  parts  should  be  poulticed  three 
or  four  times  a day.  In  order  to  allay  irritation  and  pain,  and 
to  procure  sleep,  great  advantage  will  be  derived  from  the  ad- 
ministration of  ten  grains  of  Dover’s  powder,  at  bedtime. 

Gunshot  Wounds. — When  a ball  enters  the  body,  the 
wound  appears  somewhat  smaller  than  the  ball  itself;  its  edges 
are  ragged  and  inverted,  and  the  part  around  has  a bluish  or 
black  color  from  the  bruise.  When  it  passes  through  the  part, 
the  aperture  by  which  it  makes  its  exit  presents  quite  a differ- 
ent appearance.  It  seems  somewhat  larger  than  the  ball, 
the  edges  are  everted,  and  there  is  little  discoloration  about  the 
wound. 

Treatment. — Excessive  bleeding  is  not  so  common  after 
gunshot  wounds  as  after  other  kinds;  but  it  sometimes  occurs, 
and  may  be  fatal  if  not  attended  to.  Where  it  can  be  done, 
the  finger  should  be  inserted  into  tlo  wound,  and  pressed 
upon  the  vessel,  otherwise  a handkerchief  should  be  tied  very 
tightly  round  the  limb  above  the  wound.  It  is  well  to  ex- 
amine the  wound  as  early  as  possible,  in  order  to  ascertain 
the  amount  of  injury  ; at  least,  so  far  as  this  can  be  done 
without  aggravating  the  case.  The  ball  or  other  foreign  sub- 
stance ought  to  be  removed,  if  that  can  be  easily  effected  ; 
but  otherwise,  it  ought,  in  the  mean  time,  to  be  let  alone. 
As  the  walls  of  the  wound  slough  and  suppurate,  the  open- 
ing will  become  larger,  and  it  may  then  fall  out  or  be  easily 
removed.  Sometimes  it  may  remain  embedded  in  the  tissues, 
without  producing  much  or  any  inconvenience.  If,  after  the 
sloughing  and  suppuration,  the  ball  remains  fixed,  and  if  much 
irritation  continues  to  be  excited,  and  abscesses  form  about 
its  track,  then  it  may  be  necessary  to  find  out  its  seat,  and 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


491 


use  every  means  to  remove  it.  The  simplest  dressings  should 
only  at  first  be  applied ; sponge  and  bathe  well  with  water,  to 
stop  bleeding  and  cleanse  the  wound;  then  apply  a piece  of 
lint  crossed  by  strips  of  plaster.  The  agitation  of*  the  patient 
should  be  soothed  by  a few  spoonfuls  of  wine  or  spirits; 
but,  if  he  suffer  much  in  his  mind,  an  opiate  may  be  admin* 
istered.  Afterwards  wet  a few  folds  of  linen  with  a simple 
lotion,  apply  it  to  the  part,  and  lightly  bandage.  Keep  the 
patient  quiet,  and  let  him  remain  in  bed.  A few  days  after, 
moisten  the  clothes  with  warm  water,  and  remove  them.  In- 
flammation will  now  have  set  in  ; if  the  patient  can  bear  it 
without  producing  a chilly  sensation,  dress  it  with  cold  water. 
On  suppuration  being  well  established,  apply  mild  stimulat- 
ing  lotions,  or  poultices,  and  bandages.  When  matter  forms 
beneath,  it  must  be  let  out  by  the  knife  if  poultices  will  not 
do  it;  its  accumulation  may  often  be  prevented  by  compres 
sion.  Low  diet,  purging  medicine,  and  quiet,  are  great  as- 
sistants to  recovery.  If  the  party  be  stout  or  in  full  habit, 
and  the  wound  severe,  then  it  must  be  bled.  Leeches  will 
allay  the  inflammation,  and  if  there  be  much  pain,  opiates 
should  be  given  at  night.  Pieces  of  clothing  or  wadding 
should  be  extracted  from  the  wound.  If  a ball  lodges  in  a 
bone,  it  may  require  a chisel  to  remove  it.  If  a bone  be 
severely  splintered,  then  amputation  becomes  necessary. 

Thorns,  &C.,  in  the  Flesh. — It  is  very  common  for  the 
hands,  feet,  or  legs  to  be  pierced  by  the  forcible  intrusion  of 
small  pointed  substances,  as  thorns  of  roses,  thistles,  etc.  If 
such  be  immediately  and  entirely  extracted,  the  accident  is  sel- 
dom attended  with  bad  consequences ; but  if  any  such  pointed 
substance  penetrates  the  body,  or  even  a part  of  it  be  left  in 
the  flesh,  it  causes  inflammation,  and  sometimes  a considerable 
abscess. 

Treatment. — If  the  thorn,  etc.,  can  be  taken  hold  of  easily, 
remove  it  with  a pair  of  forceps;  if  not  within  reach,  apply  a 
bread-and-water  poultice,  and  continue  to  do  so  until  the  intruder 
is  removed.  If  suppuration  has  not  been  prevented  by  the  im- 
mediate extraction  of  the  offending  substance,  the  abscess 
caused  thereby  should  be  opened  immediately  it  has  formed. 
Sometimes  the  thorn,  after  painfully  penetrating  through  the 
skin,  enters  directly  into  the  fat,  upon  which  the  pain  ceases, 
and  the  patient  begins  to  congratulate  himself  that  the  cause  is 
removed.  Nevertheless,  some  days  afterwards — or  in  other  in- 
stances, some  weeks — fresh  pains  are  excited,  followed  by  in- 
flammation and  abscess.  This  condition  is  to  be  treated  with 
bread-and-milk  poultices  and  seasonably  opened. 


492 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


Crushes  or  Jams. — If  the  part  be  so  severely  injured  as 
to  threaten  sloughing,  or  a separation  of  the  flesh  from  the 
bone,  tepid  water  or  poppy  fomentation  should  be  applied. 
Tincture  of  benzoin,  or  Friar’s  balsam,  on  lint,  is  highly  useful, 
sealing  up  the  wound,  as  it  were,  from  the  contact  of  air,  and 
disposing  it  to  heal.  If  the  fingers  or  toes  have  been  severely 
crushed  so  that  it  may  seem  impossible  to  save  them,  they 
should  not  be  too  hastily  amputated,  as  they  often  recover 
under  favorable  circumstances,  long-continued  rest  being  essen- 
tial. In  other  and  more  simple  cases,  apply  a bread-and-water 
poultice,  or  a piece  of  folded  linen  rag,  or  spongio  piline  dipped 
in  cold  water.  If  there  be  pain,  heat,  redness,  swelling,  or 
throbbing,  then  there  is  inflammation  or  the  formation  of 
matter;  keep  applying  cold  water  fomentations  for  the  first 
thirty-six  hours,  all  bandages  being  lightly  tied ; after  that  time 
put  the  part  in  a hot-water  bath,  or  foment  with  hot-water  and 
apply  poultices.  Openings  are  to  be  made,  if  necessary,  to 
prevent  the  lodgment  of  putrid  blood  and  matter. 

Cupping. — Cupping  is  the  application  of  cupping-glasses, 
from  which  the  air  has  been  previously  extracted,  to  the  skin, 
with  the  view  of  attracting  blood  to  the  part,  and,  if  necessary, 
abstracting  it.  Dry  or  wet  cups  (that  is,  without  cutting,  or 
after  using  the  scarificator)  are  very  useful  means  of  drawing 
blood.  If  the  part  to  which  the  application  is  to  be  made  has 
hair  upon  it,  it  should  be  freshly  shaven,  and  then  moistened  in 
warm  water.  A portable  spirit  lamp  is  to  be  made  by  a bit  of 
sponge,  or  rag,  wound  on  a piece  of  stick,  and  dipped  in  alcohol. 
The  cup  is  to  be  brought  near  the  patient,  then  quickly  placed 
over  the  flaming  sponge,  and  rapidly  applied.  After  suffering 
the  cup  to  remain  a few  minutes,  it  is  withdrawn  by  depressing 
one  edge,  and  the  part  scarified.  The  cup  is  then  re-applied. 

If  no  scarificator  can  be  had,  a few  cuts  with  a sharp  lancet 
will  answer  the  purpose,  and  the  place  of  cups  may  be  sup- 
plied with  a small  tumbler.  Good  brandy  can  be  substituted 
for  alcohol. 

After  the  operation,  the  wounds  should  be  closed  with  lint 
and  plaster,  and  pressure  should  be  kept  on  the  part  for  some 
days,  in  order  to  prevent  secondary  hemorrhage.  Cupping  is 
preferable  to  any  other  method  of  blood-letting  in  many  kinds 
of  inflammatory  disease. 

Vaccination. — In  the  minds  of  many  persons  there  is  a 
great  prejudice  against  this  operation,  and  they  will  often  risk 
the  legal  punishment  due  to  them  for  evading  the  law,  rather 
than  submit  their  children  to  it ; but  if  they  were  better  in* 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


493 


formed  they  would  not  so  act.  The  statistics  of  different  visita- 
tions of  smallpox  show  that  the  mortality  of  those  attacked  who 
have  not  been  vaccinated  is  one  in  four,  whilst  those  who  have, 
it  is  not  one  in  four  hundred  and  fifty, — a strong  argument  this 
for  vaccination.  The  operation  is  usually  performed  by  mak- 
ing an  oblique  puncture  through  the  epidermis  and  introducing 
a portion  of  the  virus  on  the  point  of  a lancet  or  needle.  If  the 
operation  has  been  successful,  a small  inflamed  spot  is  discern- 
ible about  the  third  or  fourth  day.  This  increases  in  size,  be- 
comes hard  and  elevated,  and  about  the  sixth  day  a small 
quantity  of  fluid  may  be  distinguished  in  the  centre.  About 
the  eighth  day,  when  the  pustule  is  fully  formed,  the  constitu- 
tional effects  begin  to  appear — headache,  shivering,  loss  of  ap- 
petite, etc.,  which  gradually  subside  in  one  or  two  days.  After- 
ward the  fluid  dries  up,  and  a dark  brown  scab  forms,  which 
remains  for  about  a fortnight,  and  on  disappearing  leaves  a de* 
pression.  It  is  a disputed  point  whether  the  effects  of  vaccina- 
tion are  permanent  or  whether  they  disappear  after  a certain 
time.  The  majority  seem  to  be  in  favor  of  the  latter  opinion, 
at  least  to  the  extent  of  recommending  that  persons  who  have 
been  vaccinated  in  infancy  should  be  re-vaccinated  on  attaining 
maturity.  From  the  operation  being  imperfectly  performed, 
or  from  other  causes  not  well  understood,  vaccination  does  not 
in  all  cases  afford  absolute  immunity  from  the  disease ; but  in 
those  cases  in  which  it  does  occur  it  is  almost  always  in  a very 
mitigated  form. 

How  to  apply  Leeches. — The  part  and  the  leeches  also 
should  be  carefully  wiped,  and  if  to  be  confined  to  a particu- 
lar spot,  put  them  in  a wineglass  or  pill-box,  and  hold  over  the 
part  until  they  bite.  If  they  are  put  on  by  hand,  hold  their 
tails  with  a wet  cloth;  should  they  not  bite,  put  them  into  cold 
water  for  a short  period.  If  the  part  be  moistened  with  sugar 
and  water,  cream,  sweet  beer,  or  prick  slightly,  so  as  to  draw 
blood,  will  often  induce  them  to  take.  When  "they  fall  off  full, 
put  them  on  a plate,  and  sprinkle  salt  over  them,  or  take  them  by 
the  tail  and  draw  them  through  the  thumb  and  finger,  that  the 
blood  may  be  thoroughly  pressed  out,  which  will  squirt  from 
them.  Put  them  into  plenty  of  cold  water,  that  they  may  wash 
themselves  well ; then  place  them  in  a jar  with  a little  moss, 
and  cover  it  with  a piece  of  muslin,  and  keep  them  in  a cool 
place.  % After  bleeding  with  leeches,  sponge  off  the  clotted 
blood,  and  put  on  a bread-and-water  poultice,  which  renew 
every  half  hour,  to  encourage  the  flow  of  blood.  Should  the 
leech-bites  not  heal  but  continue  bleeding,  so  that  the  person 


494 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


become  faint,  and  the  lips  and  face  pale,  make  pressure  with 
the  finger  over  the  spot,  or  apply  caustic.  If  these  means  fail, 
take  a strong  needle  and  thrust  it  through  the  skin  on  each  side 
of  the  wound ; that  is,  right  through  the  bite ; then  wind  a 
piece  of  thread — silk,  if  at  hand — round  and  round  the  wound, 
under  the  ends  of  the  needle.  This  will  raise  it  up  like  a small 
spot;  in  twenty  four  hours  cut  the  silk,  and  carefully  draw  out 
the  needle.  Try  a small  piece  of  lint,  dipped  in  the  tincture  of 
iron,  pressed  on  the  bite  for  a few  minutes,  or  a leaf  of  the  In- 
dian hemp.  Never  put  them  on  the  eyelids.  If  leeches  stick 
too  long,  never  pull  them  off,  but  touch  them  with  salt. 

How  to  Draw  Teeth. — The  single  teeth  may  be  easily 
extracted  by  grasping  them  firmly,  and  as  low  down  on  the 
gum  as  possible,  with  a small  pair  of  pliers  or  forceps.  Do 
not  press  heavily  on  the  sides  of  the  tooth,  or  it  may  be 
crushed  or  broken  off ; give  a rotatory  motion  at  the  same 
time.  The  double  teeth  are  generally  drawn  with  an  instru- 
ment dentists  call  a key  instrument;  this  has  a claw  to  seize 
the  tooth  and  press  it  against  a bolster,  it  then  acts  as  a lever; 
but  with  a strong  and  steady  hand,  most  of  the  teeth  may  be 
drawn  out  with  the  forceps. 

After  a tooth  has  been  drawn,  sometimes  a severe  bleeding 
takes  place  from  an  artery ; to  arrest  this  try  a strong  solution 
of  nitrate  of  silver  or  powder  of  Indian  hemp ; if  this  be  not 
successful,  clear  the  hole  of  the  clotted  blood,  and  press  into  it 
a piece  of  lint,  made  thin  at  the  end,  so  that  it  may  reach  the 
very  bottom,  fill  it  with  lint  the  height  of  the  gum,  then  put 
upon  it  a bit  of  cork,  or  a few  folds  of  linen,  so  that  when 
the  mouth  is  closed  the  teeth  opposite  the  hole  may  rest  upon 
it,  then  bandage  over  the  chin -to  the  top  of  the  head,  to  keep 
it  firm. 

Issues. — Sometimes  it  is  necessary  to  create  these  ulcers 
to  draw  matter  away  from  certain  parts.  The  skin  and  fat  are 
nipped  up  between  the  finger  and  thumb,  and  then  divided 
with  a lancet  so  as  to  admit  a pea,  instead  of  cutting ; the  sore 
is  sometimes  made  with  a blister  or  caustic,  and  the  pea  is 
smeared  in  ointment  of  yellow  resin.  The  pea  is  held  in  its 
place  with  common  diachylon  plaster.  If  inflammation  appear, 
aperient  medicines  must  be  given,  and  the  issue  dressed  with 
ointment  of  wax. 

How  to  Avoid  Accidents. — Although  we  can  not  alto 

gether  prevent  accidents,  yet  we  may,  with  a little  ordinary 
prudence,  lessen  the  chance  of  their  occurrence,  and  an  ob- 
servance of  the  following  simple  rules  will  assist  us  to  do  so>— 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


495 


1.  Be  very  cautious  when  on  the  water  or  in  its  vicinity; 
more  sudden  deaths  occur  by  drowning,  and  more  diseases  orig- 
inate from  colds  caught  by  immersion  and  exposure  in  wet 
habiliments,  that  perhaps  from  all  other  causes  put  together  ; 
therefore,  be  careful,  if  in  a boat,  to  remain  still,  and  so  as  not 
to  destroy  the  equilibrium  of  yourself  or  the  boat;  be  cautious 
of  hoisting  a sail  in  squally  weather,  and  give  a wide  berth  to 
any  advancing  vessel.  Step  not  from  one  unsteady  boat  to  an- 
other, or  on  to  a floating  pier,  nor  walk  across  a narrow  plank 
without  securing  good  hold  on  some  support.  When  on  land, 
step  not  too  near  the  brink  of  a lake  or  river  ; it  may  be  loose 
or  crumbly,  or  a sudden  gust  of  wind  may  cause  you  to  lose  your 
balance.  When  bathing,  beware  of  eddies  in  the  current, 
especially  if  you  can  not  swim  ; do  not  venture  beyond  your 
depth  in  the  latter  case  without  such  support  as  corks  or 
bladders,  and  in  no  case  attempt  to  bathe  when  in  a heated  state, 
or  immediately  after  a full  meal. 

2.  Do  not  stand  beneath  a tree  in  a thunder-storm,  or  by  an 
iron  palisade  or  spout,  whether  of  iron,  zinc,  or  lead  ; go  not 
very  near  lightning  conductors,  tall  chimneys,  or  lofty  erections 
of  any  kind.  If  in  the  house,  keep  away  from  the  fireplace, 
looking-glasses,  and  windows,  whether  open  or  shut,  as  well  as 
from  doorways  through  which  the  electric  fluid  might  escape,  if 
it  entered  by  the  chimney.  A bed  in  the  middle  of  the  room  is 
the  safest  place,  as  blankets  and  sheets  are  non-conductors. 

3.  Loaded  firearms  should  be  put  in  safe  places,  out  of  the 
reach  of  children ; never  play  with  them,  and  pretend  to  fire 
them  at  any  one.  Do  not  keep  guns  or  pistols  loaded  at  all, 
unless  you  have  some  particular  occasion  for  it.  When  carry- 
ing a gun  let  the  muzzle  be  always  pointed  toward  the  ground, 
and,  if  you  have  occasion  to  pass  it  through  a hedge  or  fence, 
look  that  there  is  no  one  in  line  with  the  barrel  in  the  direction 
in  which  it  points.  Do  not  overload  a piece,  nor  fire  it  with  a 
foul  barrel.  Be  very  careful  of  gunpowder,  and  by  no  means 
smoke  a pipe  or  cigar  when  you  have  much  about  or  near  you. 

4.  Do  not  sleep  near  lime-kilns,  nor  lay  by  burning  charcoal. 
If  drowsiness  should  come  on  while  in  such  situations,  leave 
them,  and  go  out  into  the  fresh  air. 

5.  In  felling  trees,  keep  out  of  the  line  in  which  they  are 
likely  to  fall. 

6.  In  severe  weather,  if  obliged  to  be  exposed  to  the  cold, 
do  not  lie  down  to  sleep,  although  you  may  feel  an  inclination 
to  do  so.  Keep  moving  about  while  you  have  power,  and  apply 
friction  to  the  numbed  parts  of  the  body ; take  up  some  snow 


4:96 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


in  the  hands,  and  rub  them  well  together.  When  in  a partially 
frozen  condition,  you  have  an  opportunity  of  approaching  a 
fire,  do  not  do  so  too  hastily,  but  get  into  a higher  temperature 
by  degrees. 

7.  Beware  of  damp  beds,  and  of  clothes  damp  with  per- 
spiration, especially  of  sitting  in  them  in  a cold  atmosphere,  or 
in  a draught  of  air  from  an  open  window.  Clothes  from  the 
wash  should  always  be  well  aired,  and  such  as  have  been  long 
out  of  wear,  especially  if  kept  in  a room  without  a fire.  Be- 
ware also  of  new  buildings,  of  which  the  walls  are  not  sufficiently 
dry;  if  they  “ sweat, as  it  is  technically  called,  they  are  unfit 
for  habitation. 

8.  Go  not  into  vaults  or  cellars  that  have  been  long  closed, 
or  wells  or  other  confined  places,  until  you  have  introduced  a 
lighted  candle  therein.  If  the  flame  burns  brightly,  you  may  be 
sure  there  is  no  excess  of  carbonic  acid  gas ; if  it  goes  out,  or 
burns  dimly,  the  air  is  unfit  to  breathe.  Throw  in  some  lime- 
water  to  neutralize  the  carbonic  acid,  and  introduce  fresh  air  as 
soon  as  possible. 

9.  Let  all  horses,  draught  or  saddle,  be  secured  before  leav- 
ing them,  and  beware  of  vicious  horses,  some  of  which  will  bite 
as  well  as  kick.  Be  cautious  of  an  animal  whose  disposition  you 
do  not  know.  Bulls  and  boars  are  uncertain,  and  dangerous, 
and  strange  dogs  are  not  to  be  trusted;  the  bite,  and  even  the 
scratch  of  a cat  has  resulted  fatally. 

10.  In  nurseries  and  other  places  where  there  are  children, 
always  keep  iron  guards  before  the  fires;  and  even  then,  do  not 
leave  the  children  bjT  themselves,  on  account  of  their  well-known 
propensity  to  play  with  fire.  For  the  same  reason  leave  them 
not  alone  with  lamps  oi  lighted  candles,  and  put  lucifer  matches 
out  of  their  reach,  and  a1  so  kettles,  or  any  vessels  containing 
hot  water. 

11.  Never  allow  open  candles  to  be  carried  about  the  house 
by  servants  or  children ; and  if  light  is  burned  in  the  night, 
place  it  so  that  the  flame  couid  not,  were  it  to  fall  aside  come 
in  contact  with  any  combustible  materials.  Turn  off  singly  the 
taps  of  all  gas-burners.  If  you  smell  an  escape  of  gas,  do  not 
approach  the  place  where  it  is  likely  to  be  taking  place  with  a 
lighted  candle  until  plenty  of  air  has  been  admitted. 

12.  Put  a label  with  the  word  Poison  on  all  bottles  and 

packets  containing  corrosive  or  other  preparations  of  a hurtful 
character;  and  even  when  so  labeled,  do  not  let  them  be  about 
in  the  way  of  children  or  ignorant  persons.  If  there  is  ocn&- 
sion  to  place  rat  or  beetle  poison  in  the  kt  if*  in  ouv 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


49? 


of-the-way  places,  and  be  careful  to  take  it  up  and  destroy  it  in 
short  time,  should  it  not  be  taken  by  the  animals  it  is  designed 
to  destroy. 

Many  other  cautions  might  be  given.  We  might  speak  of 
leaving  trap  and  other  doors  open,  and  wells  uncovered ; of  lean- 
ing too  far  out  of  windows;  of  chopping  and  sawing  wood,  and 
using  edged  tools  of  any  kind  in  a careless  manner  ; but  it  is 
scarcely  necessary  to  occupy  our  space  by  mentioning  these, 
although  they  all  contribute  to  swell  the  chapter  of  accidents 
which  forms  part  of  the  history  of  every  life. 

Wens. — A wen  is  a tumor  mostly  situated  on  the  head  or 
neck,  and  containing  a suetty  or  curd-like  substance.  They  are 
usually  harmless ; and  except  from  their  situation  and  unsight- 
liness, do  not  require  interfering  with. 

Treatment. — The  most  certain  mode  of  proceeding  is  their 
being  extirpated  by  a surgeon  ; the  operation  is  neither  difficult 
nor  dangerous. 

1.  Take  of  the  compound  tincture  of  iodine,  from  five  to 
ten  drops  three  times  a day  in  a little  water.  Apply  also  the 
following  ointment  night  and  morning:  iodide  of  potassium, 
one  dram,  to  be  rubbed  very  fine  and  dissolved  with  a few 
drops  of  water ; lard,  one  ounce ; camphor  (finely  powdered), 
half  a dram.  Mix. 

2.  Paint  the  wen  over  with  the  compound  tincture  of 
iodine  for  a time,  and  afterwards  bathe  it  with  the  following 
lotion:  muriate  of  ammonia,  half  an  ounce;  spirits  of  wine,  one 
ounce ; elder-flower  water,  three  ounces.  Mix. 

3.  Dissolve  forty-eight  grains  of  iodine  in  one  qunce  of 
pure  spirits  of  wine.  Give  to  an  adult  ten  drops  of  this  tinc- 
ture in  half  a wineglassful  of  capilliare  and  water  every  morning 
fasting,  give  a second  dose  at  ten  o’clock,  and  a third  at  bed- 
time. At  the  end  of  the  first  week  the  dose  may  be  increased 
to  fifteen  drops  three  times  a day,  and  a week  afterwards  to 
twenty  drops. 

Whitlows. — Whitlow  is  an  inflammation  of  the  extremity 
of  the  fingers,  which  is  usually  caused  by  a small  quantity  of 
humor  being  stagnant  in  that  part, — whether  this  has  happened 
in  consequence  of  a bruise,  a sting,  or  a bite. 

Treatment. — As  soon  as  the  disorder  is  manifest  plunge  the 
finger  affected  into  water  as  warm  as  can  be  borne,  and  keep  it 
there  for  some  time,  adding  hot  water  every  now  and  then  to 
keep  it  the  desired  heat;  also  direct  the  steam  of  the  hot 
water  into  it ; doing  it  constantly  for  the  first  day,  will  often 
dry  the  whitlow  away.  Or,  apply  to  the  whitlow  compression 


498 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES-. 


with  the  hand  in  a degree  which  can  be  easily  borne,  wAh  the 
view  of  preventing  the  formation  of  matter,  then  bind  it  round 
with  a narrow  fillet.  Repeat  this  three  or  four  times  in  the 
course  of  two  days,  when  in  all  probability  the  pain  and  swel- 
ling will  disappear,  leaving  a single  speck  of  matter  at  the 
point  of  the  finger,  immediately  under  the  skin.  If  vent  be 
given  to  this  by  the  slightest  touch  of  the  needle,  the  wound 
will  heal  up  immediately.  When  an  abscess  cannot  be  pre 
vented,  a poultice  of  bread  and  milk  should  be  applied  to 
favor  the  formation  of  matter,  and  as  soon  as  the  abscess  is 
ripe,  or  what  is  termed  “ come  to  a head/’  it  must  be  opened 
with  a lancet;  afterwards  dress  the  wound  with  tincture  of 
calendula. 

Rupture  (Hernia). — Children  and  old  people  are  most 
liable  to  this,  though  sometimes  they  occur  to  persons  of  middle 
age.  If  difficult,  or  impossible  to  be  returned,  it  is  called 
strangulated  rupture,  and  requires  the  best  assistance. 

Causes. — In  children,  excessive  crying,  coughing,  vomit- 
ing, or  the  like.  In  adults,  it  is  commonly  the  effects  of  blows, 
or  violent  exertions  of  the  strength,  as  leaping,  carrying  great 
weights,  etc.  In  both,  a relaxed  habit,  indolence,  and  an  oily 
or  moist  diet,  dispose  the  body  to  this  affliction,  by  weaken- 
ing the  skin. 

Symptoms. — The  outer  part  of  the  belly  cracks,  or  tears, 
and  a part  of  the  gut  protrudes  through  the  aperture. 

Treatment.-^- The  patient  must  be  laid  on  the  back,  the 
head  low,  and  the  buttocks  raised ; while  in  this  position  the 
gut  must  be  returned  by  a gentle  pressure,  if  it  does  not  fall 
back  of  itself.  After  it  is  returned,  a piece  of  sticking-plas- 
ter may  be  applied  over  the  part,  and  a truss,  or  bandage, 
worn  for  a length  of  time.  If  it  has  been  forced  down  with 
great  violence,  or  happens  from  any  cause  to  become  inflamed, 
it  is  often  very  difficult  to  return  it,  and  sometimes  impracti- 
cable, without  an  operation,  a description  of  which  is  foreign 
to  our  purpose,  but  in  those  cases,  until  some  assistance  can  be 
obtained,  act  as  follows:  foment  with  warm  fomentations;  give 
clysters;  then  when  the  bowels  have  emptied,  the  operator 
must  press  and  guide  the  gut  back  through  the  aperture,  if 
possible  to  do  so.  An  adult,  after  being  ruptured,  should  never 
neglect  wearing  the  proper  truss. 

Foreign  Substances  in  the  Nose —Sometimes  foreign 
bodies,  such  as  pieces  of  tobacco-pipe,  etc.,  get  pushed  up  the 
nose  by  children.  If  it  is  a bean,  or  anything  which  swells  by 
absorption  of  moisture,  the  extraction  is  a matter  of  great  diffi- 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


499 


culty.  This  should  not  be  attempted  by  other  than  a professed 
surgeon;  yet  if  the  assistance  of  such  cannot  be  readily  ob- 
tained, the  effort  may  be  made  by  means  of  the  flat  end  of  a 
probe  or  a silver  bodkin,  bent  in  about  the  eight  of  an  inch  at 
the  end,  and  the  instrument  then  introduced  and  passed  beyond 
the  object,  so  as  to  draw  it  out  as  with  a hook,  when  the  foreign 
body  has  not  penetrated  far.  If  the  opposite  nostril  is  closed, 
and  the  child  is  made  to  blow  the  nose  violently,  it  may  some- 
times be  driven  out. 

Foreign  Bodies  in  the  Ear. — Insects  occasionally  make 
their  ,vay  into  the  external  ear,  particularly  in  children,  when 
lying  on  the  grass.  They  sometimes  produce  horrible  torture 
by  irritating  the  drum  of  the  ear. 

Treatment — Let  the  child  recline  with  the  opposite  ear 
upon  a pillow,  and  fill  the  affected  one  with  sweet  oil.  There 
is  no  insect  that  will  not  perish,  or  make  good  its  retreat,  when 
this  method  is  pursued. 

Solid  substances  are  frequently  pushed  into  the  ear  by 
children,  where,  if  large,  they  sometimes  occasion  much  in- 
flammation, and  become  firmly  wedged  by  the  swelling.  Great 
danger  of  destruction  to  the  drum  and  small  bones  of  the 
ear  results  from  awkward  attempts  at  removing  such  sub- 
stances, by  which  they  are  driven  still  deeper  into  the  canal. 
If  the  foreign  body  have  any  visible  projecting  point,  of  which 
a firm  hold  can  be  taken,  this  may  be  seized  by  forceps  or  pin- 
cers, and  the  body  removed  directly;  but  when  the  substance 
is  rounded,  or  formed  with  many  faces,  or  extremely  smooth 
and  cylindrical,  it  is  very  wrong  even  to  attempt  its  removal 
by  any  such  means.  Cherry-stones,  apple-seeds,  common  beads, 
garnets,  bugle  beads,  and  pieces  of  red  coral,  furnish  many 
cases  in  point. 

If  we  attempt  to  seize  them  in  front,  they  instantly  slip 
farther  in,  and  endanger  the  drum.  We  must  get  behind  them 
and  hook  them  out,  always  proceeding  with  great  caution. 
Sudden  and  severe  pain  warns  us  when  we  touch  the  drum  of 
the  ear,  and  then  all  considerable  pressure  in  the  inward  direc- 
tion must  cease.  When  the  foreign  body  is  small  in  proportion 
to  the  size  of  the  canal,  it  may  generally  be  removed  by  means 
of  the  little  steel  ear-picker  on  the  handle  of  the  common  pocket 
tweezers ; but,  when  larger,  the  eye  of  a fine  bodkin  or  silver 
probe  should  be  gently  curved  and  inserted  beyond  the  body 
to  draw  it  forward.  A few  drops  of  sweet  oil,  previously 
dropped  into  the  ear,  will  very  much  facilitate  the  operation. 

As  children  sometimes  fancy  things  have  got  into  the  *ar 


500 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


when  they  really  have  not,  it  is  best  to  institute  an  examination 
before  attempting  their  removal.  This  may  be  done  by  draw- 
ing the  upper  lobe  of  the  ear  upward  and  backward,  which 
will  have  the  effect  of  straightening  the  curved  passage  so 
that  the  eye  can  discern  the  drum  at  the  bottom,  unless  there 
is  an  interposing  object. 

So  many  substances  of  a poisonous  nature  being  used  in 
manufactures  amongst  farmers,  and  also  in  private  houses,  it 
will  be  useful  to  have  a guide  to  refer  to  in  case  of  accident; 
for,  in  almost  every  case  of  poisoning,  the  remedy  must  be  given 
immediately,  or  we  cannot  expect  to  succeed.  We  give  here 
the  names  in  common  use,  and  under  one  head  we  include 
various  articles  made  from  the  same  substance.  For  instance, 
to  the  word  Mercury  you  find  calomel,  corrosive  sublimate, 
white  precipitate,  vermilion,  which  are  all  mercury,  but  in 
different  forms. 

As  a general  rule,  in  all  cases  of  poisoning,  especially  if 
seen  immediately  after  the  poison  has  been  swallowed,  the  per- 
son should  be  made  to  vomit.  To  accomplish  this  give  a tea- 
spoonful of  mustard  in  a tumbler  of  warm  water;  or  two  or 
three  spoonfuls  of  alum  in  the  same  way. 

Arsenic. — ( Scheelds  green,  ague-drops,  rat-poison,  etc.) — 
Symptoms. — Pain  and  burning  heat  of  stomach,  dryness  of 
throat,  cramps,  purging,  vomiting. 

Treatment . — Give  large  quantities  of  milk,  and  raw  eggs, 
lime  water,  or  flour  and  water ; then  castor-oil. 

Antimony. — ( Butter  of  antimony,  tartar  emetic,  etc.)  — 
Symptoms. — Severe  vomiting,  cramps,  faintness,  purging. 

Treatment . — Plenty  of  strong  tea.  If  you  have  no  common 
tea  at  hand,  use  an  infusion  of  oak,  elm,  currant,  or  blackberry 
bark  or  leaves.  Or  for  butter  of  antimony,  use  the  treatment 
given  below  for  Acids . Support  the  strength. 

Acids. — ( Oxalic , sulphuric  (oil  of  vitriol),  nitric  (aquafortis), 
muriatic  (spirit  of  salt),  hut  not  prussic  acid.) — Symptoms. — Hor- 
rible burning,  sour  pain  from  the  mouth  downwards.  The  skin 
of  the  lips,  mouth,  and  throat,  is  dissolved.  Purging  of  blood, 
great  thirst. 

Treatment. — Put  an  ounce  of  calcined  magnesia  into  a pint 
of  water,  and  give  wineglassful  every  two  or  three  minutes.  It 
the  magnesia  is  not  ready,  use  whiting,  chalk,  soda,  or  lime- 
water,  or  knock  a piece  of  plaster  off  the  wall,  pound  it  small, 
and  give  it  in  milk  or  water.  While  one  person  attends  to 
this,  let  another  cut  some  common  soap  into  small  bits,  and  give 
a teaspoonful  with  water,  or  a tablespoonful  of  soft  soap.  Give 
plenty  of  warm  water  to  drink. 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


501 


Bad  Fish. — ( Mussels , etc.) — Symptoms. — Pain  in  stomach, 
headache,  flushed  face,  feeling  of  choking,  perhaps  scarlet  erup- 
tion of  the  skin. 

Treatment . — Empty  the  stomach  by  an  emetic  (as  in  poison- 
ing by  laudanum),  then  give  a full  dose  of  castor-oil  with  some 
warm  spice.  A mustard-plaster  to  the  pit  of  the  stomach  if 
needful. 

Chloride  of  Tin. — {called  Muriate  by  dyers) — Symptoms. — 
Vomiting,  pain  in  the  stomach,  purging,  convulsive  twitching. 

Treatment . — Give  large  quantities  of  milk,  with  magnesia, 
chalk,  or  whiting  in  it ; also  raw  eggs  beaten  up  with  water  or 
milk. 

Chloride  of  Zinc. — {Burnett's  disinfecting  fluid , white 
vitriol.) — Symptoms. — Same  as  chloride  of  tin. 

Treatment. — Plenty  of  milk,  with  whites  of  eggs  in  it. 

Copper. — {blue  copperas , blue  verditer. , mineral  green , ver- 
digris, food  or  confectionery  cooked  in  foul  copper  vessels,  pickles 
made  green  by  copper). — Symptoms. — Coppery  taste  in  the 
mouth,  tongue  dry  and  parched,  very  painful  colic,  bloody  mo- 
tions. 

Treatment. — Large  quantities  o'f  milk  and  whites  of  eggs, 
afterwards  strong  tea.  Don’t  give  vinegar. 

Corrosive  Sublimate. — {see  Mercury.) 

CocuhlS  Indicus. — {see  Poisonous  Plants.) 

Green  Vitriol. — {sulphate  of  iron). — Symptoms. — Pain,  sick- 
ness, burning  heat  of  the  stomach. 

Treatment. — Give  an  emetic,  afterwards  magnesia  or  car- 
bonate of  soda  and  water. 

Iodine. — {iodide  of  potassium,  or  soda,  or  iron.) — Symptoms. 
— Burning  pain  in  the  throat,  heartburn,  vomiting,  very  likely 
salivation. 

Treatment. — Large  quantities  of  cold  starch  and  water,  or 
flour  and  water. 

Lead  — {acetate  or  sugar  of  lead,  red  lead,  white  lead.)-  - 
Symptoms. — If  taken  in  large  quantities,  metallic  taste  in  the 
mouth,  pain  in  the  stomach,  painful  vomiting,  often  bloody,  and 
hiccough. 

Treatment. — Put  two  ounces  of  Epsom  salts  into  a pint  of 
water,  and  give  a wineglassful  every  ten  minutes,  till  it  oper- 
ates freely.  Taken  in  small  quantities,  either  by  drinking 
water  out  of  a new  lead  cistern,  or  one  newly  repaired  with 
white  lead,  or  by  working  amongst  it, — lead  produces  colic,  loss 
of  power  in  the  limbs,  especially  wrist-drop,  and  a blue  line 
along  the  gums. 


502 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


Laudanum  [opium,  paregoric , soothing  syrup , syrup  of  pop- 
pies). — Symptoms. — Giddiness,  stupor,  gradually  increasing  into 
deep  sleep,  the  pupil  of  the  eye  very  small,  lips  blue,  skin  cold, 
heavy,  slow  breathing. 

Treatment. — Empty  the  stomach  as  quickly  as  possible  by 
vomiting.  For  an  adult  give  fifteen  grains  of  sulphate  of  zinc 
in  a little  water;  to  a young  person  half  the  quantity,  to  an  in- 
fant a teaspoonful  of  the  syrup  of  ipecac.  If  you  can  not  get 
drugs,  use  mustard  and  warm  water,  salt  and  water,  and  tickle 
the  top  of  the  throat.  After  vomiting  give  plenty  of  very 
strong  coffee,  put  a mustard  plaster  round  the  calf  of  each  leg, 
and  ii  cold  and  sinking  give  a good  quantity  of  spirit  and  water. 
Keep  the  patient  roused  till  the  effect  has  passed  off  by  beat- 
ing the  soles  of  the  feet,  walking  him  about,  or  dashing  cold 
water  on  the  face.  Remember,  if  the  patient  goes  to  sleep  at 
this  stage,  it  will  be  the  sleep  of  death. 

Lunar  Caustic  [nitrate  of  silver). — Lunar  caustic,  or  nit- 
rate of  silver,  has  been  swallowed  by  accident  when  used  for 
touching  a sore  throat,  etc.  Symptoms. — Burning  pain,  similar 
to  arsenic. 

Treatment. — Give  a large  teaspoonful  of  common  salt  in  a 
glass  of  water,  and  repeat  this  every  ten  minutes.  Then  give 
a dose  of  castor-oil,  and  linseed-tea,  or  barley-water,  for  a drink. 

Mercury  [calomel,  corrosive  sublimate , red  precipitate , ver- 
milion, etc). — Symptoms. — Metallic  taste  in  the  mouth,  burning 
pain  in  the  throat,  stomach,  and  bowels,  vomiting,  very  painful 
purging,  and  cramps. 

Treatment. — Give  the  white  of  an  egg  in  a little  water,  re- 
peat this  twice  more  with  five  minutes  between  each  time,  give 
large  quantities  of  milk  or  flour  and  water,  then  linseed-tea. 

Nitre,  or  Saltpetre. — Symptoms. — Similar  to  arsenic. 

Treatment. — Give  plenty  of  flour  and  water,  then  linseed 
or  sweet  oil. 

Opium  [see  Laudanum ). 

Phosphorus  [lucifer  matches). — Symptoms. — Great  excite- 
ment over  the  whole  system ; other  effects  like  arsenic. 

Treatment. — Give  large,  quantities  of  warm  water  with 
magnesia,  chalk,  or  whiting,  or  even  flour,  stirred  in  it;  encour- 
age vomiting,  but  give  no  oil  or  fat  of  any  description. 

Poisonous  Plants  or  Seeds. — False  mushrooms,  or  any- 
thing of  the  kind  picked  up  by  children,  but  which  you  can 
not  tell  at  the  time. 

Treatment. — Empty  the  stomach  by  any  emetic  you  have 
at  hand : warm  water,  mustard,  salt,  or  soap,  warm  chamomile 


ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


503 


tea,  etc.  If  there  be  no  purging,  give  a good  dose  of  castor- 
oil  or  olive-oil.  If  the  patient  be  faint  or  sinking,  give  stimulants. 

Potash  ( soda , ammonia , sal- volatile,  salt-cake , disinfecting 
fluids  of  concentrated  solutions  of  soda  or  potash). — Symptoms. — 
Heat,  pain  in  stomach,  vomiting,  and  purging. 

Treatment. — Vinegar  and  water,  oranges,  lemons,  sour  beer 
or  cider,  or  sour  fruit.  Afterwards,  olive,  linseed,  or  any  whole- 
some oil. 

Prussic  Acid  ( oil  of  hitter  almonds , laurel-water , cyanide  of 
; potassium , used  by  photographers  and  others). — Symptoms. — If  the 
quantity  be  large,  death  takes  place  instantly,  but  smaller  quan- 
tities produce  giddiness,  loss  of  sight  and  fainting.  The  peculiar 
smell  is  often  perceptible  about  the  mouth. 

Treatment. — Give  sal-volatile  and  water,  and  apply  a bottle 
of  smelling-salts  to  the  nose,  dash  cold  water  on  the  face,  and 
give  stimulants. 

Strychnine  ( rat  poison , etc.,  nux  vomica). — Symptoms.  — 
There  is  lock-jaw,  twitching  of  the  muscles,  convulsions,  the 
body  is  bent  backward,  so  as  to  rest  upon  the  feet  and  head 
only. 

Treatment. — Try  to  empty  the  stomach  by  an  emetic ; then 
give  linseed-tea  or  barley-water,  and  to  an  adult  thirty  drops  of 
laudanum  occasionally  to  relieve  the  spasms.  There  are  other 
remedies,  but  not  such  as  can  be  used  without  a doctor  being 
present. 

Tartar  Emetic  {see  Antimony). 

Zinc  Oxide. — Symptoms  and  Treatment . — As  in  copper. 

Iron  {Sulphate  of  iron , or  copperas , or  green  vitriol). — Symp- 
toms.— Colic  pains;  constant  vomiting- and  purging;  violent 
pain  in  the  throat,  with  tension  of  the  Epigastrium ; indeed  ah 
the  symptoms  of  irritant  poisoning. 

Treatment. — Magnesia  or  the  alkaline  carbonates  should  be 
given  largely. 

Antidote. — Carbonate  of  soda. 

Ivy  Poisoning. — Apply  soft  soap  freely  to  the  affected 
parts;  or  bathe  the  poisoned  skin  frequently  with  weak  tinc- 
ture of  belladonna. 

Hartshorn  gives  almost  instant  relief  from  the  effects  of 
the  poisonous  bites  of  all  insects,  vermin,  and  reptiles,  by  bath- 
ing the  parts  bitten  very  freely. 

Always  bear  in  mind  thac  cases  of  poisoning  admit  of  no 
delay.  In  many  diseases  and  accidents  an  hour  or  two  may 
be  of  no  consequence,  but  here  we  must  think  of  minutes,  and 
the  life  or  death  of  the  patient  will  depend  on  how  you  employ 
them. 


PHYSICAL  CULTURE, 

A WONDERFUL  POWER  OVER  DISEASE. 

V-H-H 

It  is  an  undisputed  fact  that  the  lack  of  proper  exercise  is  the  cause 
of  much  physical  debility,  disease,  and  suffering. 

The  value  of  systematic  exercises  of  various  kinds  as  a remedial 
measure  has  for  ages  been  recognized  by  both  barbarous  and  civilized  nations. 
The  Chinese  have,  according  to  reliable  authority,  understood  the  remedial 
value  of  exercises  for  two  thousand  years.  The  ancient  Greeks  and  Romans 
employed  exercises  of  various  sorts  not  only  for  developing  the  body,  but  for 
relieving  many  diseased  conditions. 

We  will  consider  briefly  some  of  the  principal  remedial  effects  of  the 
employment  of  medical  gymnastics. 

1.  To  Regulate  the  Circulation. — The  circulation  of  the  blood  is 
greatly  influenced  by  the  action  of  the  muscles.  Muscular  action  presses 
the  blood  through  the  veins  more  rapidly,  thus  its  progress  towards  the  heart 
is  greatly  accelerated.  In  cases  of  muscular  inactivity,  the  Swedish  move- 
ments will  often  produce  marvelous  results  in  restoring  an  unbalanced 
circulation  to  its  normal  condition. 

2.  To  Increase  Secretion  and  Excretion. — Where  there  is  a 

great  diminution  of  secretion  or  excretion,  systematic  movements  are  of 
great  service.  They  are  especially  useful  in  cases  of  torpid  liver  and 
inactivity  of  the  skin. 

3.  To  Increase  Respiratory  Power.— The  breathing  power  and 
capacity  of  the  lungs  can  in  no  way  be  so  rapidly  and  powerfully  developed 
as  by  lung  gymnastics.  We  have  known  persons  thus  to  double  their 
breathing  capacity  in  a few  weeks.  Thousands  have  been  saved  from  a con- 
sumptive’s grave  through  systematic  exercise. 

4.  To  Increase  Digestive  Power. — In  many  chronic  diseases  of 
other  organs  as  well  as  in  functional  derangement  of  the  stomach,  deficient 
muscular  power  of  the  stomach  and  intestinal  canal  maybe  greatly  benefited 
and  in  many  cases  completely  cured  by  this  treatment. 

5.  To  Increase  Assimilation. — Many  chronic  diseases  owe  their 
cause  to  imperfect  assimilation.  It  is  not  -what  we  eat  or  what  we  digest 
that  benefits  us,  but  what  we  assimilate  through  the  system.  There  is  no 
means  by  which  assimilation  may  be  so  powerfully  stimulated  and  encour- 
aged as  by  the  careful  employment  of  Swedish  movements. 

6.  To  Increase  Vital  Action. — This  method  of  treatment  is  of 
great  service  in  cases  of  general  debility,  and  all  other  diseases  in  which 
there  is  inactivity  of  the  vital  functions. 

7.  To  Regulate  Muscular  Action. — No  remedy  is  of  greater 
value  in  treatment  of  disordered  muscular  activity,  as  in  various  distortions 
of  the  spine,  resulting  from  unequal  muscular  action,  also  in  many  cases  of 
displacement  of  the  wromb  and  various  other  disorders  peculiar  to  women. . 

In  cases  of  paralysis  no  othe^  remedy,  unless  it  be  electricity,  will 
accomplish  so  much  as  systematic,  skillful,  physical  exercise. 

Our  limited  space  forbids  giving;  detailed  directions  for  carrying  out  a course  in 
physical  culture.  A complete  manual  with  all  the  movements  illustrated  can  be  had  for 
from  twenty-five  cents  to  fifty  cents  of  Fowler  & Wells  Co.,  775  Broadway,  New  York  City. 

504 


HYDROPATHIC  TREATMENT. 

— 

HEALING  PROPERTIES  OP  WATER. 


The  utility  of  water  as  an  agent  in  the  treatment  of  disease  is  not  a 
modern  discovery.  Very  few  to-day  realize  the  great  diversity  of  the  uses  of 
water  and  the  prompt  and  efficient  character  of  its  effects. 


Water  as  a Tonic. — The  hot  bath  is  a very  efficient  stimulant.  It  will 
frequently  increase  the  circulation  from  70  to  100  or  over  in  fifteen  minutes. 
A short  cool  bath  has  also  very  beneficial  results. 

Water  as  an  Emetic. — In  the  great  majority  of  cases,  warm  water  is 
all  that  is  needed ; the  addition  of  a little  mustard  will  often  increase  its 
efficiency. 

Water  as  a Sedative. — Cold  water  is  one  of  the  most  effective  sed- 
atives; it  will  lower  the  temperature,  rapidly  diminish  the  pulse,  and  restrain 
excessive  vital  action. 

Water  as  an  Anodyne. — The  effects  of  local  applications  of  both 
warm  and  cold  water  in  relieving  pain  are  well  known.  In  many  other  modes 
of  application  water  is  also  effective  in  a very  great  degree  in  relieving  pain 
and  nervous  irritability. 

Water  as  an  Anaesthetic.— At  a very  low  temperature  or  in  the  form 
of  ice,  water  is  a well-known  anaesthetic. 

Water  as  a Dissolvent.— By  cold  or  alternate  hot  and  cold  applica- 
tions, chronic  swellings  of  the  joints  and  other  parts,  enlargements  of  lym- 
phatic glands,  may  be  successfully  treated  with  water. 

Water  as  an  Alterative. — For  a long  time  mercury  has  been  con- 
sidered the  leading  alterative,  but  time  compels  it  to  yield  to  water.  The 
most  mercury  can  do  is  to  destroy  the  elements  of  the  blood,  while  water  not 
only  accelerates  waste,  but  increases  construction  of  the  same  portion,  accord- 
ing to  the  experiments  of  Prof.  Liebig  and  other  eminent  observers.  This 
effect  of  water  results  from  both  internal  and  external  use. 

Solvent  Properties  of  Water. — With  the  exception  of  air,  water 
is  the  most  transient  of  all  the  elements  received  into  the  body.  It  is  elimi- 
nated by  the . skin,  the  lungs,  the  kidneys,  and  the  intestines.  By  its 
solvent  action  it  dissolves  the  various  poisonous  products  of  the  disintegra- 
tion of  the  tissues.  The  volume  of  the  blood  being  increased,  more  water 
comes  in  contact  with  the  debris  contained  in  any  part,  and,  in  consequence, 
the  same  undesirable  products  are  more  perfectly  removed.  The  increased 
amount  of  excrementitious  matter  in  solution  is  brought  in  contact  with  the 
various  depurating  organs,  producing,  notably,  the  following  results : — 

1.  An  increase  of  the  urinary  excretion. — It  is  an  important  fact  that  this 
increase  does  not  consist  in  the  addition  of  water  merely,  or  dilution,  but 

605 


506 


HYDROPATHIC  TREATMENT. 


that  there  is  also  an  increased  amount  of  urea , the  chief  excrementitious 
principle  removed  from  the  blood  by  the  kidneys. 

2.  An  increase  in  the  cutaneous  excretion. — Water-drinking  is  one  of  the 
most  efficient  means  of  producing  copious  perspiration  ; which,  as  with  the 
urinary  excretion,  is  not  a mere  elimination  of  water,  but  is  a real  depurating 
process. 

3.  An  increase  of  the  action  of  the  liver. — Experiments  made  by  the  most 
eminent  scientists  and  physiologists  show  that  the  drinking  of  water  is  one 
of  the  most  efficient  means  of  increasing  the  activity  of  the  liver,  increasing 
not  only  the  quantity  of  bile  formed,  but  the  amount  of  solid  matter  secreted 
and  excreted. 

4.  Increased  action  of  the  intestinal  mucous  membrane. — Elimination  from 
the  mucous  membrane  of  the  intestinal  canal,  which  is  an  important  organ 
of  excretion,  is  also  increased  by  drinking  freely  of  pure  water.  The  result 
of  this  increased  action  is  not  only  to  remove  from  the  blood  some  of  its 
foulest  constituents,  but  to  render  more  fluid  the  contents  of  the  intestines, 
and  thus  tend  to  obviate  that  almost  universal  accompaniment  of  sedentary 
habits,  constipation. 

The  removal  of  clogging  matters  from  the  system  in  this  manner  allows 
greater  freedom  of  vital  action,  so  that  the  activities  of  the  body  are  quick- 
ened, and  both  waste  and  repair,  disintegration  and  assimilation,  are  accel- 
erated. 


BATHS. 

There  are  numerous  modes  of  administering  baths,  each  having  its  pecul- 
iar effect  upon  the  system. 

Sponge  Bath.— Persons  physically  reduced  may  have  a portion  of  their 
body  bathed  at  a time,  the  bathed  part  being  thoroughly  rubbed  before  bath- 
ing the  rest  of  the  body.  These  baths  have  a strengthening  and  * exhilarat- 
ing effect,  and  also  equalize  the  circulation. 

Shower  Baths. — Stimulate  the  nervous  system  and  the  skin  ; they  are 
recommended  particularly  in  diseases  which  require  repeated  sweatings. 

Pail  Douche. — This  bath  is  highly  stimulating  and  excites  nervous 
action.  It  is  also  used  when  the  temperament  is  sluggish. 

Wet  Sheet  Packing. — This  is  a valuable  process  to  reduce  the  heat 
of  the  body  in  fevers  and  to  remove  unhealthy  secretions. 

The  Sweating  Pack. — Is  used  in  skin  diseases,  torpidity  of  the  liver, 
indigestion,  chronic  rheumatism,  and  gout. 

The  Vapor  Bath. — Useful  in  skin  diseases,  colds,  and  fevers.  It 
should  not  be  administered  to  those  having  weak  lungs. 

Sitz  Bath. — Is  used  in  acute  inflammation  of  the  liver,  stomach,  bowels, 
spleen,  and  kidneys. 

General  Rules. — All  full  bathing  should  be  taken  when  the  body  is 
warm.  In  chronic  cases  the  bath  should  be  followed  by  walking,  or  other 
active  exercise,  if  strength  will  permit. 

No  meal  should  be  taken  within  an  hour  after  bath,  nor  bath  be  taken 
within  two  hours  after  meal. 

Wetting  the  head  and  chest  before  bath  is  a useful  precaution. 


A full  treatise  on  Hydropathic  Treatment  is  published  at  a cost  of  25c.  to  50c.  by 
Fowler  & Wells  Co.,  775  Broadway,  New  York. 


ELECTROTHERAPEUTICS. 


The  Healing  Power  of  Electricity, 

BY  THE  SPECIALIST, 

DR.  W.  £0.  DAVIS. 


The  principles  upon  which  this  practice  is  based  are  founded 
in  truth,  and  have  been  so  demonstrated  to  the  satisfaction  of 
critical  investigation. 

The  facts  concerning  the  curative  power  of  electricity  have 
been  realized  by  millions  of  persons  in  this  and  other  countries 
within  the  last  few  years. 

It  is  resorted  to  by  constantly  increasing  numbers  as  rap- 
idly as  prejudice  is  made  to  give  way. 

It  has  already  been  recog- 
nized and  used  by  many  of  the 
leading  physicians  in  this 
country  and  Europe. 

Among  those  who  have 
been  conspicuous  tor  their 
advocacy  of  the  use  of  elec- 
tricity as  a healing  agent  are 
Hammond,  Rockwell,  Beard, 
Morgan,  Garrett,  Galloway, 
and  Bolles,  in  the  United 
States ; Althouse  and  Rey- 
nolds, in  England ; DuBois, 
Raymond,  Becquerel,  Du- 
chenne,  and  Apostoli,  in 
France;  and  Remark,  Meyer,  Benedict,  Erb,  and  Helmholtz,  in 
Germany. 

In  the  cure  of  disease  by  the  application  of  electricity,  a 
most  important  point  to  be  considered  is  the  selection  of  proper 

apparatus. 


507 


508 


ELECTRO-THERAPEUTICS. 


The  country  is  flooded  with  many  kinds  of  electro-medical 
batteries  of  great  pretentions,  but,  in  too  many  instances,  of 
doubtful  utility. 

Discredit  has  been  thrown  on  the  healing  powers  of  elec- 
tricity through  the  failure  of  these  instruments  to  perform  what 
is  claimed  for  them,  and  has  deterred  many  from  seeking  relief 
who  otherwise  might  have  been  greatly  benefited. 

Beware  of  such  frauds  as  electric  pads,  belts,  bands, 
brushes,  garments ; also  electric  soaps,  liniments,  etc.  They  are 
made  to  deceive  the  public  by  men  who  know  nothing  about 
electricity. 

The  galvanic  battery  produces  the  direct  current  upon 
which  we  rely  mostly  for  decomposing  and  dispersing  morbid 
growth,  such  as  calcareous  deposits  about  the  joints,  stone  in 
bladder,  tumors,  nodes,  and  biliary  calculi.  It  is  our  chief 
agent  also  in  neutralizing  morbid  conditions  and  elements  in  the 
system  by  its  chemical  action,  as  also  in  skin  diseases,  cancerous, 
syphilitic,  and  scrofulous. 

Electro-magnetic  or  Faradic  batteries  give  us  the  induced 
current,  especially  adapted  to  arouse  torpid  organs  to  their 
normal  action,  and  to  relieve  painful  conditions  by  the  positive 
and  negative  polarities  changing  plus  and  minus  conditions  to 
normal  or  healthy  action. 

After  many  years’  experience  in  a large  practice  as  a spe- 
cialist in  medical  electricity,  using  various  batteries,  and  watch- 
ing the  effect  and  results  on  the  human  system,  I have  found  the 
batteries  made  by  Dr.  Jerome  Kidder,  820  Broadway,  New 
York,  the  best.  He  is  a scientific  investigator,  having  spent 
many  years  in  the  thorough  research  of  different  qualities  of 
electrical  currents,  and  the  laws  governing  the  production  of  the 
same. 

The  following  are  some  of  the  reasons  for  using  electricity : 
First,  it  is  the  life-giving  and  health-sustaining  element,  homo- 
geneous with  the  vital  force  of  man. 

Second,  its  action  is  not  dependent  upon  the  stomach,  but, 
being  reduced  to  the  ultimate  refinement  of  matter,  it  is 
instantly  appropriable. 

Third,  it  can  be  regulated  to  any  required  power,  concen- 
trated or  diffused ; by  its  acting  and  re-acting  energies  it  will 
penetrate  deep-seated  organs  and  parts  and  remove  obstruc- 
tions inaccessible  to  all  other  agencies. 

Wonderful  advancement  has  been  made  in  the  application 
of  electricity  by  the  medical  profession.  It  is  a well-established 


ELECTRO-THERAPEUTICS. 


509 


fact  that  electricity  can  now  be  employed,  by  scientifically 
adjusted  applications,  in  the  radical  cure  of  disease,  even  where 
the  organism  is  of  the  most  delicate,  weak,  or  nervous  character. 

ELECTRICAL  DIAGNOSIS. 

In  treating  this  subject,  it  is  well  to  state  that  no  two 
persons  are  precisely  alike,  either  in  temperament  or  suscepti- 
bility to  the  electric  currents  ; neither  is  every  part  of  the  sys- 
tem in  the  same  person  equally  sensitive  to  the  current ; con- 
sequently, the  same  strength  of  current  does  not  produce  the 
same  effect  on  different  persons. 

Fleshy  persons  feel  it  less  sensibly  than  lean.  This  being 
the  case,  we  must,  in  our  diagnosis,  make  due  allowance  for  any 
difference  which  may  exist.  As  a general  rule,  those  parts 
where  the  bones  are  thinly  covered  with  muscle  and  fat  feel  it 
the  most,  especially  if  prominent  nerves  pass  over  the  bones ; 
hence,  the  forehead  and  scalp,  shoulder-blades,  and  over  the  ribs 
and  sternum,  shins,  hands,  and  internal  ear  are  among  the  most 
sensitive  parts  of  the  body. 

When  any  part  of  the  body  is  more  sensitive  to  the  current 
than  natural,  and  a dull  or  sharp  pain  is  produced,  we  infer  that 
there  is  an  inflammatory  condition  of  that  part  or  organ ; and, 
on  the  contrary,  if  there  is  a lack  of  natural  sensibility,  we  con- 
clude that  organ  or  part  is  too  inactive. 

In  treatment,  one  will  require  soothing,  the  other  tonic  and 
stimulating  applications. 

Probably  no  single  drug  or  medicine  or  no  kind  of  treat- 
ment can  lay  claim  to  so  many  triumphs  in  overthrowing  the 
ills  the  human  race  is  heir  to  as  this  invaluable  servant  of  the 
educated  physician. 

Diseases  which  have  resisted  all  that  could  be  other- 
wise done,  though  every  effort  was  skillfully  made,  have  van- 
ished, and  the  despondent  invalid  again  restored  to  a life  of 
usefulness  through  the  instrumentality  of  electricity. 

Arguments  could  be  presented  without  number  why  elec- 
tricity should  be  in  more  general  use  than  it  now  is,  but 
a few  only  are  offered. 

First,  it  is  a pleasant  method  of  cure. 

Second,  it  is  applicable  to  the  most  varied  evidences  of  dis- 
ease. 

Third,  there  is  simplicity  in  the  method  of  application. 

Fourth.*  it  is  less  expensive,  when  its  utility  is  considered  ; 
and,  lastly*  the  relief  given  the  stomach  and  organs  of  digestion 


510 


ELECTRO-THERAPEUTICS. 


in  the  freedom  from  nauseous  medicines  which  are  indispensa- 
ble in  other  methods  of  treatment. 

There  are  a number  of  methods  by  which  electricity  can 
be  applied  to  the  body  successfully,  either  local,  central,  or 
general. 

The  numerous  methods  by  which  local  applications  can  be 
applied  may  be  indefinitely  extended. 

This  applies  more  specifically  to  applications  to  separate 
organs — as  the  eye,  the  ear,  the  nose,  the  tongue,  the  womb,  the 
muscles,  or  some  particular  nerve. 

For  affections  of  the  body,  one  pole  (generally  the  negative) 
should  be  placed  at  the  feet  or  base  of  spine,  while  the  manipu- 
lations of  the  other  pole  are  applied  to  the  diseased  part. 

For  affections  of  the  upper  extremities  one  pole  should  be 
placed  on  the  spine,  and  the  other  over  the  part  diseased. 

For  the  lower  extremities  one  pole  may  be  placed  at  base 
of  spine,  while  the  other  is  manipulated  over  the  diseased  part. 

The  poles  also  may  be  applied  near  each  other  over  the 
body,  or  one  be  placed  on  the  spine  and  the  other  where  the 
affected  part  needs  repairs.  In  loss  of  motion,  sensation,  or  feel- 
ing, the  general  object  is  to  pass  the  current  through  the  nerves 
supplying  the  parts  affected. 

Those  who  are  specially  skilled  in  electro-therapeutics  for 
reaching  decided  results  apply  the  currents  to  certain  places 
known  as  motor  points,  where  the  nerves  of  the  parts  approach 
the  surface,  but  these  can  only  be  learned  by  careful  study  and 
large  experience. 

Persons  of  little  experience  should  not  use  the  current 
about  the  head,  as  great  caution  should  be  used  with  electricity 
about  the  brain.  In  application  to  the  tongue,  also,  great  care 
should  be  observed  to  avoid  the  teeth,  which,  being  good  con- 
ductors, permit  the  passage  of  the  current. 

CENTRAL  APPLICATIONS 

are  made  by  using  one  pole,  or  electrode,  over  the  pit  of  the 
stomach,  beneath  the  lower  end  of  the  sternum  or  breast-bone. 

This  point  is  a great  nerve  center  from  which  radiate 
nerves  to  supply  the  diaphragm,  stomach,  spleen,  liver,  kid- 
neys, mesentery,  spermatic,  and  uterine  organs. 

No  method  of  application  exceeds  or  equals  this  in  utility, 
nor  can  so  many  important  organs  be  reached  by  any  other 
process. 


ELECTRO-THERAPEUTICS. 


511 


The  other  pole  can  be  applied  according  to  the  effect 
desired,  as,  for  instance,  to  the  side  beneath  the  ribs,  if  the  liver 
(on  the  right)  or  the  spleen  (on  the  left)  be  at  fault. 

The  kidneys  can  be  reached  by  applying  the  electrode  to 
the  space  just  above  the  hip  bones  on  either  side,  or  in  the 
region  known  as  the  small  of  the  back.  Also  the  intestines  may 
be  stimulated  to  increased  action  by  using  the  electrode  over 
the  front  and  sides  of  the  abdomen.  It  may  be  applied  to  the 
groin,  to  affect  the  ovaries ; to  the  pubic  region,  to  reach  the 
uterus  or  bladder. 

Except  in  cases  of  asphyxia,  paralysis,  or  insensibility,  never 
use  more  power  than  can  be  borne  with  comfort.  A shock  or 
sudden  increase  of  power  is  to  be  avoided. 

In  the  hands  of  non-professional  persons  or  in  family  prac- 
tice, intense  or  strong  currents  are  to  be  studiously  avoided. 
This  rule  should  be  carefully  observed,  and  applies  generally  to 
the  use  of  electric  apparatus. 

General  applications  can  be  made  by  one  electrode  being 
applied  over  the  entire  person  while  the  other  pole  is  either  at 
the  soles  of  the  feet  by  a foot  plate,  or  at  base  of  spine. 

For  any  general  congestion  this  method  of  treatment  will 
always  bring  relief. 

The  chest  and  abdomen  stand  pretty  strong  currents  as  a 
rule,  as  also  do  the  upper  and  lower  extremities. 

Always  begin  the  application  with  mild  currents  so  as  to 
avoid  all  shocks. 

In  females  the  menstrual  function  is  generally  stimulated 
by  electricity ; even  where  the  application  is  made  at  a distant 
point,  the  catamenia  is  apt  to  be  prematurely  induced  in  many 
instances,  and  this  fact  accounts  for  the  peculiar  value  of  this 
agent  in  disorders  of  the  womb  and  its  appendages.  From  any 
irregularity  thus  produced  no  alarm  need  result,  as  the  func- 
tions, accelerated  as  to  time,  will  thereafter  appear  at  the  proper 
interval ; in  fact,  no  better  agent  for  the  regulation  of  the  function 
in  question  is  available  than  the  proper  application  of  electricity. 

Electricity,  in  common  with  many  other  remedies  which  are 
used  in  the  treatment  of  disease,  possesses  qualities  classed 
under  various  heads. 

According  to  the  method  of  its  application  it  may  act  as  a 
stimulant,  or  a sedative,  a tonic  which  builds  up  the  organism, 
or  a caustic  which  breaks  down  the  tissues. 

As  a resolvent  in  the  dispersion  of  tumors  it  means  the  grad- 
ual disappearance  under  treatment  without  suppuration.  This 


512 


ELECTRO-THERAPEUTICS. 


result  may  often  be  obtained  in  the  class  Known  as  benign 
or  non-malignant  growths.  It  is  also  an  alterative  agent  which 
properly  gives  special  value  to  it  therapeutically.  In  cancerous 
formations  it  is  generally  advisable  to  dissipate  or  break  down 
the  tumor  at  the  point  where  the  specific  virus  is  concentrated, 
and  if  this  can  be  done  before  the  lymphatic  glands  in  the  vicinity 
become  involved,  a cure  is  more  certain  than  if  means  were 
taken  to  dissipate  the  growth  throughout  the  system. 

Electricity  possesses  such  a control  over  the  nervous  and 
muscular  systems  that  it  is  of  more  value  than  any  other  agent. 

A current  of  electricity  sent  through  the  nerves  of  any 
part  of  the  body  will  cause  contraction  of  the  muscles  governed 
by  these  nerves. 

This  result  may  be  produced  by  electric  currents  of  differ- 
ent kinds,  either  the  Galvanic,  Faradic,  or  Static. 

It  follows  that  a method  of  imitating  such  “currents  of 
life,”  as  we  may  term  the  nervous  fluid,  must  be  of  great  value 
in  derangements  or  failure  of  the  nervous  system. 

Of  course  it  is  wise  in  electrical  treatment,  as  in  the  usual 
domestic  treatment  of  diseases,  to  seek  medical  aid  should  relief 
not  be  obtained  in  time  or  alarming  symptoms  be  developed. 

When  heart  disease,  apoplexy,  fits,  neuralgia,  and  such 
troubles  are  liable  to  demand  immediate  if  not  instantaneous 
attention,  I think  it  will  not  be  long  before  no  household  will 
be  considered  complete  without  a battery  for  medical  purposes. 

In  electricity  we  have  at  our  command  an  agent,  pleasant, 
efficient,  reliable,  and  prompt  in  the  relief  of  these  derange- 
ments. Properly  applied,  it  is  of  all  remedies  the  most  valuable 
and  efficient  in  the  control  of  abnormal  conditions. 

It  animates  every  part,  it  vitalizes  every  part,  and  har- 
monizes the  whole ; and  in  every  case  when  there  is  no  lesion 
or  destruction  of  the  parts,  and  the  system  is  not  worn  out  by 
age  or  excess,  and  a sufficient  amount  of  vitality  remains  for 
reaction,  a speedy  and  permanent  cure  may  be  effected. 


Springfield,  Mass. 


PROPERTIES  OF  MEDICINES 

Classified  and  Explained. 




Absorbents  are  medicines  which  destroy  acidities  in  the 
stomach  and  bowels,  such  as  magnesia,  prepared  chalk,  etc. 

Alteratives  are  medicines  which  restore  health  to  the  consti- 
tution, without  producing  any  sensible  effect,  such  as  sarsaparilla,  etc. 

Anodynes  are  medicines  which  relieve  pain,  and  they  are 
divided  into  three  kinds,  paregorics,  hypnotics,  narcotics  (see  these 
terms)  ; camphor  is  anodyne  as  well  as  narcotic. 

Aperients  move  the  bowels  gently,  as  dandelion  root,  etc. 

Astringents  are  medicines  which  contract  the  fibers  of  the 
body,  diminish  excessive  discharges,  and  act  indirectly  as  tonics. 

Carminatives  are  medicines  which  allay  pain  in  the  stomach 
and  bowels,  and  expel  flatulence,  as  anise  seed  water. 

Cathartics  are  strong  purgative  medicines,  as  jalap,  etc. 

Cordials  are  warming  medicines,  as  aromatic  confection. 

Digestives  are  remedies  applied  to  ulcers  or  wounds  to  pro- 
mote the  formation  of  matter,  such  as  ointments,  poultices,  etc. 

Diuretics  act  upon  the  kidneys  and  bladder,  and  increase  the 
flow  of  urine,  such  as  nitre,  squills,  etc. 

Emetics  produce  vomiting,  or  the  discharge  of  the  contents 
of  the  stomach,  as  mustard,  tartar-emetic,  blood-root,  etc. 

Expectorants  are  medicines  which  increase  expectoration,  or 
discharges  from  the  bronchial  tubes,  as  ipecacuanha. 

Hypnotics  relieve  pain  by  producing  sleep,  as  hops,  etc. 

Laxatives  are  medicines  which  cause  the  bowels  to  act  rather 
more  than  natural,  such  as  manna,  etc. 

Narcotics  are  medicines  which  cause  sleep  or  stupor,  and 
allay  pain,  such  as  opium,  etc. 

Nutrients  are  remedies  that  nourish  the  body,  as  sago,  etc. 

Paregorics  are  medicines  that  actually  assuage  pain,  such  as 
compound  tincture  of  camphor,  etc. 

Purgatives  are  medicines  that  promote  the  evacuation  of  the 
bowels,  such  as  senna,  etc. 

Sedatives  are  medicines  which  depress  the  nervous  energy, 
and  destroy  sensation,  so  as  to  compose,  as  foxglove,  etc. 

Stimulants  increase  the  action  of  the  heart  and  arteries,  or 
the  energy  of  the  part  to  which  they  are  applied,  such  as  sassafras 
used  internally,  and  savin  used  externally. 

Tonics  give  general  strength  to  the  constitution,  restore  the 
natural  energies,  and  improve  the  tone  of  the  system. 

513 


REMEDIES 


CLASSIFIED  ACCORDING  TO  EFFECTS. 


Medical  Name. 


Aconite  Leaves,  Tincture  of.. 
Aconite  Root, Solid  Extract  of 
Aconite  Root,  Tincture  of. . . 
Aloes,  Socotrine,  Powdered. . 

Alum 

Ammonia,  Aromatic  Spirits  of 

Ammonia,  Carbonate  of 

Ammonia  (Hartshorn) 

Ammonium,  Bromide  of 

Ammonium  Chloride  (Sal-  / 

ammoniac) ) 

Angelica  Root,  Fluid  Ext.  of. 

Anise  Seed,  Oil  of 

Antimonial  Powder  (James’) . 

Antimonial  Wine 

Arsenic,  Donovan’s  Solution. 
Arsenic,  Fowler’s  Solution.. . 

Arsenic,  white 

Asafoetida 

Asafoetida,  Tincture  of 

Atropia  (Active  Principle  ) 

of  Belladonna) f 

Balsam  of  Copaiba 

Balsam  of  Peru 

Balsam  of  Tolu,  Syrup 

Bearberry  Leaves,  Decoction. 
Bearberry  Leaves,  Fluid  Ext. 

Belladonna,  Plaster 

Belladonna,  Solid  Extract . . . 

Belladonna,  Tincture  of 

Benzoic  Acid 

Bismuth,  Subnitrate  of 

Bittersweet,  Decoction  of 

Black  Drop.  

Blackberry  Root 

Blackberry  Root,  Syrup 

Blood-root,  Tincture 

Blue  Mass 

Boneset,  Infusion I 


Properties. 


Dose  for  Adult. 

Child’s  Dose  see  page  350. 


Sedative,  Narcotic 

Sedative  and  Narcotic 

Sedative  and  Narcotic 

Cathartic 

Astringent 

Stimulant 

Stimulant  and  Expectorant. . 

Stimulant 

Sedative 


1  to  6 drops  4 times  daily. 
A to  £ grain  3 times  daily. 

1  to  2 drops  4 times  daily. 

5 to  15  grains  at  bedtime. 

5 to  15  grains. 

10  to  20  drops  in  water. 

3 to  6 grains  every  3 hours. 
5 to  10  drops  in  water. 

5 to  20  grains. 


Expectorant,  Diuretic 


5 to  20  grains. 


Aromatic 

Aromatic 

Diaphoretic. . . 

Emetic 

Alterative 

Alterative 

Alterative 

Antispasmodic. 

Antispasmodic. 


Teaspoonful  4 times  daily. 
5 to  10  drops  on  sugar. 

2  to  5 grains. 

2  teaspoonfuls. 

5 to  10  drops. 

1 to  6 drops, 
afo  of  a grain. 

1 to  5 grains  (in  pills). 

15  to  30  drops. 


Narcotic 


grain. 


Diuretic 

Expectorant 

Expectorant 

Diuretic 

Diuretic 

Anodyne 

Narcotic.. 

Narcotic 

Expectorant 

Anti-emetic 

Narcotic 

Narcotic 

Astringent 

Astringent 

Expectorant 

Alterative 

Diaphoretic 

514 


20  drops  4 times  a day, 
15  drops  every  3 hours 
One  teaspoonful. 
Wineglassful. 
Teaspoonful. 

For  external  use. 
t’b  to  i grain. 

3  to  5 drops. 

5 to  10  grains. 

20  to  30  grains. 
Wineglassful. 

6 to  10  drops. 
Wineglassful. 
Teaspoonful. 

5 to  10  drops. 

3  to  5 grains. 
Tablespoonful. 


ADMINISTERING  MEDICINES. 


515 


Medical  Name. 


Properties. 


Dose  for  Adult. 


Child’s  Dose  see  page  356. 


Buchu,  Fluid  Extract 

Buckthorn,  Fluid  Extract  — 

Caffein 

Calomel 

Calomel 

Camphor,  Gum 

Camphor,  Spirits  of 

Cascara  Cordial 

Cascarilla,  Infusion 

Castor  Oil 

Catechu,  Powdered 

Catechu,  Tincture 

Catnip,  Decoction 

Chalk,  Prepared 

Chamomile  Flowers,  Infusion. 
Chamomile,  Fluid  Extract. . . 

Chloral  Hydrate 

Chloroform 

Colchicum  Root,  Fluid  Ext . . 

Colchicum  Root,  Wine 

Colchicum  Seed,  Tincture 

Colocynth,  Compound  Ext. . 

Colombo,  Tincture 

Cubebs,  Powdered 

Dandelion,  Fluid  Extract 

Dover’s  Powder 

Elaterium 

Elder  Flowers,  Decoction. . . . 

Epsom  Salts 

Ergot,  Fluid  Extract 

Fennel  Seed,  Infusion 

Fever  Root,  Decoction 

Fleabane,  Infusion 

Foxglove  (Digitalis),  Infusion 

Foxglove,  Fluid  Extract 

Foxglove,  Tincture 

Galls,  Powdered 

Gamboge,  Powdered 

Gelsemium,  Fluid  Extract. . . 

Gentian,  Tincture 

Geranium,  Decoction 

Ginger,  Powdered 

Glauber  Salts 

Guaiac,  Tincture 

Hemlock  Bark,  Powder 

Hemlock,  Solid  Extract 

Henbane,  Solid  Extract 

Henbane,  Tincture 

Hydrastin 

Indian  Hemp,  Decoction 


Diuretic 

Cathartic 

Nerve  stimulant 

Alterative 

Purgative 

Stimulant 

Stimulant 

Cathartic  for  habitual  con- 
stipation  

Tonic 

Purgative 

Astringent 

Astringent 

Diaphoretic 

Astringent 

Tonic  and  Diaphoretic 

Tonic 

Narcotic 

Anaesthetic  and  Stimulant. . . 

Diuretic  and  Sedative 

Diuretic  and  Sedative 

Diuretic  and  Sedative 

Cathartic 

Tonic 

Diuretic 

Diuretic 

Diaphoretic... 

Cathartic 

Diaphoretic 

Cathartic 

To  arrest  bleeding 

Aromatic 

Cathartic  and  Diuretic 

Diuretic 

Stimulant  and  Diuretic 

Stimulant  and  Diuretic 

Stimulant  and  Diuretic 

Astringent 

Cathartic 

Sedative  and  Anodyne 

Tonic 

Astringent 

Aromatic  and  Stimulant 

Cathartic 

Diaphoretic 

Narcotic 

Narcotic 

Narcotic  and  Anodyne 

Narcotic  and  Anodyne 

Tonic 

Diuretic 


Teaspoonful. 

Teaspoonful  at  bedtime. 

1 to  2 grains. 

1 to  2 grains  twice  daily. 
6 to  10  grains. 

2 to  6 grains. 

10  to  30  drops. 

\ to  1 teaspoonful. 

2 tablespoonfuls. 

1 to  2 tablespoonfuls. 

10  to  20  grains. 

£ to  1 teaspoonful. 
Tablespoonful. 

10  to  30  grains. 

1 to  2 tablespoonfuls. 
Teaspoonful. 

5 to  10  grains. 

5 to  10  drops  in  glycerine 

3 to  10  drops. 

10  to  20  drops. 

10  to  20  drops. 

5 grains. 

Teaspoonful. 

15  to  20  grains. 

One  teaspoonful. 

10  grains. 

i Ss  grain. 

1 to  2 tablespoonfuls. 

2 teaspoonfuls. 

15  to  30  drops. 

Tablespoonful. 

Tablespoonful. 

Wineglassful. 

Teaspoonful. 

1 to  3 drops. 

5 to  10  drops. 

10  to  20  grains. 

2 to  5 grains. 

2 to  5 drops. 

\ to  1 teaspoonful. 
Tablespoonful. 

10  to  20  grains. 

1 to  2 teaspoonfuls. 

\ to  1 teaspoonful. 

1 to  3 grains. 

\ to  1 grain. 

£ to  1 grain. 

5 to  30  drops. 

1 to  2 grains. 
Tablespoonful. 


516 


ADMINISTERING  MEDICINES. 


Medical  Name. 

Properties. 

Dose  for  Adult. 

Child’s  Dose  see  page  356 

External  use. 

Ipecac,  Powdered 

Diaphoretic  and  Emetic 

5 to  30  grains. 

Ipecac,  Syrup 

Diaphoretic  and  Expectorant. 

Teaspoonful. 

Ipecac,  Wine 

Diaphoretic  and  Expectorant. 

Teaspoonful. 

Iron  and  Ammonia,  Citrate. . 

Tonic 

5 grains. 

Iron  and  Quinine,  Citrate 

Tonic 

5 grains. 

1 to  2 grains. 
1 to  2 grains. 

Iron,  Carbonate 

Tonic 

Iron,  Chloride,  Tincture  of. . . 

Tonic 

5 to  20  drops. 

Tonip 

5 grains. 

10  to  20  drops. 

Iron,  Iodide,  Syrup 

Tonic 

Iron,  Phosphate 

Tonic 

5 grains. 

Jalap,  Powdered 

Cathartic 

5 to  10  grains. 

Juniper  Berries,  Infusion 

Diuretic 

Wineglassful. 

10  to  15  drops, 
i to  2 grains. 

Cathartic 

Liverwort,  Decoction 

Astringent 

Tablespoonful. 

Lobelia,  Infusion 

Diaphoretic 

2 teaspoonfuls. 

Lobelia,  Tincture 

Expectorant . . 

^ to  1 teaspoonful. 

\ to  1 teaspoonful. 

Teaspoonful. 

Tablespoonful. 

Marsh  Mallow,  Infusion 

Diuretic 

May-apple,  Decoction 

Cathartic 

Tablespoonful. 

May-apple. . 

Antibilious 

i to  \ grain. 

May-apple  Root,  Powdered  . . 

Antibilious  and  Cathartic  — 

10  to  20  grains. 

Mftrr>iiry 

Alterative 

h to  h grain. 
hs  to  h grain. 

Mercury,  Biniodide 

Alterative 

Mercury,  Iodide 

Alterative 

[ to  1 grain. 

TVTnrpbin* 

Narcotic. 

to  i grain. 
Wineglassful. 

Mullein  Leaves,  Infusion 

Anodyne 

Musk 

Stimulant 

2 to  10  grains. 
Teaspoonful. 
10  to  20  drops. 

Mustard  SfiP.ds,  CrminJ  . ... 

Emetic 

Myrrh,  Tincture 

Expectorant 

Nux  Vomica,  Solid  Extract 

Tonic  and  Stimulant 

h to  l grain. 

TCnx  Vomica  Tincture 

Tonic  and  Stimulant 

5 to  15  drops. 
^ to  1 grain. 

Opium,  Powdered 

Narcotic  and  Anodyne 

Opium,  Tincture 

Narcotic  and  Anodyne 

10  to  15  drops. 

Opium,  Vinegar 

Anodyne 

> to  7 drops. 

Opinru  Winp  - - - 

Narcotic 

10  to  30  drops. 

Paregoric  . 

Anodyne 

1 teaspoonful. 

Tablespoonful. 

Tablespoonful. 

Pareira  Decoction 

Diuretic 

Parsley  Root,  Infusion 

Diuretic 

Pennyroyal,  Infusion 

Diaphoretic 

Wineglassful. 

Peruvian  Bark,  Decoction. . . 

Tonic 

Wineglassful. 

Peruvian  Bark,  Powdered. . . 

Tonic 

Teaspoonful. 

Peruvian  Bark,  Tincture 

Tonic 

^ to  1 teaspoonful. 

Pink  Root  Infusion. 

To  remove  worms 

Tablespoonful. 

Wineglassful. 

Pleurisy  Root,  Infusion 

Tonic  and  Diuretic 

Podophyllin 

Antibilious  and  Purgative... 

h to  l grain. 

Pond  Lily  Root, Decoction. . . 

Astringent 

Tablespoonful. 

Potassium,  Bromide 

Sedative 

20  to  40  grains. 

ADMINISTERING  MEDICINES. 


517 


Medical 


Name. 


Properties. 


Dose  for  Adult. 


Child’s  Dose  see  page  356. 


Potassium,  Chlorate 

Potassium,  Citrate 

Potassium,  Iodide 

Potassium, Nitrate  (Saltpeter) 

Quassia,  Infusion 

Quassia,  Tincture 

Quinine,  Sulphate 

Raspberry  Leaves,  Infusion... 
Raspberry  Leaves,  Syrup  . . . 

Rhatany  Root,  Decoction 

Rhatany  Root,  Tincture 

Rhubarb,  Aromatic  Syrup. . . 

Rhubarb,  Powdered 

Rhubarb,  Tincture 

Rochelle  Salts 

Rue,  Decoction 

Saffron,  Infusion 

Sage,  Infusion 

Salicin 

Santonin 

Sarsaparilla,  Decoction 

Sarsaparilla,  Fluid  Extract. . 

Sassafras,  Infusion 

Savin  Leaves,  Infusion 

Savin,  Oil 

Scammony,  Powdered 

Senega  Root,  Decoction 

Senega  Root,  Fluid  Extract. . 

Senna,  Decoction 

Senna,  Fluid  Extract 

Skull-cap;  Infusion 

Stramonium,  Tincture 

Strychnia 

Sulphur,  Flowers 

Tansy,  Decoction 

Tansy,  Oil 

Thornapple(See  Stramonium) 

Thyme,  Infusion 

Turpentine 

Valerian,  Tincture 

Veratrum  Viride,  Tincture.. . 
White  Oak  Bark,  Decoction. . 
Wild  Cherry  Bark,  Infusion.. 

Wild  Cherry  Bark,  Syrup 

Yellow  Dock,  Decoction 

Yellow  Jessamine, Tincture. . 
Yellow  Root,  Decoction 


Expectorant 

Diuretic  and  Laxative 

Alterative 

Diuretic 

Tonic 

Tonic 

Tonic 

Astringent 

Astringent 

Astringent 

Astringent 

Cathartic  and  Astringent 

Cathartic 

Cathartic 

Laxative 

Emmenagogue 

Diaphoretic 

Diaphoretic 

Tonic 

To  destroy  Intestinal  Worms- 

Alterative 

Alterative 

Diaphoretic 

Emmenagogue  and  Diuretic. 
Emmenagogue  and  Diuretic. 

Purgative 

Expectorant  and  Diuretic. . . . 
Expectorant  and  Diuretic. . . . 

Cathartic 

Cathartic 

Tonic 

Narcotic  and  Sedative 

Tonic  and  Stimulant 

Laxative 

Emmenagogue 

Emmenagogue 

Aromatic 

Stimulant  and  Diuretic 

Antispasmodic 

Sedative  and  Diaphoretic. . . . 

Astringent ... 

Sedative 

Sedative 

Alterative 

Nerve  Tonic 

Tonic 


10  to  20  grains. 

20  to  30  grains. 

5 to  15  grains. 

10  to  15  grains. 
Tablespoonful. 
Teaspoonful. 

1 to  5 grains. 
Tablespoonful. 
Teaspoonful. 
Tablespoonful. 
Teaspoonful. 

2 teaspoonfuls. 

15  to  20  grains. 
Teaspoonful. 

2 teaspoonfuls. 
Tablespoonful. 
Tablespoonful. 
Wineglassful. 

2 to  5 grains. 

1 to  2 grains. 
Teacupful. 
Teaspoonful. 
Wineglassful. 

2 teaspoonfuls. 

1 to  5 drops. 

1 to  3 grains. 
Tablespoonful. 

15  to  30  drops. 
Tablespoonful. 
Teaspoonful. 
Wineglassful. 

5 to  10  drops. 
jhv  to  55  grain. 

1 to  2 teaspoonfuls. 
Tablespoonful. 

1 to  3 drops. 

Wineglassful. 

1 or  2 teaspoonfuls. 
Teaspoonful. 

1 to  3 drops. 

For  external  use. 
Tablespoonful. 
Teaspoonful. 
Wineglassful. 

10  to  30  drops. 
Tablespoonful. 


KEY  TO  PRESCRIPTIONS 




SCIENTIFIC  NAMES  REDUCED  TO  COMMON  ENGLISH. 


It  is  a source  of  great  satisfaction  to  know  what  the  doctor  has  pre- 
scribed. By  reference  to  the  following  Table  of  Remedies  we 
may  learn  just  what  our  prescription  is  composed  of. 

For  signs  and  weights  see  page  357. 

Atfr 


LATIN. 

ABBREVIATION.  COMMON  NAME. 

i Abies  Canadensis 

Abies  Can 

Hemlock  Pine 

2 Aconitum  Napellus 

Ac 

Monk’s  Hood,  Wolf’s  Bane 

3 HisculusGlabra 

Htscul  G 

Ohio  Buckeye 

4 Agricus  Muscarius 

Agar  M 

Bug  agaric,  Amanita 

5 Agnus  Castus 

Agnus  C 

Chaste-tree 

6 Alnus  Rubra 

A1  Rub 

Tag  Alder 

7 Alumnia 

Alum 

Argilla,  Clay,  Ox.  of  Alumen 

8 Ambra  Grisea 

Ambra  G 

Ambergris 

9 Ammonium  Carbonicum 

Amm  C 

Carbonate  of  Ammonia 

10  Ammonium  Muriaticum 

Amm  Mur 

Muriate  of  Ammonia 

11  Anacardium 

Anac 

Mallacca  Bean 

12  Antimonium  Crudum 

Ant  C 

Crude  Antimony 

13  Apis  Mellifica 

Apis  Mell 

Honey  Bee 

14  Aralia  Racemosa 

Aralia  R 

Spikenard 

15  Argentum  Foliatum 

Arg  Fol 

Silver  Foil 

16  Argentum  Nitricum 

Arg  Nit 

Nitrate  of  Silver 

1 7 Arnica  Montana 

Arn  Mont 

Leopard’s  Bane 

18  Arsenicum  Album 

Ars  Alb 

Arsenic 

19  Aristolochia  Virginia 

Aris  Virg 

Virginia  Snake  Root 

20  Arum  Triphylum 

Arum  T 

Indian  Turnip 

21  Asafoetida 

Asa 

Asafoetida 

22  Asarum  Europseum 

Asarum 

Common  Asarabacca 

23  Asclepias  Incarnata 

Asclep  I 

Swamp  Milkweed 

24  Asclepias  Syriaca 

Asclep  S 

Common  Milkweed 

25  Atropin 

Atrop 

Alkaloid  of  Belladonna 

26  Aurum  Foliatum 

Aurum  F 

Gold 

27  Aurum  Muriaticum 

Aur  Mur 

Muriate  of  Gold 

28  Baptisia  Tinctoria 

Bap  Tinct 

Wild  Indigo 

29  Baryta  Carbonica 

Baryta 

Carbonate  of  Baryta 

30  Belladonna 

Bell 

Deadly  Nightshade 

31  Borax 

Borax 

Biborate  of  Soda 

32  Bovista 

Bov 

Puff-ball 

618 

ANTIDOTES  * DISEASES. 


$ 

On  this  page  is  given,  under  corresponding  number  of  opposite  page, 
the  antidote  or  remedy  having  counteracting  effect  of  remedy  (same 
number)  on  opposite  page. 

Following  the  dash  — is  named  a few  of  the  diseases  for  which  the 
remedy  of  same  number  on  opposite  page  is  used. 


■ $ 

ANTIDOTES.  * DISEASES. 

1 Coffee. — Dyspepsia,  palpitation  of  the  heart. 

2 Vinegar,  Coffee. — Fevers,  lungs,  croup,  heart  disease,  neuralgia. 

3 Nux  Vom. — Piles,  lame  back,  constipation,  spasms. 

4 Salt,  Ether. — Apoplexy,  chorea,  delirium  tremens. 

5 Wine,  Coffee. — Impotence,  scanty  secretion  of  milk. 

6 Sulphur. — Skin  diseases. 

7 Ipecac,  Soda. — Leucorrhoea,  lead  colic,  constipation. 

8 Camphor. — Hysterics,  hard  hearing,  dry  cough. 

9 Camphor,  Lemon-juice. — Syphilis,  dysmenorrhoea,  epilepsy, 
ro  Oil,  Elm  Bark. — Catarrh,  constipation,  diarrhoea. 

1 1 Camphor. — Weakness  of  mind,  heart  disease. 

12  Mercurius,  Puls. — Weakness  of  digestion,  scald  head. 

13  Arnica,  Onion. — Diseases  of  the  kidneys,  dropsy. 

14  Cimicifuga,  Nux. — Gravel,  leucorrhoea,  dry  cough. 

15  Pulsatilla,  Merc. — Mealancholy,  rheumatism  of  joints. 

16  Common  Salt. — Gonorrhoea,  cracked  nipples,  epilepsy,  diarrhoea. 

1 7 Vinegar,  Camphor. — Bruises,  swelling  of  the  glands,  lungs. 

18  Iron,  Ipecac. — Diarrhoea,  fever  and  ague,  obstinate  skin  diseases, 

19  Camphor. — Sick  headache,  piles,  dyspepsia. 

20  Onion. — Salivation,  inflammation  of  mouth  and  throat,  asthma. 

21  Camphor. — Hysterics,  dyspepsia,  premature  menses. 

22  Vinegar,  Camphor. — Colic,  vomiting. 

23  Pulsatilla. — Asthma,  pleurisy,  diarrhoea,  cough,  catarrh. 

24  Bryonia. — Headache,  dropsy,  influenza,  rheumatism. 

25  Coffee. — Neuralgia,  spasms,  paralysis,  whooping  cough. 

26  Merc.,  White  of  Eggs. — Diseases  of  the  bones,  sexual  organs. 

27  Nitric  Acid. — Chronic  catarrh,  dropsy,  syphilis. 

28  Bryonia. — Typhoid  fever,  diphtheria,  dysentery. 

29  Soda  or  Magnesia  in  Vinegar. — Scrofulous  swellings,  rickets. 

30  Vomit,  Coffee. — Diseases  of  brain,  nerves,  glands,  lungs,  skin. 

3 1 Mercurius. — Sore  mouth,  menses  during  nursing,  liver  spots. 

32  Camphor. — Externally  to  stop  bleeding,  headache. 


TABLE  OF  REMEDIES. 


520 


33 

34 

35 

36 

37 

38 

39 

40 

41 

42 

43 

44 

45 

46 

47 

48 

49 
5° 

51 

52 

53 

54 

55 

56 

57 

58 

59 

60 

61 

62 

63 

64 

65 

66 

67 

68 

69 

70 

71 

72 

73 

74 

75 

76 

77 

78 


LATIN.  ABBREVIATION.  COMMON  NAME. 


Bromium 

Brom 

Bromine 

Spartium  Scoparium 

Broom 

Broom 

Bryonia  Alba 

Bry  Alb 

White  Bryony 

Chinca 

Chinca 

Chinca-root 

Calcarea  Carbonica 

Cal  Carb 

Carbonate  of  Lime 

Calcarea  Caustica 

Cal  Caus 

Caustic  Lime 

Calcarea  Phosphorica 

Cal  Phos 

Phosphate  of  Lime 

Calendula  Officinalis 

Calen  Off 

Marsh  Marigold 

Cactus  Grandiflorus 

Cac  Grand 

Night-blooming  Cereus 

Camphora 

Camph 

Camphor 

Cannabis  Sativa 

Cann  Sat 

Hemp 

Cantharides 

Canth 

Spanish  Fly 

Capsicum  Annum 

Cap  Ann 

Cayenne  Pepper 

Carbo  Animals 

Carbo  A 

Animal  Charcoal 

Carbo  Vegetabilis 

Carbo  V 

Vegetable  Charcoal 

Carduus  Marise 

Cardu  Mar 

Common  Thistle 

Caulophyllum  Thalictroides 

Caul  Thai 

Blue  Berry  Root 

Causticum 

Caus 

Caustic  Tincture 

Cepa 

Cepa 

Common  Onion 

Cerasus  Virginica 

Cera  Virg 

Wild  Cherry  (red) 

Chamomilla  Vulgaris 

Cham 

Common  Chamomille 

Cheladonium  Majus 

Chel  Maj 

Garden  Celandine 

Chimaphila  Umbellata 

Chim  Um 

Prince’s  Pine,  Wintergreen 

China 

Chi 

Peruvian  Bark 

Chloral  Hydrate 

Chi  Hy 

Chloral 

Cicuta  virosa 

Cic  Vir 

Water  Hemlock 

Cimicifuga  Racemosa 

Cim  Rac 

Black  Snakeroot 

Cina 

Cin 

Worm-seed 

Cistus  Canadensis 

Cist  C 

Rock  Rose 

Clematis  Erecta 

Clem 

Virgin’s  Bower 

Cocculus  Indicus 

Cocc 

Seeds  of  Cocculus 

Coccus  Cacti 

Coc  Cac 

Cochineal 

Coffea  Cruda 

Coff 

Raw  Coffee 

Colchicum  Autumnale 

Colchi  Au 

Meadow  Saffron 

Colocynthis 

Col 

Bitter  Cucumber 

Collinsonia  Canadensis 

Collin  Can 

Cure  All,  Richweed 

Conium  Maculatum 

Con 

Spotted  Hemlock 

Cornus  Florida 

Corn  Flor 

Dogwood,  Box  Tree 

Crocus 

Cro 

Saffron 

Crotalus  Horridus 

Crotal 

Rattlesnake  Poison 

Crotonius  Oelum 

Crot  Ole 

Croton  Oil 

Cuprum  Metallicum 

Cup  Met 

Copper 

Cuprum  Aceticum 

Cupr  Acet 

Acetate  of  Copper 

Cuprum  Sulph 

Cupr  Sul 

Sulphate  of  Copper 

Cypripedium  Pubescens 

Cyp  Pub 

Bleeding  Heart 

Daphne  Indica 

Daph 

Indian  Daphne 

ANTIDOTES  AND  DISEASES. 


521 


ANTIDOTES.  DISEASES. 

33  White  of  Egg. — Consumption,  croup,  dysentery. 

34  Rhus  Tox. — Nursing  sore  mouth,  mercurial  salivation. 

35  Coffee,  Camphor. — Rheumatism,  pneumonia,  constipation,  typhus. 

36  Cantharis. — Eructations,  vomiting,  burning  urine. 

37  Camphor. — Scrofula,  slow  teething  of  infants,  profuse  menses. 

38  Bryonia. — Coughs,  croup,  ulcers,  curvature  of  the  spine. 

39  Nitric  Acid. — Herpes,  discharge  from  ear,  chronic  bronchitis. 

40  — Wounds,  colic,  cancer. 

41  Verat.  Viride. — Heart  disease,  pneumonia,  fever  and  ague. 

42  Opium,  Vinegar. — Cholera,  influenza,  hysterics,  headache. 

43  Lemonade. — Gall  stones,  burning  urine,  nose  bleed. 

44  Camphor. — Bloody  urine,  dysentery,  kidney  diseases. 

45  Camphor. — Chronic  dysentery,  fever  and  ague,  dyspepsia. 

46  Arsenic. — Cancer,  goitre,  offensive  breath  or  discharges. 

47  Arsenic. — Cardilagia,  ulcers,  bums,  flatulence,  dyspepsia. 

48  Nux  Vom. — Jaundice,  gall  stones,  cough,  pleurisy. 

49  Pulsatilla. — False  pains,  tedious  labor,  dysmenorrhcea,  colic. 

50  Coffee. — Chronic  hoarseness,  cold  feet,  insanity. 

5 1 Coffee. — Stings  of  insects,  poisoned  wounds,  frozen  parts. 

52  Ammonium. — Slow  fevers,  dyspepsia,  ulcers,  whooping  cough. 

53  Aconite,  Coffee. — Children’s  diseases,  spasmodic  pains,  neuralgia. 

54  Sulphur. — Headache,  warts,  eruptions,  jaundice. 

55  Cantharis. — Dropsy  from  disease  of  the  kidneys,  constipation. 

56  Arsenic,  Verat.  Alb. — For  all  diseases  of  periodic  recurrence. 

57  Ammonia. — Insanity,  sleeplessness,  neuralgia,  lock-jaw. 

58  Tobacco. — Epilepsy,  mania,  defective  eyesight. 

59  Coffee. — Menses  too  profuse,  chorea,  rheumatism. 

60  Ipecac. — Worms,  whooping  cough,  spasms,  catarrh. 

61  Belladonna. — Foul  breath,  chronic  diarrhoea,  white  swelling. 

62  Mercurius. — Orchitis,  old  foul  ulcers,  syphilis. 

63  Camphor. — Menstrual  colic,  sea  sickness,  nausea,  asthma. 

64  Tea,  Wine,  Ipec. — Vomiting,  cough,  palpitation  of  the  heart. 

65  Aconite. — Nervous  diseases,  cardilagia,  dyspepsia. 

66  Vinegar,  Honey. — Gout,  burning  urine,  cramps  of  calves  of  legs. 

67  Camphor,  Coffee. — Colic,  dysentery,  costiveness,  neuralgia. 

68  Nux  Vom. — Piles,  diarrhoea,  chronic  constipation. 

69  Coffee. — Apoplexy,  amenorrhoea,  catarrh. 

70  Quinine. — Sour  stomach,  intermittent  fever. 

71  Aconite. — Hysteria,  uterine  hemorrhage. 

72  Arsenic,  Ammonia,  Spirits. — Headache,  skin  diseases. 

73  Opium,  Mucilaginous  drinks. — Constipation,  eczema. 

74  Emetics,  White  of  Eggs. — Epilepsy,  insanity,  vomiting,  asthma. 

75  Milk,  Iron  Filings. — Jaundice,  colic,  croup. 

76  Ipecac. — Emaciation,  rage,  vertigo. 

77  Tea. — Excessive  mental  labor,  St.  Vitus’  dance. 

78  Vinegar,  Camphor. — Itching  eruptions,  pains  in  bones. 


522 


TABLE  OF  REMEDIES. 


LATIN.  ABBREVIATION.  COMMON  NAME. 


79  Digitalis  Purpurea 

80  Doryphora  Ten  Linae 

8 1 Drosera 

82  Dulcamara 

83  Eucalyptus  Globulus 

84  Eupatorium 

85  Euphorbium 

86  Euphrasia 

87  Ferrum  Metallicum 

88  Ferrum  Aceticum 

89  Ferrum  Muriaticum 

90  Filix  Mas 

91  Gelseminum  Sempervirens 

92  Graphites 

93  Glonoine 

94  Hamamelis  Virginiana 

95  Hedeoma  Pulegioides 

96  Helleborus  Niger 

97  Hepar  Sulphuris 

98  Hydrocyani  Acidum 

99  Hydrastis  Canadensis 

100  Hyoscyamus  Niger 

10 1 Hypericum  Perforatum 

102  Ignatia  Amara 

103  Indigo 

104  Iodium 

105  Ipecacuanha 

106  Iris  Versicolar 

107  Jalapa 

108  Juglans  Cinera 

109  Kali  Bichromicum 
no  Kali  Carbonicum 
in  Kali  Hidiodicum 

1 12  Kreasotum 

1 13  Kusso 

1 14  Lachesis 

1 1 5 Laurocerasus 

1 1 6 Ledum  Palustre 

1 1 7 Lilium  Tigrinum 

1 1 8 Lycopodium  Clavatum 

1 19  Lobelia 

120  Magnesia  Carbonica 

1 2 1 Magnesia  Muriatica 

122  Manganum 

123  Menispermum  Canadense 

124  Menyanthes  Trifoliata 


Digi 

Fox-glove 

Dor  T Lin 

Colorado  Potato  Bug 

Dros 

Sun- dew 

Dulc 

Bitter-sweet 

Euc  Glob 

Blue  Gum  Tree 

Eup 

Boneset,  Ague  Weed 

Euphor 

Spurge 

Euphra 

Eye-bright 

Ferr 

Iron 

Ferr  Ace 

Acetate  of  Iron 

Ferr  Mur 

Muriate  of  Iron 

FilM 

Male  Fern 

Gel  Semp 

Yellow  Jassamine 

Graph 

Black  Lead 

Glo 

Nitro- Glycerine 

Hama 

Witch  Hazel 

Hede  Pul 

Penny  Royal 

Helleb 

Christmas  Rose 

Hep  Sul 

Sulphuret  of  Lime 

Hy  Acid 

Prussic  Acid 

Hydras  Can  Golden  Seal 

Hyos 

Black  Henbane 

Hyp  Perf 

St.  John’s  Wort 

Ign 

St.  Ignatius’  Bean 

Indigo 

Indigo 

Iod 

Iodine 

IP 

Ipecac 

Iris  Ver 

Blue  Flag 

Jalap 

Jalap 

Jug  Cin 

Butternut,  White  Walnut 

Kali  Bi 

Bichromate  of  Potash 

Kali  Car 

Carbonate  of  Potash 

Kali  Hi 

Iodide  of  Potassium 

Krea 

Creasote 

Kusso 

Kusso 

Lach 

Snake  Poison 

Laur 

Cherry  Laurel 

Led  Pal 

Marsh- tea 

Lil  Tig 

Tiger-spotted  Lily 

Lyc 

Club  Moss 

Lob 

Indian  Tobacco 

Mag  Car 

Carbonate  of  Magnesia 

Mag  Mur 

Muriate  of  Magnesia 

Mangan 

Manganese 

Menis  Can 

Sarsaparilla 

Meny 

Buck  Bean 

ANTIDOTES  AND  DISEASES. 


523 


ANTIDOTES.  DISEASES. 

79  Emetics,  Wine,  Ammonia. — Heart  disease,  bloody  cough,  dropsy. 

8 0 Jimson  Weed. — Vomiting,  dysentery,  night-mare. 

8 1 Camphor. — Whooping  cough,  consumption,  cough. 

82  Camphor. — Salivation,  hives,  Bright’s  disease,  hoarsenes. 

83  Quinine. — Intermittent  fevers,  asthma  from  heart  disease. 

84  Ipecac,  Nux. — Fevers  : intermittent,  spotted,  remittent.  Influenza. 

85  Lobelia. — Spasms,  diarrhoea,  cholera  morbus. 

86  Belladonna. — Chronic  sore  eyes,  opthalmia,  sneezing. 

87  Arsenic,  China. — Nursing  sore  mouth,  diarrhoea,  chlorosis. 

88  Kreasote. — Consumption,  dropsy,  excessive  menstruation. 

89  Pulsatilla,  Arsenicum. — Catarrh  of  the  bladder,  wetting  the  bed. 

90  Lemon. — Tape  worms. 

91  Belladonna. — Headache,  dumb  ague,  covulsions,  after  pains. 

92  Nux.,  Wine. — Chronic  eruptions,  catarrh  of  the  ear,  salt  rheum. 

93  Coffee. — Sunstroke,  congestive  headache,  nervous  diseases. 

94  Arnica. — Burns,  scalds,  bleedings,  varicose  veins. 

95  Turpentine. — Nausea,  whites,  amenorrhoea  from  a cold. 

96  Camphor. — Dropsy  of  the  brain,  scanty  menses. 

97  Vinegar. — Typhus,  scrofula,  skin,  glands,  profuse  menses. 

98  Ammonia,  Cold  Affusion. — Epilepsy,  apoplexy,  cholera,  pythisis. 

99  Ammonia. — Headache,  constipation,  leucorrhoea,  catarrh. 

100  Coffee,  Bell. — Hysterics,  hydrophobia,  brain  fever. 

1 01  Pulsatilla. — Congestion  of  the  blood  to  the  head,  painful  menses. 

102  Camphor,  Lemon. — Hemicrania,  spinal  irritation,  convulsions. 

103  Belladonna. — Epilepsy,  chorea,  vomiting,  colic. 

104  Coffee,  Starch. — Goitre,  enlarged  glands,  liver  complaints. 

105  Coffee. — Vomiting,  asthma,  diarrhoea,  fever  and  ague. 

106  Veratrum  Alb. — Summer  complaint,  morning  sickness. 

107  Rhubarb. — Constipation,  small  doses  for  diarrhoea  of  infants. 

108  Mayapple  Root. — Quinsy,  cramp,  diarrhoea,  salt  rheum. 

109  Iodine.* — Croup,  cough,  bloody  catarrh. 

no  Vinegar,  Wine. — Consumption,  whooping  cough,  dyspepsia, 
in  Tobacco. — Brain  fever,  sore  throat,  goitre,  cancer. 

1 12  Milk,  Mucilage. — Diabetes,  foul  smelling  discharges,  burns. 

1 13  Coffee. — Tape  Worms. 

1 14  Ammonia,  Arsenic. — Fevers  and  convulsions. 

1 15  Ammonia,  Cold  Affusions. — Pneumonia,  gangrene,  apoplexy. 

1 16  Camphor. — Insect  bites  and  stings,  whooping  cough,  ague. 

1 1 7 Sepia. — Menses  too  profuse  and  too  often,  sterility. 

1 18  Camphor. — Excoriations  of  infants,  gravel,  bloating,  ulcers. 

1 19  Ipecac. — Croup,  asthma,  vomiting,  sick  headache. 

120  Table  Salt. — Menstrual  difficulties,  diarrhoea  of  pregnancy. 

1 21  Calcarea. — Worms,  leucorrhoea,  uterine  spasms. 

122  Coffee,  Ipecac. — Excoriating  leucorrhoea,  fall  of  the  womb. 

123  Bryonia. — Liver  complaints,  skin  diseases,  dropsy. 

124  Camphor. — Malarial  diseases,  rheumatism. 


524 


TABLE  OF  REMEDIES. 


LATIN.  ABBREVIATION.  COMMON  NAME. 


125  Mephitis  Putorius 

Meph 

Skunk 

126  Mercurius  Vivus 

Mer  Viv 

Mercury,  Quicksilver 

127  Mercurius  Solubilis 

Mer  Sol 

Soluble  Mercury 

128  Mercurius  Dulcis 

Mer  Dul 

Calomel 

129  Mercurius  Iodide 

Mer  Iod 

Iodide  of  Mercury 

130  Mercurius  Corrosivus 

Mer  Corr 

Corrosive  Sublimate 

131  Mezereum 

Mez 

Mezereon 

132  Morphium 

Morph 

Morphia 

133  Moschus 

Mosch 

Musk 

134  Muriatis  Acidum 

Mur  Ac 

Muriatic  Acid 

135  Natrum  Carbonicum 

Nat  Car 

Carbonate  of  Soda 

136  Natrum  Muriaticum 

Nat  Mur 

Kitchen  Salt 

137  Nitri  Acidum 

Nit  Acid 

Nitric  Acid 

138  Nux  Juglans 

Nux  Jug 

Walnut  Shell 

139  Nitrum 

Nit 

Nitre,  Saltpetre 

140  Nux  Moschata 

Nux  Mosch  Nutmeg 

141  Nux  Vomica 

Nux  Vom 

Vomic  Nut 

142  Oleander 

Olean 

Oleander 

143  Oleum  Jecoris 

Ol  Jec 

Cod  Liver  Oil 

144  Oleum  Ricini 

Ol  Ric 

Castor  Oil 

145  Opium 

Op 

Opium 

146  Petroleum 

Petro 

Rock  Oil 

147  Phosphori  Acidum 

Phos  Ac 

Phosphoric  Acid 

148  Phosphorus 

Phos 

Phosphorus 

149  Phytolacca  Decandra 

Phy 

Poke  Root,  Poke  Berry 

150  Platina 

Plat 

Platina 

15 1 Plumbum 

Plumb 

Lead 

152  Plumbum  Aceticum 

Plumb  Act 

Acetate  of  Lead 

153  Podophyllum  Pelltaum 

Pod  Pel 

May  Apple 

154  Polygonum  Punctatum 

Poly  Pune 

Smartweed,  Water  Pepper 

155  Pulsatilla 

Puls 

Wind  Flower 

156  Ranunculus  Bulbosus 

Ran  B 

Buttercup 

1 c 7 Ranunculus  Scelaratus 

Ran  S 

Malignant  Crowfoot 

1C8  Rhododendron  Chrysanth’m  Rhod 

Siberian  Rose 

159  Rhus  Toxicodendron 

Rhus  Tox 

Poison  Sumach 

160  Rhus  Glabrum 

Rhus  Glab 

Common  Sumach 

161  Rumex  Crispus 

Rum  Cris 

Yellow  Dock 

162  Ruta  Graveolens 

Ruta  G 

Rue 

163  Sabadilla 

Sabad 

Mexican  Barley 

164  Sabina 

Sabin 

Savin 

165  Sambucus  Nigra 

Samb 

Elder 

166  Sanguinaria  Canadensis 

Sang 

Blood  Root 

167  Scuttellaria  Laterflora 

Scut  Lat 

Skull  Cap 

168  Secale  Coruntum 

Sec 

Ergot 

169  Senega 

Sen 

Rattlesnake  Root 

170  Senecio  Aurans 

Sen  Aur 

Ragweed 

ANTIDOTES  AND  DISEASES. 


525 


ANTIDOTES.  DISEASES. 

125  Camphor. — Sick  headache,  hysterics. 

126  Gold,  Iodine. — Glands,  ulcers,  diarrhoea,  flux,  liver. 

127  Nitric  Acid. — Diseases  of  females,  sore  mouth  and  throat. 

128  Chloride  of  Potash. — Putrid  sore  throat,  biliousness,  diseased  bones 

129  Hepar  Sul. — Diphtheria,  goitre,  hardened  glands. 

130  White  of  Eggs. — Bloody  flux,  opthalmia,  syphilis,  bowel  complaints 

131  Mercurius,  Milk. — Bones,  skin,  bowels,  hectic  fever. 

132  Quick  Emetics. — Used  to  produce  sleep  and  relieve  pain. 

133  Camphor. — Hysterics,  nervous  headache,  asthma. 

134  Sulphur. — Scrofula,  diphtheria,  typhus,  ulcers. 

135  Vinegar. — Glandular  swellings,  scrofulous  sores. 

136  Nitrate  of  Silver. — Fever  and  ague,  constipation,  hemorrhage. 

137  Camphor,  Conium. — Syphilis,  fistula,  liver  complaint,  diabetes. 

138  Arnica. — Boils,  fever  and  ague,  leucorrhoea. 

139  Hepar  Sul.,  Sulphur. — Dyspepsia,  cardilagia,  diarrhoeas,  gravel. 

140  Caraway  Seed. — Hysterics,  dysmenorrhoea. 

14 1 Emetics,  Coffee. — Cramps,  convulsions,  neuralgia,  diabetes,  ague. 

142  Camphor. — Paralysis,  vertigo,  insanity. 

143  — Wasting  diseases. 

144  — Is  a mild  cathartic. 

145  Coffee. — Apoplexy,  mania,  lead  colic,  hernia,  sleeplessness. 

146  Nux. — Weakness  of  the  bladder,  chilblains,  herpes,  sore  throa' 

147  Camphor,  Coffee. — Onanism,  epilepsy,  diabetes,  consumption 

148  Milk,  Magnesia. — One  of  the  most  generally  useful  remedies. 

149  Bloodroot. — Salt  rheum,  diphtheria,  piles,  rheumatism. 

150  Pulsatilla. — Excessive  menses,  catalepsy,  falling  of  the  womb. 

15 1 Opium,  Alum. — Paralysis,  colic,  dysentery,  sterility. 

152  Vinegar  and  Magnesia. — Headache,  convulsions,  loss  of  sight. 

153  Arnica. — Bilious  headache,  dyspepsia,  colic,  diarrhoea,  piles. 

154  Pulsatilla. — Dysentery,  amenorrhoea,  sprains,  bruises. 

155  Coffee. — This  remedy  is  the  woman’s  friend. 

156  — External  applications  to  old  sores. 

157  Camphor. — Gangrene,  cancer  of  the  stomach,  dandruff. 

158  Lobelia. — Chronic  rheumatism,  asthma,  opthalmia. 

159  Lobelia;  internal  and  external. — Erysipelas,  pneumonia,  typhus. 

160  Borax. — Rheumatism,  night  sweats,  scurvy,  bleeding,  piles. 

1 61  Belladonna. — Epistaxis,  diarrhoea,  colic,  itch. 

162  Camphor. — Worms,  uterine  irregularities,  weak  eyes  from  reading. 

163  Cina. — Tape  worm,  neuralgic  rheumatism,  fever. 

164  Elm  Bark. — Miscarriage,  uterine  hemorrhage,  dysuria. 

165  — Cold  in  the  head  of  infants  ; externally  for  burns. 

166  Bryonia. — Sick  headache,  vomiting,  jaundice,  croup,  pneumonia. 

167  Coffee. — Delirium  tremens,  chorea,  sunstroke. 

168  Camphor. — Tedious  labor,  bloody  diseases  generally. 

169  Am.,  Bell. — Diabetes,  chronic  cough. 

1 70  Pulsatilla. — Hay  asthma,  coryza,  Bright’s  disease,  dropsy. 


526 


TABLE  OF  REMEDIES. 


LATIN. 

ABBREVIATION, 

COMMON  NAME. 

1 71  Sepia 

Sep 

Cuttle  Fish  Juice 

172  Silicea 

Sil 

Silica 

173  Spigelia 

Spig 

Pink  Root 

174  Spongi  Tosta 

Spong 

Burnt  Sponge 

175  Squilla  Maratima 

Squi 

Squills 

176  Stannum 

Stan 

Tin 

177  Staphysagria 

Staph 

Stave’s  Acre 

178  Stramonium 

Stram 

Jimson  Weed 

179  Sulphur 

Sul 

Sulphur 

180  Sulphuris  Acidum 

Sul  Ac 

Sulphuric  Acid 

1 81  Symphitum  Officinale 

Symp 

Common,  Comfrey 

182  Tobacum 

Tabac 

Tobacco 

183  Taraxicum 

Tarax 

Dandelion 

184  Tartarus  Emeticus 

Tar  Em 

Tartar  Emetic 

185  Terebinthina  Oleum 

Tereb  01 

Spirits  of  Turpentine 

186  Teucrium  Marum  Verum 

TeuM  V 

Cat  Mint 

187  Thuya  Occidentalis 

Thu 

Tree  of  Life,  Arbor  Vitae 

188  Triosteum  Perfoliatum 

Trios  Perfo  White  Ginseng 

1 89  Urtica  Urens 

UrtU 

Nettle 

190  Valeriana  Officinalis 

Val  Off 

Valerian 

19 1 Variolin 

Vari 

Cowpox  Virus 

192  Verbascom  Thapsus 

Verba 

Mullein 

193  Veratrum  Album 

Ver  Alb 

White  Hellebore 

194  Veratrum  Viride 

Ver  Vir 

Black  Haw 

195  Viburnum  Prunifolium 

Viburn  Pru 

American  Hellebore 

196  Vinca  Minor 

Vine 

Periwinkle 

197  Viola  Tricolor 

Vio  Tri 

Pansy 

198  Xanthoxylum  Fraxincum 

Xanthoxl 

Prickly  Ash 

199  Zincum  Sulphas 

Zin  Sul 

Sulphate  of  Zinc 

200  Zincum 

Zinc 

Zinc 

ANTIDOTES  AND  DISEASES. 


527 


ANTIDOTES.  DISEASES. 

1 71  Lemon  Juice. — Menstrual  difficulties,  sick  headache,  ozena. 

172  Camphor. — Old  ulcers,  diseased  bones. 

173  Coffee. — Nervous  sick  headache,  neuralgia,  worms,  toothache. 

1 74  Camphor. — Croup,  hoarseness,  spitting  blood. 

175  Camphor. — Hemopthysis,  bronchitis,  diabetes,  cough. 

176  Pulsatilla. — Cardilagia,  mucous  consumption. 

177  Camphor. — Toothache,  rheumatism  of  joints  and  muscles. 

178  Lobelia. — Brain  fever,  spasms,  hydrophobia,  asthma. 

1 79  Aconite,  Puls. — Useful  in  scrofulous  and  skin  diseases. 

180  Magnesia,  Lemon  Juice. — Night  sweats,  bed  sores,  mercurial  saliv’n 

1 81  — Applied  externally  for  old  ulcers. 

182  Lobelia,  Coffee. — Hernia,  sea  sickness,  renal  colic. 

183  Vinegar. — Torpid  liver,  flatulence,  hives. 

184  Tannin,  Ipecac. — Croup,  smallpox,  cough,  pneumonia,  yellow  fever 

185  Coffee. — Bloody  urine,  rheumatism,  typhus,  worms. 

186  Camphor. — Colic  and  wakefulness  of  infants. 

187  Sassafras. — Cancer  of  the  womb,  syphilis,  gonorrhoea. 

188  Ipecac. — Bilious  colic,  asthma,  rheumatism,  bilious  fever. 

189  Belladonna. — Hives,  bums,  gravel,  dysentery. 

190  Coffee. — Nervous  pains,  epilepsy,  rheumatism. 

19 1 Smallpox. — This  is  the  only  reliable  article  for  vaccination. 

192  — Piles,  varicose  veins,  fever  sores. 

193  Camphor. — Cholera,  cramps,  vomiting,  colic. 

194  Coffee. — Female  diseases,  fevers,  use  instead  of  aconite. 

195  Pulsatilla. — Hysteria,  cancer,  after  pains,  prevents  miscarriage. 

196  Sulphur. — Eruptions  and  skin  diseases. 

197  — Scald  head,  fetid  urine. 

198  Ammonia. — Salivation,  amenorrhoea,  catarrh. 

199  Hepar  Sul.,  Ignatia. — Somnambulism,  nervous  diseases. 

200  Hepar  Sul.,  Ignatia. — Red  eyelids,  spasms,  paralysis,  pimples. 


DISINFECTANTS. 


$ 

HOW  TO  DESTROY  GERMS  OF  DISEASE, 


Disinfectants  are  substances  possessing  the  power  of 
destroying  germs  of  diseases,  and  which  also,  by  absorbing  or 
decomposing  impure  gases,  purify  the  atmosphere. 

1.  Fresh  Air  and  Sunlight. 

2.  Water. — Dishes  of  water  placed  in  a room  will  absorb 
impure  gases.  Care  should  be  taken  to  change  the  water  fre- 
quently. 

A pailful  of  water  placed  in  a freshly  painted  room  will 
remove  the  disagreeable  odor  of  the  paint. 

3.  Charcoal. — Powdered  charcoal  is  very  efficacious  in 
absorbing  foul  odors ; it  should  be  exposed  in  open  pans. 

4.  Fresh  Earth. — Fine  dry  earth  sprinkled  over  offen- 
sive matters,  or  placed  in  boxes  about  a room,  is  also  effica- 
cious in  absorbing  foul  odors. 

5.  Sulphate  of  Iron,  or  copperas,  in  powder  alone  or 
mixed  with  lime,  is  an  excellent  disinfectant  for  privy-wells, 
slaughter-houses,  ditches,  etc.  Or,  charcoal,  two  ounces;  sul- 
phate of  iron  (copperas),  forty  ounces  ; sulphate  of  lime  (plaster 
or  gypsum),  fifty  ounces;  sulphate  of  zinc  (white  vitriol),  seven 
ounces.  Mix  well  and  scatter  dry,  or  mix  with  water. 

6.  Chloride  of  Lead. — Dissolve  half  a dram  of  nitrate 
of  lead  in  a pint  of  boiling  water,  and  two  drams  of  common 
salt  in  a pail  of  water.  Mix  the  two  solutions  and  allow  the 
sediment  to  settle. 

A cloth  dipped  in  the  liquid  and  hung  up  in  an  apartment 
is  all  that  is  required  to  purify  the  most  fetid  atmosphere.  It 
also  can  be  thrown  down  sinks,  drains,  etc. , good  also  to  wash 
infected  clothes  in. 

7.  Carbolic  Acid. — Impure  carbolic  acid,  one  ounce ; 
water,  one  gallon.  Mix  and  sprinkle  over  the  floors  of  privies, 
abou  sinks,  etc. 

8.  Red  Clay  mixed  with  a four  per  cent,  solution  of 
sulphuric  acid,  and  a little  carbolic  acid,  is  also  a good  disin- 
fectant. 


528 


DISINFECTANTS. 


529 


9.  Chloride  of  Lime  is  often  deleterious  in  close  dwell- 
ings, from  the  amount  of  chlorine  gas  evolved ; but  it  is  excel- 
lent for  drains,  ditches,  etc.  By  adding  vinegar  or  diluted 
sulphuric  acid  with  it,  the  amount  of  chlorine  gas  is  increased. 

10.  Common  Salt,  three  ounces  ; black  oxide  of  manga- 
nese and  oil  of  vitriol,  each  one  ounce  ; water,  two  ounces.  Mix 
in  a cup,  and  carry  it  through  the  apartments  of  the  sick  ; but  it 
should  not  be  left  in  the  room. 

How  to  fumigate  Rooms. 

1.  Heat  a common  iron  shovel  quite  hot,  and  pour  vinegar 
slowly  upon  it.  The  windows  and  doors  should  be  opened  at 
the  time,  as  the  fumes  of  vinegar  are  very  irritating. 

2.  Sulphurous  Acid  Gas. — Another  way  to  fumigate 
rooms  is  with  sulphur  fumes.  Take  two  ounces  of  sulphur  and 
place  it  in  a kettle,  close  every  window,  kindle  the  sulphur,  and 
immediately  leave  the  room  ; the  door  should  be  locked  and  no 
one  allowed  to  enter  it  for  eight  hours,  after  which  time  the 
doors  and  windows  may  be  thrown  open. 

3.  Chlorine  Gas,  Bromine,  or  nitrous-acid  fumigation 
should  only  be  used  by  persons  acquainted  with  such  gases,  as 
they  are  very  poisonous. 

4.  Another  very  efficacious  disinfectant  (in  washing  furni- 
ture, books,  clothing,  etc.,  which  have  remained  in  the  room 
of  a person  suffering  from  infectious  disease)  is  made  by  mixing 
one  part  of  rectified  oil  of  turpentine,  seven  parts  of  benzine, 
with  the  addition  of  five  drops  of  the  oil  of  verbena  to  each 
ounce.  This  forms  the  peroxide  of  hydrogen,  a powerful  oxidiz- 
ing agent,  similar  to  ozone. — British  Medical  Journal. 

5.  Clothing  may  be  disinfected  by  placing  in  a hot  oven, 
or  boiling  it. 

6.  To  remove  the  unpleasant  odor  from  a room  quickly, 
burn  in  it  dried  lavender  or  cascarilla  bark.  The  window  should 
be  opened  when  it  is  done.  Roasting  coffee  has  the  same 
effect. 

Precautions  in  Visiting  Infected  Rooms. 

Never  enter  an  infected  room  on  an  empty  stomach.  Stay 
only  as  long  as  it  is  necessary.  Breathe  lightty  while  there. 
On  returning  home,  take  a warm  bath,  and  rub  the  skin  well 
when  drying. 


Poisons  and  Their  Antidotes. 


Act  Quickly.  Time  is  Like. 


First — Send  for  a physician. 

Second — Induce  vomiting  as  speedily  as  possible  by  drinking  hot 
water,  or  strong  mustard  and  water,  swallow  sweet  oil,  or  whites  of  eggs. 
Tickle  the  throat  with  a feather. 


Irritant  Poisons  are  arsenic,  antimony,  mercury,  iodine,  chlorine, 
ammonia,  cantharides,  alkalies,  and  strong  acids — cause  intense  burning 
pain  in  throat  and  stomach.  Vomiting  must  be  produced.  After  the  stom- 
ach has  been  evacuated  of  a poison,  take  oil,  cr  whites  of  several  eggs, 
flaxseed  tea,  slippery  elm  tea,  gum  arabic  in  solution,  or  gelatine. 


Narcotic  Poisons  are  opium,  chloral,  alcohol,  belladonna,  aconite, 
strychnia,  carbolic  acid — produce  deep  sleep  and  insensibility,  which  must 
be  counteracted  by  shocks  to  the  nervous  system  by  dashing  cold  water  on 
the  spine  and  chest,  also  drink  strong  coffee  and  other  stimulants.  Keep 
patient  awake  and  moving  at  any  cost. 


SPECIAL  POISONS  AND  ANTIDOTES. 


POISONS.  ANTIDOTES.  POISONS.  ANTIDOTES. 


Acids : Muriatic, 
Oxalic,  Acetic, 
Sulphuric  (Oil  of 
Vitriol).  Nitric 
(Aqua  Fortis). 


Soapsuds,  magnesia, 
lime  water. 


Prussic  Acid. 


Ammonia  in  water.  Dash 
water  in  face. 


TflrhnliV  Arid  \ Flour  and  water’  muci- 
Carbolic  Acid,  j laginous  drinks. 

Alkalies : Potash,  Lye,  ) Vinegar  or  lemon 
Hartshorn,  Ammonia,  j juice  in  water. 


Bug  Poison,  Lead,  Salt- 
peter, Corrosive  Sub- 
limate, Sugar  of  Lead, 
Blue  Vitriol. 


Whites  of  eggs 
or  milk  in  large 
doses. 


Milk,  raw  eggs,  sweet  oil, 
lime  water,  flour  and  water. 

vmuiuiuim,  i Dash  cold  water  on  head 
Chloral,  > and  chest,  artificial  respira- 
Ether.  ) tion,  piece  of  ice  in  rectum. 


Arsenic, 

Rat  Poison, 
Paris  Green. 


Carbonate  of  Soda,  ) Soapsuds  and  muci- 
Copperas,  Cobalt.  j laginous  drinks. 


Iodine, 
Antimony, 
Tartar  Emetic. 


Starch  and  water,  astrin- 
gent infusions,  strong  tea. 


Mercury  and  its  Salts.  } Sg£ 

LSrteCa°ufSt?i!Ver-}  Salt  and  water. 


} Mustard  and  water, 
sulphate  of  zinc, 
absolute  quiet,  plug 
the  ears. 


Opium, 

Morphine, 
Laudanum, 
Paregoric, 
Soothing  Powders 
or  Syrups. 


1 Strong  coffee,  hot 
bath,  keep  awake  and 
j moving  at  any  cost. 


“PATENT  MEDICINES.” 

v-W-H 

The  following  named  Compounds  have  been  carefully 

ANALYZED  BY  EXPERT  CHEMISTS, 

With  the  results  as  given  below , and  published  from  time  to  time  in  one  or  more 
of  the  following  leading  journals:  The  Medical  World  of  Philadelphia , The 
Western  Druggist  of  Chicago , The  New  England  Druggist  of  Boston , and  other 
publications. 

Ayer’s  Sarsaparilla. 

Alcohol,  2 ounces  ; fluid  extract  sarsaparilla,  3 ounces ; fluid  extract 
yellow  dock,  2 ounces;  fluid  extract  burdock,  2 ounces;  fluid  extract 
stillingia,  2 drams ; fluid  extract  mandrake,  1 dram ; potassium  iodide,  2 
drams. 

Ayer’s  Ague  Cure. 

Each  bottle  contains  six  ounces  of  a dark  red  syrupy  liquid,  with  a 
slight  white  sediment,  a very  bitter  taste,  and  an  odor  of  wintergreen  oil. 
It  consists  of  an  alcoholic  tincture  of  cinchona  bark,  with  an  addition  of 
about  three  grains  of  quinoidine  and  three  grains  of  sulphate  of  cinchonine 
for  each  fluid  ounce,  dissolved  by  the  aid  of  sulphuric  acid  ; it  is  sweetened 
with  sugar  and  flavored  with  oil  of  wintergreen.  The  white  sediment  con- 
sists of  sulphate  of  lime. 

Ayer’s  Cathartic  Pills. 

Each  box  contains  30  sugar-coated  pills,  each  weighing  nearly  4 grains, 
and  consisting  of  aloes,  compound  extract  of  colocynth,  gamboge,  Spanish 
pepper,  and  oil  of  peppermint. 

Hood’s  Sarsaparilla. 

After  a careful  analysis  of  this  remedy  it  is  believed  that  it  does  not 
differ  materially  from  similar  preparations. 

Railway’s  Regulating*  Pills. 

Each  box  contains  29  to  31  sugar-coated  pills  of  unequal  size.  They 
consist  of  30  grains  of  aloes,  15  grains  of  jalap,  8 grains  of  gamboge,  and  of 
some  inert  substance. 

Radway’s  Ready  Relief. 

Two  and  one-half  fluid  ounces  (in  a 50  cent  bottle)  of  a light  brown 
liquid  consisting  of  2 ounces  of  soap  liniment,  2 drams  alcoholic  tincture  of 
Spanish  pepper,  and  2 drams  of  strong  aqua  ammonia  (hartshorn). 

Himrod’s  Asthma  Cure. 

Powdered  lobelia,  2 ounces ; powdered  stramonium  leaves,  2 ounces ; 
powdered  saltpeter,  2 ounces ; powdered  black  tea,  2 ounces.  Mix  and 
sift  well. 


531 


532 


PATENT  MEDICINE  RECIPES. 


S.  S.  S.  Swift’s  Specific. 

Old  man’s  gray-beard  root,  1 bushel ; prickly  ash  root,  16  ounces  ; white 
and  red  sumac  root,  each  4 ounces ; sarsaparilla  root,  10  ounces ; sulphate 
of  copper,  8 scruples. 

Kennedy’s  Medical  Discovery. 

Sneezewort,  1 ounce ; bitter  root,  4 drams ; licorice  root,  4 drams ; 
white  sugar,  4 ounces  ; essence  wintergreen,  1 ounce  ; boiling  water,  8 ounces ; 
proof  spirits,  10  ounces.  Macerate  the  roots  with  menstruum  for  48  hours, 
filter  and  add  sugar. 

Jackson’s  Pectoral  Syrup. 

Sassafras  pith,  1 dram  ; gum  arabic,  1 ounce  ; water,  1 pint.  Macerate 
for  12  hours,  then  add  sugar,  21  ounces,  and  dissolve  without  heat,  filter  and 
add  morphine  muriate,  8 grains.  Dose  : A teaspoonf.ul  every  3 hours.  It 

is  intended  that  this  preparation  when  completed  shall  measure  2 pints,  and 
if  it  does  not,  the  operator  is  to  add  the  complement  of  water,  so  that  each 
fluid  ounce  shall  contain  £ of  a grain  of  muriate  of  morphia. 

Sozodont. 

Castile  soap,  75  grains  ; glycerine,  75  grains  ; alcohol,  1 ounce;  water, 
5 drams ; oil  peppermint,  oil  cloves,  oil  cinnamon,  oil  anise,  of  each  sufficient. 

Carter’s  Little  Liver  Pills. 

Podophyllin,  1^  grains ; aloes  (socotrine),  grains ; mucilage  acacia, 
sufficient  quantity.  Mix.  Divide  into  12  pills,  and  coat  with  sugar. 

Hall’s  Hair  Renewer. 

Tea,  2 drams ; raspberry,  3 drams  ; sage,  4 drams  ; oil  citronella,  21^ 
drams  ; best  lac  sulphur,  18  drams  ; white  sugar  lead,  2 ounces,  10  grains ; 
glycerine,  42  ounces ; water,  sufficient  quantity. 

Fellows’  Syrup  of  Hypophosphites. 

Hypophosphite  calcium,  740  grains  ; hypophosphite  sodium,  256  grains  ; 
hypophosphite  potassium,  192  grains  ; hypophosphite  manganese,  192  grains ; 
strychnine,  4 grains;  sulphate  iron,  crystallized,  370  grains;  sulphate  qui- 
nine, 128  grains ; sugar,  24  ounces ; orange  flower  water,  1 ounce ; water, 
32  ounces. 

Horsford’s  Acid  Phosphate. 

Calcium  carbonate,  369  grains;  magnesia  (calcined),  116  grains;  potas- 
sium carbonate,  151  grains ; syrupy  phosphoric  acid  (60  per  cent.),  1,721 
grains.  Add  sufficient  water  to  make  1 pint. 

Magnolia  Balm. 

Zinc  oxide,  4 drams;  glycerine,  1^  fluid  ounces;  water,  2 ounces;  car- 
mine, \ grain  ; oil  bergamot,  1 minim  ; oil  lemon,  1 minim. 

German  Cologne. 

Cologne  spirits,  1 quart ; oil  bergamot,  $ ounce ; oil  cedrat,  \ ounce ; 
oil  lemon,  \ ounce ; water,  warm,  £ quart. 


PATENT  MEDICINE  RECIPES. 


533 


Jayne’s  Expectorant. 

Syrup  squills,  2 ounces ; tincture  tolu,  12  drams;  tincture  camphor,  1 
dram ; tincture  lobelia,  1 dram  ; tincture  digitalis,  2 drams ; laudanum,  4 
grains ; powdered  ipecac,  4 grains  ; tartar-emetic.  Mix  together. 

Jayne’s  Agrie  Mixture. 

Each  bottle  contains  fluid  ounces  of  a mixture  having  the  odor  and 
taste  of  rhubarb,  dandelion,  and  common  molasses.  It  contains  sulphate  of 
quinine  and  traces  of  other  cinchona  alkaloids,  but  not  enough  to  render  the 
mixture  very  bitter. 

Hall’s  Catarrh  Cure. 

Iodide  of  potassium,  1 dram ; tincture  of  cardamom  compound,  4 
ounces ; tincture  of  gentian  compound,  12  ounces  ; caramel,  sufficient  to 
color. 

Green’s  August  Flower. 

Rhubarb,  360  grains ; golden  seal,  90  grains;  cape  aloes,  16  grains; 
peppermint  leaves,  120  grains ; potassium  carbonate,  120  grains ; capsicum, 
5 grains ; sugar,  \ pound ; alcohol,  3 ounces ; water,  10  ounces.  Macerate 
the  mixed  drugs  in  the  water  and  alcohol,  'filter,  and  pass  sufficient  diluted 
alcohol  through  the  filter  to  make  one  pint,  in  which  dissolve  the  sugar. 

Cuticura  Resolvent. 

Socotrine  aloes,  1 dram ; powdered  rhubarb,  1 dram ; iodide  potassium, 
36  grains ; whisky,  1 pint.  Macerate  over  night  and  filter. 

Warner’s  Safe  Cure. 

Add  potassium  nitrate  to  an  infusion  of  hepatica  in  the  proportion  of 
15  grains  to  a fluid  ounce,  flavoring  with  oil  of  wintergreen,  adding  a small 
amount  of  alcohol  for  preserving. 

Ely’s  Cream  Balm. 

White  wax,  30 parts  ; paraffine,  15  parts;  oil  of  sweet  almonds,  60 parts  ; 
petrolatum,  120  parts;  nitrate  of  sodium,  15  parts  ; water,  15  parts  ; oil  of 
lemon,  5 parts  ; oil  of  orange,  1 part. 

Allen’s  Rung  Balsam. 

Tincture  sanguinaria,  tincture  lobelia,  tincture  opium,  tincture  capsi- 
cum, essence  sassafras,  essence  anise,  New  Orleans  molasses. 

Shilo’s  Consumptive  Cure. 

Hydrochlorate  morphine,  4 grains;  oil  peppermint,  10  drops ; oil  tar, 
1 fluid  dram ; dilute  hydrocyanic  acid,  1 fluid  dram ; chloroform,  2 fluid 
drams  ; powdered  extract  licorice,  2 drams  ; tincture  lobelia,  4 fluid  drams ; 
alcohol,  1 fluid  ounce.  Syrup  to  make  1 pint. 

King’s  New  Discovery. 

Sulphate  morphine,  8 grains ; fluid  extract  ipecac,  \ dram ; chloro- 
form, 60  drops;  tincture  white  pine,  2 fluid  ounces;  carbonate  magnesia, 
\ ounce ; sugar,  14  ounces  ; water,  7 fluid  ounces. 

Castoria. 

Senna,  2 drams ; manna,  £ ounce  ; Rochelle  salts,  \ ounce ; fennel,  bruised, 
| dram ; dissolve  with  4 ounces  boiling  water,  cool,  strain,  and  add  4 ounces 
sugar ; add  sufficient  wintergreen  to  flavor. 


534 


PATENT  MEDICINE  RECIPES. 


Sage’s  Catarrh  Remedy. 

Half  an  ounce  of  a green  powder  consisting  of  200  grains  of  finely  pow- 
dered common  salt  mixed  with  8 to  12  grains  of  powdered  camphor,  the  same 
quantity  of  carbolic  acid,  and  colored  with  a mixture  of  20  grains  finely 
powdered  yellow  puccoon  root  with  2 grains  of  indigo. 

Christie’s  Ague  Mixture. 

Each  bottle  contains  7 fluid  ounces  of  a very  dark,  syrupy  liquid,  one- 
fourth  filled  with  sediment,  and  having  a very  bitter  and  peppery  taste  and  the 
odor  of  common  molasses.  The  sediment  is  powdered  Spanish  pepper  and  a 
little  resinous  matter.  The  solution  consists  of  a tincture  of  cinchona  bark 
with  the  addition  of  sulphate  of  cinchonine  and  common  molasses. 

Keating’s  Cough  Lozenges. 

Lactucarium,  2 drams  ; ipecac,  1 dram ; squills,  | dram ; extract  licorice, 
2 drams  ; sugar,  6 ounces.  Make  in  a mass  with  tragacanth  mucilage,  and 
divide  into  20-grain  lozenges. 

Brown’s  Troches. 

Powdered  extract  licorice,  16  ounces;  powdered  sugar,  24  ounces; 
powdered  cubebs,  4 ounces  ; gum  arabic,  4 ounces;  extract  hemlock,  1 ounce. 
Mix,  and  with  sufficient  water  make  troches  of  the  proper  size. 

Harter’s  Wild  Cherry  Bitters. 

Wild  cherry  bark,  8 ounces ; yellow  cinchona,  1 ounce ; orange  peel,  2 
ounces ; cardamom  seed,  1 ounce  ; Canada  snakeroot,  ^ ounce  ; diluted  alcohol, 
6 pints ; honey,  1 pint ; syrup,  1 pint. 

Thompson’s  Hot  Drops. 

Myrrh,  powdered,  2 ounces ; capsicum,  ^ ounce ; alcohol,  1 quart.  Macer- 
ate and  filter. 

Clark’s  Blood  Mixture. 

Iodide  potassium,  64  grains  ; chloric  ether,  4 drams ; liquor  potassse, 
30  minims  ; water,  7^  ounces.  Burnt  sugar,  sufficient  to  color. 

Tarrant’s  Effervescent  Seltzer  Aperient 

consists  of  a mixture  of  powdered  sugar,  Epsom  salt,  bicarbonates  of  soda 
and  potash,  and  tartaric  acid. 

Kendall’s  Spavin  Cure. 

Camphor,  21  parts ; oil  of  turpentine,  30  parts ; oil  of  rosemary,  1 part ; 
iodine,  5 parts;  alcohol,  192  parts;  water,  39  parts.  Dissolve  the  solids  in 
the  alcohol,  and  add  remainder. 

St.  Johnvs  Condition  Powders. 

Powdered  fenugreek,  powdered  potassium  bitartrate,  powdered  gentian, 
powdered  potassium  nitrate,  powdered  sulphur,  powdered  rosin,  powdered 
black  antimony,  powdered  ginger,  each  1 ounce;  powdered  capsicum,  4 
drams.  Mix  well. 


PATENT  MEDICINE  RECIPES. 


535 


Pierce’s  Pleasant  Purgative  Pellets. 

Each  little  bottle  contains  28  to  36  small  sugar-coated  pills  of  unequal 
size,  weighing  in  all  18  to  22  grains.  Their  cathartic  effect  is  solely  due  to 
podophyllin,  the  resin  of  the  root  of  the  May-apple. 

Pierce’s  Golden  Medical  Discovery. 

Seven  fluid  ounces  of  a dark  brown  liquid  consisting  of  a solution  of  1 
dram  extract  of  lettuce,  1 ounce  of  honey,  \ dram  tincture  of  opium  in  3 
ounces  of  dilute  alcohol,  and  3 ounces  of  water. 

Pierce’s  Favorite  Prescription. 

Ten  fluid  ounces  of  a greenish-brown  turbid  liquid  consisting  of  a solu- 
tion of  i ounce  of  sugar  and  1 dram  of  gum  arabic  in  8 ounces  of  a decoction 
made  from  2 drams  of  savin,  2 drams  of  white  agaric,  1£  drams  of  cinna- 
mon, and  2 drams  of  cinchona  bark ; to  this  mixture  are  added  £ dram  of 
tincture  of  opium,  and  J dram  of  tincture  of  fox-glove,  and  a jlution  of  8 
drops  of  oil  of  anise  seed  in  ounces  of  alcohol. 

Mrs.  Winslow’s  Soothing  Syrup 

comes  in  vials  containing  If  fluid  ounces  ; it  consists  of  sugar  syrup  strongly 
flavored  with  an  alcoholic  tincture  of  fennel — anise — and  a little  caraway- 
seed,  or  an  alcoholic  solution  of  their  essential  oils,  and  with  or  without  an 
admixture  of  solution  of  sulphate  of  morphine  in  various  quantities.  While 
recently  it  has  been  found  not  always  to  contain  morphine,  at  times  as  much 
as  one-half  of  a grain  and  more  has  been  found  contained  in  each  fluid  ounce 
of  the  syrup.  In  regard  to  the  dangers  of  this  nostrum,  the  Pacific  Medical 
and  Surgical  Journal  remarks : — 

“ It  would  be  scarcely  possible  to  estimate  the  number  of  children  which  it  sends  to  the 
grave  before  they  reach  their  second  year.  Another  still  graver  question  is : How  much 
of  the  physical  disease,  drunkenness,  degradation,  and  vice,  and  how  many  of  the  weak- 
ened intellects  are  due  to  the  use  of  the  soothing  syrup  in  infancy?” 

Walker’s  California  Vegetable  Vinegar  Bitters. 

Each  bottle  contains  19  to  20  fluid  ounces  consisting  of  a decoction  of 
aloes  and  a small  quantity  of  gum  guaiac,  anise  seed,  and  sassafras  bark,  in 
water  slightly  acidulated  with  acetic  acid,  or  by  subsequent  fermentation,  or 
by  the  use  or  addition  of  sour  cider ; to  this  are  added  about  1 ounce  of  sul- 
phate of  soda,  i ounce  of  gum  arabic,  and  i to  1 fluid  ounce  of  alcohol. 

Indiana  Bitters. 

Compound  tincture  of  cinchona,  8 ounces ; compound  tincture  of 
gentian,  8 ounces ; tincture  Colombo,  8 ounces  ; fluid  extract  of  juniper  berries, 
8 ounces ; alcohol,  16  ounces ; water  sufficient  to  make  one  gallon.  Mix  and 
filter. 

Hostetter’s  Bitters. 

Gentian,  15  grains;  blessed  thistle,  15  grains;  calamus,  15  grains; 
orange  peel,  60  grains ; oil  orange,  1 drop ; sugar,  320  grains ; alcohol,  12 
ounces ; water,  4 ounces. 

Stoughton  Bitters. 

Dry  orange  peel,  12  pounds ; American  saffron,  1 pound ; Virginia 
snakeroot,  2 pounds ; gentian,  16  pounds ; red  saunders,  1 pound ; diluted 
alcohol,  20  gallons. 


536 


PATENT  MEDICINE  RECIPES. 


Edison’s  Polyform. 

Hydrate  of  chloral,  1 ounce;  alcohol,  4 ounces;  chloroform,  2 ounces; 
camphor,  2 ounces ; oil  peppermint,  2 minims ; oil  cloves,  2 minims ; sali- 
cylic acid,  72  grains ; nitrate  amyl,  72  grains ; morphia,  48  grains.  Mix. 
For  external  use. 

Boscliee’s  German  Syrup. 

Oil  tar,  4 parts  ; fluid  extract  ipecac,  16  parts  ; tincture  opium,  16  parts ; 
fluid  extract  wild  cherry,  24  parts ; magnesium  carbonate,  12  parts ; water, 
240  parts ; sugar,  420  parts. 

Bateman’s  Pectoral  Drops. 

Tincture  opium,  64  ounces ; tincture  catechu,  5 ounces,  3 drams ; spirit 
camphor,  4 ounces ; oil  anise  seed,  1 dram ; alcohol,  3^  pints ; water, 
pints ; caramel,  3 ounces. 

Aubergier’s  Syrup  liactucarium. 

Alcoholic  extract  lactucarium,  24  grains  ; white  sugar,  4 pounds  ; citric 
acid,  12  grains ; orange  flower  water,  10  drams ; distilled  water  sufficient. 

Brandreth’s  Pills. 

Powdered  May-apple,  10  grains;  extract  May-apple,  10  grains;  pokeberry 
juice,  inspissated,  30  grains ; saffron,  10  grains  ; cloves,  15  grains  ; oil  pep- 
permint, 3 drops.  Mix  and  divide  into  30  pills. 

Dewee’s  Carminative. 

Carbonate  magnesia,  12  drams;  sugar,  3 ounces;  tincture  of  asa- 
foetida,  3 fluid  ounces ; laudanum,  1 fluid  ounce ; water,  24  ounces.  Tritu- 
rate until  mixed. 

Holmes’  Frostilla. 

Glycerine,  6 fluid  ounces ; quince  seed,  60  grains ; hot  water,  21  fluid 
ounces.  Perfume  as  desired. 

Osgood’s  Indian  Cholagogue. 

Sulphate  of  quinine,  2 drams ; fluid  Culver’s  root,  1 dram ; fluid  extract 
stillingia,  4 ounces;  May-apple,  3 drams;  oil  sassafras,  10  drops;  winter- 
green,  10  drops.  Molasses  sufficient  to  complete  8 fluid  ounces. 

Zimmerman’s  Decoction. 

Rhubarb,  1 dram ; cream  tartar,  1 ounce ; barley,  1 ounce ; water,  2 
pints.  Boil  for  15  or  20  minutes,  strain,  and  add  enough  simple  syrup  or 
sugar  to  sweeten  the  decoction. 

Mettaner’s  Aperient. 

Socotrine  aloes,  5 drams;  bicarbonate  soda,  11  drams;  valerian,  con- 
tused, 1 ounce ; water,  1 pint ; compound  spirit  lavender,  6 fluid  drams. 
Make  an  infusion  by  maceration  of  percolation. 

Thompson’s  Eye  Water. 

Sulphate  of  zinc,  20  grains ; sulphate  of  copper,  5 grains  ; tincture  of 
saffron,  2 drams;  tincture  of  camphor,  1 dram;  rose  water,  8 ounces;  dis- 
tilled water,  8 ounces.  Mix  and  filter. 

Barker’s  Pills. 

Compound  extract  May-apple,  20  grains  ; extract  hyoscyamus,  15  grains; 
powdered  socotrine  aloes,  10  grains;  extract  nux  vomica,  5 grains;  podo* 
phyllin,  1 grain  ; powdered  ipecac,  1 grain.  Mix,  and  divide  into  12  pills. 


SELECT 


FAMILY  LINIMENTS 

AND 

PAIN  RELIEVING  REMEDIES. 

HHHH 

Mexican  Mustang  Liniment. 

Petroleum,  2 ounces ; crude  oleic  acid,  ^ ounce ; ammonia  water,  1 
ounce ; naphtha,  | ounce  ; brandy,  1 dram. 

Choice  Family  Liniment. 

Origanum  oil,  2 ounces;  aqua  ammonia,  1 ounce;  opium,  ^ ounce; 
tincture  iodine,  i ounce;  spike  oil,  1 ounce  ; alcohol,  1 pint. 

The  above  has  been  in  constant  family  use  for  over  fifty  years,  and  is  a most  excellent 
remedy  for  all  general  purposes,  both  for  man  and  beast. 

St.  Jacob’s  Oil. 

Gum  camphor,  1 ounce ; chloral  hydrate,  1 ounce ; chloroform,  1 ounce  ; 
sulphuric  ether,  1 ounce  ; tincture  opium,  \ ounce  ; oil  origanum,  £ ounce ; 
oil  sassafras,  ^ ounce  ; alcohol,  % gallon. 

Hamlin’s  Wizard  Oil. 

Tincture  camphor,  1 ounce ; aqua  ammonia,  h ounce ; oil  sassafras,  ^ 
ounce;  oil  cloves,  1 dram;  chloroform,  2 drams;  turpentine,  1 dram;  alcohol, 
3£  ounces. 

Perry  Davis’s  Pain  Killer. 

Spirits  camphor,  2 ounces  ; tincture  capsicum,  1 ounce  ; tincture  guaiac, 
^ ounce ; tincture  myrrh,  ^ ounce  ; alcohol,  4 ounces. 

Pain  Relief  Liniment. 

Oil  cajeput,  2 drams ; oil  sassafras,  i ounce  ; oil  origanum,  1 dram  ; oil 
hemlock,  1 dram ; oil  cedar,  1 dram ; powdered  capsicum,  80  grains ; alcohol, 
quantity  sufficient  for  1 pint. 

Magnetic  Liniment. 

Tincture  cantharides,  2 drams ; oil  origanum,  1 ounce  ; muriate  ammo- 
nia, 2 drams ; sulphuric  ether,  1 ounce  ; alcohol,  1 pint. 

German  Liniment. 

Oil  origanum,  1 ounce ; oil  sassafras,  1 ounce ; gum  camphor,  % ounce ; 
Granville’s  lotion,  3 drams ; chloroform,  3£  drams  ; tincture  aconite,  h ounce ; 
tincture  capsicum,  \ ounce  ; camp,  soap  liniment,  1 ounce ; alcohol,  £ gallon. 

Good  Samaritan  Liniment. 

Oil  sassafras,  oil  hemlock,  spirits  turpentine,  tincture  cayenne,  tincture 
guaiac,  tincture  opium,  of  each,  1 ounce ; tincture  myrrh,  4 ounces ; oil  origa- 
num, 2 ounces ; oil  wintergreen,  £ ounce ; gum  camphor,  2 ounces ; chloro- 
form, 1£  ounces ; alcohol,  \ gallon. 


537 


Choice  Healing  Ointments. 


Trask’s  Magnetic  Ointment. 

Lard,  raisins,  fine  cut  tobacco,  each  equal  parts.  Mix  thoroughly. 

Seeley’s  Pile  Ointment. 

Sulphate  morphia,  3 grains ; tannin,  48  grains  ; pine  tar,  72  grains ; 
white  wax,  72  grains  ; benzoated  lard,  766  grains. 

Black  Salve. 

Olive  oil,  32  ounces ; resin  (clear),  1 ounce ; beeswax,  1 ounce ; Venice 
turpentine,  £ ounce ; red  lead,  6 ounces ; gum  camphor  (powdered),  £ ounce. 

Sanative  Ointment. 

Mutton  suet,  16  ounces;  oil  of  sesame,  5 ounces;  oil  of  origanum,  1 
ounce ; camphor,  2 ounces ; resin,  2 ounces ; yellow  wax,  2 ounces ; borax, 
powdered,  | ounce ; glycerine,  | ounce. 

Green  Mountain  Salve. 

Resin,  5 pounds  ; Burgundy  pitch,  beeswax,  mutton  tallow,  of  each  i 
pound;  oil  of  hemlock,  balsam  fir,  oil  origanum,  oil  red  cedar,  Venice 
turpentine,  of  each  1 ounce  ; oil  wormwood,  £ ounce  ; verdigris  (pulverized), 
1 ounce. 

Henry’s  Carbolic  Healing  Salve. 

Each  tin  can  contains  about  h ounce  of  a whitish  ointment,  consisting 
of  about  I ounce  of  simple  cerate,  5 grains  of  carbolic  acid,  and  2 drops 
each  of  oil  of  bergamot  and  lavender. 

Hebra’s  Ointment. 

Lead  plaster,  1 ounce  ; linseed  oil,  1 ounce.  Mix  them  properly  at  a 
gentle  heat.  It  is  prepared  only  when  wanted  for  dispensing. 


WORLD  FAMED  FAMILY  CEMENTS. 


Van  Stan’s  Stratena. 

Acetic  acid, 4 ounces;  white  glue,  3 ounces;  French  gelatine, 4 drams; 
shellac  varnish,  4 fluid  drains  ; distilled  water,  4 fluid  ounces.  Dissolve  the 
glue  in  the  acid  with  heat,  and  the  gelatine  in  water,  with  heat.  Mix  the  two 
solutions  gradually  and  thoroughly,  then  add  the  varnish,  and  bottle  tight. 

Le  Page’s  Liquid  Glue. 

This  glue  is  made  from  salt  fish  skins.  The  skins  are  first  desalted 
and  then  boiled  to  dissolve  the  glue,  then  strained  and  evaporated  to  the 
proper  consistency.  A small  amount  of  boric  acid  is  used  to  keep  liquid, 
and  prevent  it  from  souring. 

Another  formula,  said  to  be  as  good,  is  as  follows  : 8 ounces  best  glue, 
dissolved  in  8 fluid  ounces  water,  and  adding  small  portions  at  a time  of  2\ 
fluid  ounces  nitric  acid. 


538 


Famous  Medicated  Pads. 


The  following  pads  have  had  a very  large  sale  and  are  believed  by 
many  to  possess  real  medicinal  properties. 

After  a careful  examination,  expert  chemists  give  the  following  prob- 
ably correct  analyses  of  their  compounds. 


Holman’s  Lung  Pad. 

Grindelia  robusta,  skull-cap  leaves,  blueberry  root,  bloodroot,  yerba 
santa,  gum  ammoniac,  white  pine  turpentine  gum,  oil  of  tar,  oil  of  eucalyptus, 
oil  of  sassafras. 


Holman’s  Liver  Pad. 

May-apple  root,  \ ounce ; blackroot  (leptandra  virg.),  \ ounce  ; bayberry 
bark,  2 drams  ; red  cinchona  bark,  2 ounces ; fenugreek  seed,  \ ounce;  guaiac 
resin,  1|  ounces  ; oil  eucalyptus,  2 fluid  drains.  Grind  solids  to  powder,  add 
oil,  and  spread  upon  cotton  cloth  forming  an  envelope. 

Day’s  Kidney  Pad. 

Black  cohosh,  gum  benzoin  (powdered),  gum  guaiacum  (powdered), 
juniper  berries,  queen  of  the  meadow,  digitalis  leaves,  oil  juniper. 


Sure  Cure  Liver  Pad. 

Mandrake  root,  bayberry  bark,  blackroot,  red  cinchona  bark,  gum 
guaiac  (powder),  fenugreek  seed  (powder),  oil  eucalyptus. 

Stomach  Pad. 

Bayberry,  lupuline,  wild  ginger,  sassafras  bark,  gum  myrrh,  lady’s  slip- 
per, capsicum,  oil  fennel,  oil  cloves. 


Anti-Constipation  Pad. 

Mandrake  root,  aloes  (powdered),  extract  colocynth  compound  (pow- 
dered), Croton  oil,  oil  sassafras,  black  root,  lady’s  slipper. 


The  analysis  at  different  times  of  the  remedies  mentioned  on  the  foregoing  pages  in- 
dicate that  in  many  cases  the  ingredients  (either  in  variety  or  quantity)  are  changed  more 
or  less  from  time  to  time.  The  publishers  of  The  Cottage  Physician  assume  no  responsi- 
bility as  to  the  accuracy  of  these  formulas,  but  give  the  result  of  a careful  analysis  of  an 
expert.  The  formula  given  will  produce  a medicine  probably  having  the  exact  effect  of 
the  remedy  mentioned. 

539 


Noted  Mineral  Waters 




Medical  Properties  and  Healing  Virtues  Highly  Indorsed  by 
Eminent  Physicians  throughout  the  land . 

XH-K 

The  special  virtues  and  medicinal  qualities  of  the  noted  mineral  waters 
are  known  throughout  the  civilized  world.  Thousands  of  people  travel 
hundreds  of  miles  at  great  expense  to  these  springs  and  are  often  greatly 
benefited.  These  waters  have  all  been  carefully  analyzed  and  found  to 
contain  the  ingredients  as  below  given.  They  may  be  prepared  at  home  and 
drank  with  very  nearly  if  not  quite  equally  beneficial  effects  as  though  taken 
from  the  original  spring. 


Hunyadi  Janos  Water. 

Sulphate  of  lime,  1£  ounces ; glauber  salts,  24  ounces  ; Epsom  salt,  26 
ounces ; sulphate  of  potassa,  1 dram ; pure  spring  water,  10  gallons. 

Vichy  Water. 

Carbonate  of  ammonia,  10  grains ; bicarbonate  of  soda,  51  ounces ; 
common  salt,  6 drams;  phosphate  of  soda,  25  grains;  sulphate  of  soda,  4 
scruples ; sulphate  of  potassa,  2 drams ; pure  spring  water,  10  gallons. 

Congress  Water. 

Calcined  magnesia,  1 ounce ; bicarbonate  soda,  20  grains ; hydrate  of 
soda,  23  grains ; common  salt,  7|  ounces ; pure  spring  water,  10  gallons. 

Carlsbad  Water. 

Sulphate  of  soda,  100  grains ; carbonate  of  soda,  25  grains ; sulphate  of 
magnesia,  15  grains  ; chloride  of  sodium,  16  grains  ; chloride  of  calcium,  15 
grains  ; tartrate  of  iron  and  potassa,  10  grains ; pure  spring  water,  10  gallons. 

Seltzer  Water. 

Bicarbonate  of  soda,  5£  ounces  ; carbonate  of  magnesia,  7 drams ; mar- 
ble dust,  ^ ounce ; muriatic  acid  (C.  P.),  5f  ounces ; pure  spring  water,  10 
gallons. 

Kissingen  Water. 

Bicarbonate  of  soda,  1 dram ; carbonate  of  lime,  2 drams  and  2 scruples; 
precipitate  carbonate  of  iron,  2 scruples ; phosphate  lime,  2 drams  and  2 scru- 
ples; phosphate  soda,  13  grains;  sulphate  magnesia,  2 ounces;  sulphate 
soda,  2 drams  and  2 scruples ; muriate  ammonia,  4 grains ; common  salt,  8 
ounces  ; pure  spring  water,  10  gallons. 

540 


SIDE  TALKS 

WITH 

YOUNG  MEN  AND  YOUNG  WOMEN. 

$ 

PLAIN  FACTS  MODESTLY  EXPRESSED. 


INCLUDING  SUGGESTIONS  TO  PARENTS  AND  GUARDIANS. 

When  Pope  gave  utterance  to  the  celebrated  aphorism, 
“ The  proper  study  of  Mankind  is  Man,”  he  was  doubtless  fully 
cognizant  of  the  fact,  that  the  laconism  embraces  everything 
appertaining  to  the  sexes  as  such,  as  well  as  to  the  human 
family  generally.  To  a mind  so  astute  and  analytical  as  his,  it 
must  have  been  obvious  that  most  if  not  all  of  the  defects, 
mental  and  physical,  peculiar  to  any  generation  or  people,  were 
attributable  solely  to  the  imperfect  training  of  its  youth,  or  to 
the  indulgence  of  such  inharmonious  and  incompatible  mar- 
riage relations  as  disfigure  the  annals  of  the  present  day,  and 
as  have  marked  so  frequently  those  of  past  ages. 

As  in  the  vegetable  kingdom,  the  selection  of  proper  seed 
and  soil  is  indispensable  to  the  production  of  a perfect  plant, 
so  in  the  animal  is  the  enlightened  and  judicious  blending  of 
sexes  a sine  qua  non  to  the  production  of  a being  representing 
all  the  excellence  of  its  species.  This  is  an  axiom  the  most 
unassailable ; and  hence  the  vital  necessity  of  accepting  it  in 
all  its  integrity,  and  of  never  transgressing  it  in  any  respect 
upon  the  exalted  plane  of  human  existence. 

The  sentiment  of  love,  in  its  highest  and  most  divine  ac- 
ceptation, can  obtain  between  the  sexes  only.  Although  far 
from  antagonistic  to  that  of  friendship  or  affection,  it  differs 
widely  from  it;  inasmuch  as  it  has  more  important  ends  to  at- 
tain, and  can  never  exist  between  individuals  of  the  same  sex. 
Friendship  or  affection  for  one  another  may  characterize  the 
intercourse  of  men,  or  of  women ; but  love,  in  its  truest  sense, 
never.  This  latter  is  the  golden  link  which  unites  us  at  once 
to  our  opposites  and  to  heaven,  and  that  culminates  in  that 
holy  and  mysterious  compact  which  results  in  the  propagation 
of  our  species,  and  the  accomplishment  of  our  mission  in  this 
direction. 

While  in  pursuit  of  the  study  of  this  question,  however, 
we  must  be  careful  not  to  confound  or  confuse  the  love  under 
consideration  with  the  mere  animal  passion  that  so  often 

U\ 


542  OBSERVATIONS  REGARDING  THE  YOUTH  OF  BOTH  SEXES. 

Steals  its  guise  to  gratify  the  cravings  of  lust,  and  that  so  con- 
stantly betrays  the  youth  of  both  sexes  into  excesses  that 
terminate,  on  one  side,  at  least,  in  years  of  misery  or  shame. 
And  here  Ave  would  address  ourselves  more  especially  to  the 
inexperienced  maiden  whose  guileless  heart  is  too  often  open 
to  the  deceitful  blandishments  of  some  cruel  suitor  who  has  but 
one  object  to  attain,  or  to  the  sincere  and  ardent  professions  of 
some  thoughtless  youth,  who,  without  pausing  to  analyze  the 
motives  which  actuate  him  or  the  stability  of  his  intentions, 
accomplishes  her  ruin,  and  leaves  her  to  learn,  alas!  too  late, 
that,  save  before  the  altar,  no  woman  is  justifiable  in  placing 
her  character  and  happiness  in  the  keeping  of  any  man.  In 
such  instances,  deceit  and  sincerity  being  alike  at  fault,  the 
only  safe  course  for  the  maiden  who  would  escape  the  Scylla  of 
the  one  or  the  Chary bdis  of  the  other,  is  to  keep  watch  and 
ward  on  the  battlements  of  her  prudence  and  virtue,  and,  no 
matter  how  impassioned  and  sincere  the  pleadings  of  any  in- 
dividual upon  whom  she  may  have  bestowed  her  affections, 
preserve  both  intact,  as  the  only  means  of  retaining  his  love 
and  respect,  should  he  be  a true  man,  and  of  keeping  herself 
unsullied  in  the  eyes  of  society  and  of  the  world  generally. 

Although  delicate  and  difficult,  the  task  of  whispering  some 
truths  into  the  ears  of  a young  maiden  arrived  at  the  years  of 
discretion,  yet,  so  necessary  to  her  well-being  and  happiness  in 
every  possible  relation  is  it  that  she  should  be  made  thoroughly 
aware  of  the  untoward  influences  which  so  constantly  obtrude 
themselves  into  even  the  purest  atmosphere,  we  venture, 
although  with  some  hesitancy,  to  assume  the  serious  under- 
taking. And  here  we  may  observe,  in  the  first  place,  that  the 
primary  elements  of  all  that  makes  life  worth  a single  hour’s 
purchase,  are  to  be  found  in  a thorough  recognition  of  what  we 
owe  to  the  Creator,  to  ourselves,  and  to  society;  and  the  posses- 
sion of  a mind  free  from  the  taint  which  disfigures  some  of  the 
literature  of  the  day,  and  from  those  low  desires  and  loose  ideas, 
which,  with  scarce  a single  exception,  result  from  its  perusal. 
Nothing  can  be  more  dangerous  to  the  youthful  mind  than  even 
a passing  glance  at  the  works  of  any  of  those  authors  who  appeal 
to  the  animal  passions  in  a manner  so  insiduous  and  ruinous, 
and  who,  before  a young  maiden  is  aware  of  it,  destroy  all  her 
sense  of  delicacy,  and  often,  alas!  betray  her  into  those  dreadful 
excesses  which,  although  kept  the  profoundest  secret  from  every 
living  soul  save  herself,  invariably  end  in  the  total  loss  of  inno- 
cent purity  and  the  utter  destruction  of  all  physical  beauty. 
We  need  not  be  more  explicit  wpon  this  subject,  but  may  sum* 


OBSERVATIONS  REGARDING  THE  YOUTH  OF  BOTH  SEXES.  543 

mon  on  the  witness-stand  in  proof  of  what  we  here  state,  the 
sallow  and  lifeless  features,  the  dim  eyes,  and  desponding  gait, 
which  are  significant  to  the  astute  medical  man,  and  which  are 
to  be  encountered  so  frequently  in  what  is  termed  the  very 
best  society.  Any  violation  of  the  laws  of  the  Creator  in  this, 
as  in  every  other  connection,  is  sure  to  be  visited  on  the 
aggressor;  and  when  we  come  to  consider  that  the  first  offence 
in  the  particular  relation  now  alluded  to,  leads  quickly  to 
another,  and  yet  another,  until  transgressions  crowd  upon  each 
other  thick  and  fast,  and  seize  upon  the  whole  being,  we  shall 
be  able  to  perceive  at  once  how  vital  the  necessity  for  every 
young  maiden  to  eschew  with  prayerful  diligence  the  source  of 
such  terrible  dangers,  and  to  be  in  a position  to  feel  within  her- 
self, at  the  period  when  she  may  be  called  upon  to  give  her 
hand  at  the  altar  to  some  one  worthy  all  the  love  and  affection 
that  could  be  bestowed  upon  him,  that  she  enters  the  marriage 
state  as  pure  in  mind  and  body  as  the  veriest  child,  and  that  in 
this  relation  not  a cloud  or  a regret  can  obscure  the  sunshine 
of  her  after  years. 

In  the  observance  of  the  course  which  is  here  suggested  or 
implied,  lies  the  corner-stone  of  all  the  bliss  that  attends  upon 
the  sacred  compact  into  which  two  young  souls  enter  for  life. 
And  here  we  would  observe,  that,  in  this  direction,  a serious 
and  solemn  duty  devolves  upon  mothers,  to  instruct  at  the 
proper  moment,  their  daughters,  as  to  the  dangers  that  beset 
them,  both  mentally  and  physically,  at  a certain  age.  In  this 
relation  there  should  be  no  false  delicacy  felt.  The  truth  must 
be  told,  and  in  a manner  the  most  unmistakable.  A life  of 
happiness  or  of  misery  hangs  on  the  issue,  and  there  should 
therefore  be  no  mincing  of  the  matter.  The  crime  of  self-abuse, 
if  we  must  say  it,  is  not  confined  to  the  sterner  sex  only.  Some 
of  the  most  fearful  examples  of  it  amongst  females  are  to  be 
met  with  terrible  frequency,  and  of  a character  so  hopeless  as 
to  embarrass  all  medical  interference,  and  to  seal  the  doom  of 
those  who  had  so  fallen  from  their  natural  birthright  and  high 
estate. 

How  indispensable,  then,  the  proper  education  of  young  girls, 
and  how  necessary  to  surround  them  with  a mental  and  moral 
atmosphere  the  most  pure  and  desirable.  Let  them  begin 
aright,  as  children,  and  learn  to  think  well  and  soberly  as  they 
advance  in  years,  and  there  is  nothing  to  be  feared.  Let  their 
minds  and  dispositions  be  formed  on  the  models  of  the  virtuous4 
fireside  rather  than  upon  those  of  the  gaily  decorated  and 
frivolous  saloon  or  drawing-room.  Let  them  be  taught  to 


544  OBSERVATIONS  REGARDING  THE  YOUTH  OF  BOTH  SEXES. 

respect  their  own  persons,  as  a sacred  trust  from  heaven,  and  to 
feel  that  any  violation  of  the  laws  appertaining  to  their  physical 
being,  in  the  sense  under  consideration,  cannot  fail  to  be  visited 
with  the  direst  results.  This  knowledge  the  judicious  mother 
can  impart  by  degrees,  and  in  her  own  way.  She  has  at  her 
command  various  modes  and  opportunities  of  approaching  the 
subject  successfully,  which  do  not  obtain  in  the  case  of  any 
other  individual  whatever.  Consequently,  she  is,  to  a great 
extent,  accountable  for  the  future  happiness  or  misery  of  those 
who  lie  nearest  her  heart  in  this  matter;  for  it  must  be  obvi- 
ous, that  she,  above  all,  can  influence  their  conduct  and  habits 
of  thought  before  they  arrive  at  that  period  of  life  when  they 
are  presumed  to  think  and  act  for  themselves. 

It  is  surprising  how  often  children  of  unusually  tender 
years  are  led  by  bad  companionship  to  familiarize  themselves 
with  the  abominable  practice  which  we  need  not  again  pause 
to  particularize.  It  is  within  our  own  knowledge,  that  not  long 
since,  in  this  very  city  of  New  York,  a young  girl  of  great  pro- 
minence, and  most  respectably  connected,  became  a hopeless 
victim  of  this  awful  infatuation.  And  this  was  the  more  lament- 
able, as  she  promised  to  be  as  lovely  as  the  day,  and  was  pos- 
sessed of  a form  and  figure  that  were  of  exceptional  beauty. 
At  first  her  mother  was  unaware  of  the  cause  of  her  gradual 
transformation:  but  when  made  sensible  of  the  truth,  she  found, 
perhaps  too  late,  that  to  her  own  criminal  neglect  the  disaster 
was  to  be  mainly  attributed;  for,  before  her  unfortunate  child 
was  eleven  years#of  age,  she  had  learned  to  make  war  upon  her 
mind  and  body  in  a manner  so  effectual  that  it  was  pitiable  to 
look  upon  her  when  she  arrived  at  the  age  of  thirteen.  What 
has  become  of  her  since  we  are  unable  to  say ; but  this  much 
we  know7,  it  will  take  a strong  hand  to  rescue  her  from  the 
most  terrible  of  fates,  or  to  restore  her  to  any  degree  of  health 
or  strength.  To  the  companionship  of  books  and  children  of 
questionable  morals  this  whole  disaster  may  in  reality  be  attri- 
buted, for  the  parents  of  this  wretched  being  were  of  them- 
selves of  morals  the  most  irreproachable,  but  not  wise  and 
watchful  in  their  day  and  generation. 

The  necessity,  then,  of  the  strictest  caution  on  the  part  of 
mothers  in  the  selection  of  books  or  playmates  for  their  children 
becomes  obvious  at  a glance.  The  child  is  the  marble  from 
which  the  woman  is  sculptured;  and  if  the  youthful  block  is 
disfigured,  fractured,  or  broken,  where  may  we  find  the  moral, 
mental,  or  physical  chisel  that  shall  obliterate  or  remove  the 
damning  defects  ? 


OBSERVATIONS  REGARDING  THE  YOUTH  OF  BOTH  SEXES.  545 

An  eminent  physician  has  justly  obseived  on  this  head: — 

“ We  now  approach  £ part  of  our  subject  waich  we  would 
gladly  omit,  did  not  constant  experience  admonish  us  of  our 
duty  to  speak  of  it  in  no  uncertain  tone*  We  refer  to  the  dis- 
astrous consequences  on  soul  and  body  to  which  young  girls 
expose  themselves,  by  exciting  and  indulging  the  morbid  pas- 
sions. Years  ago,  Catherine  E.  Beecher  sounded  a note  of 
warning  to  the  mothers  of  America  on  this  secret  vice,  which 
leads  their  daughters  to  the  grave,  the  mad-house,  or  worse  yet, 
the  brothel. 

“ Gladly  would  we  believe  that  her  timely  admonition  had 
done  away  with  the  necessity  for  its  repetition.  But  current 
medical  literature,  and  our  own  observation,  convince  us  that 
the  habit  of  self-abuse  has  increased  rather  than  diminished. 
Surgeons  have  recently  been  forced  to  devise  painful  operations 
to  hinder  young  girls  from  ruining  themselves,  and  we  must 
confess  that,  in  its  worst  form,  it  is  absolutely  incurable. 

“ The  results  of  the  constant  nervous  excitement  which  this 
habit  produces  are  bodily  weakness,  loss  of  memory,  low  spirits, 
distressing  nervousness,  a capricious  appetite,  dislike  of  com- 
pany and  of  study,  and,  finally,  paralysis,  imbecility,  or  insanity. 
Let  it  not  be  supposed  that  there  are  many  who  suffer  thus 
severely ; but,  on  the  other  hand,  let  it  be  clearly  understood 
that  any  indulgence  whatever  in  these  evil  courses  is  attended 
with  bad  effects,  especially  because  they  create  impure  desires 
and  thoughts,  which  will  prepare  the  girl  to  be  a willing  victim 
to  the  arts  of  profligacy.  There  is  no  more  solemn  duty  resting 
on  those  who  have  the  charge  of  young  females  than  to  protect 
them  against  this  vice. 

“ But,  it  is  exclaimed,  is  it  not  dangerous  to  tell  them  any- 
thing about  it  ? Such  a course  is  unnecessary.  Teach  them 
that  any  handling  of  the  parts,  any  indecent  language,  any  im- 
pure thought,  is  degrading  and  hurtful.  See  that  the  servants, 
nurses,  and  companions  with  whom  they  associate,  are  not  de- 
based ; and  recommend  scrupulous  cleanliness. 

“ If  the  habit  is  discovered,  do  not  scold  or  whip  the  child. 
It  is  often  a result  of  disease,  and  induced  by  a disagreeable 
itching.  Sometimes  this  is  connected  with  a disorder  of  the 
womb,  and  very  frequently  with  worms  in  the  bowels.  Let  the 
case  be  submitted  to  a judicious,  skillful  medical  adviser,  and 
the  girl  will  yet  be  saved.  But  do  not  shut  your  eyes,  and  re- 
fuse to  see  this  fact  when  it  exists.  Mothers  are  too  often  un- 
willing to  entertain  for  a moment  the  thought  that  their 
laughters  are  addicted  to  such  a vice,  when  it  is  only  too  plain 
to  the  physician.” 


546  OBSERVATIONS  REGARDING  THE  YOUTH  OF  BOTH  SEXES. 

We  have  it  on  high  authority  that  modesty  is  the  chief  quality 
in  the  adornment  of  woman ; and  in  no  case  is  it  more  grateful 
and  becoming  than  on  that  of  a young  maiden  who  has  arrived 
at  that  important  and  interesting  period,  when  she  may  be 
wooed  and  won  and  made  a wife.  What  the  age  of  puberty  is, 
has  been  made  a careful  study  by  medical  men.  In  the  tem- 
perate zone,  fourteen  years  and  six  months  is  the  average  per- 
iod of  its  first  appearance  in  healthy  girls.  If  it  occurs  six 
months  earlier  or  later,  then  there  is  probably  something  wrong. 
There  is  sometimes  a wider  deviation  from  the  age  stated  here 
than  this,  and  without  any  serious  meaning ; but  at  no  time  is 
such  a deviation  to  be  neglected.  In  a vast  majority  of  cases 
it  is  owing  to  some  defect  in  constitution,  health,  or  formation, 
and  should  be  seen  to  and  corrected  at  once,  otherwise  years  of 
hopeless  misery  may  be  the  result.  “ Mothers,  teachers,”  ob- 
serves the  author  just  quoted,  “ it  is  with  you  this  responsibility 
rests.  The  thousands  of  miserable  wives  who  owe  their 
wretchedness  to  the  absence  of  proper  attention  at  the 
turning  point  of  their  lives,  warn  you  how  serious  is  the  re- 
sponsibility.” 

The  foundation  of  old  cige,  observes  a celebrated  author,  is 
laid  in  childhood,  but  the  health  of  middle  life  depends  upon 
puberty.  This  maxim  is  invaluable.  The  two  years  which 
change  the  girl  into  the  woman,  frequently  seal  forever  her 
happiness  or  misery  in  this  life.  They  decide  whether  she  is 
to  become  a healthy,  cheerful  wife  and  mother,  or  the  reverse, 
— to  whom  “ marriage  is  a curse,  children  an  affliction,  and  life 
a burden.”  Both  sexes  mature  more  early  in  hot  climates  than 
in  temperate  or  cold  ones.  Within  the  tropics,  marriages  are 
usual  at  twelve  or  fourteen  years  of  age.  Such  precocity,  how- 
ever, is  the  precursor  of  early  decay;  for  a short  childhood 
portends  a premature  old  age,  and  vice  versa . 

It  is  not  a favorable  symptom  to  experience  any  indication 
of  puberty  before  the  usual  average  time,  as  it  betokens  a 
weakly  and  excitable  frame.  Let  us  therefore  enumerate  the 
principal  causes  which  incline  to  hasten  it  unduly.  Idleness 
of  body,  highly-seasoned  food,  stimulants,  such  as  beer,  wine, 
liquors,  and  in  some  degree,  coffee,  tea,  and  irregular  habits  of 
sleep.  The  mental  causes  are,  however,  still  more  potent  in 
tending  to  premature  development.  What  stimulates  the  emo- 
tions, leads  to  unnaturally  early  sexual  life.  Late  hours,  chil- 
dren^ parties,  sensational  novels,  questionable  pictorial  illus- 
trations, love  stories,  the  drama,  the  ball-room,  talks  of  love  and 
marriage,  etc.,  all  hasten  the  event  which  transforms  the  girl 


OBSERVATIONS  REGARDING  THE  YOUTH  OF  BOTH  SEXES.  547 

Into  the  woman.  This  becomes  obvious  when  we  compare  the 
average  of  puberty  in  large  cities  and  country  districts,  it  being 
clearly  ascertained  that  the  females  in  the  former  mature  from 
six  to  eight  months  sooner  than  those  in  the  latter ; and  the  re- 
sult may  be  seen  more  plainly  in  the  well-preserved  farm-wife 
of  thirty  when  compared  with  the  languid  and  faded  city-lady 
of  the  same  age. 

During  the  two  short  years,  then,  that  transform  “ the 
awkward  and  angular  girl  of  fourteen”  into  the  graceful 
maiden  of  “ sweet  sixteen,”  the  utmost  caution  is  to  be  observed 
in  every  relation,  moral  and  physical.  The  magic  wand  of  the 
fairy  is  at  work,  and  a new  creature,  as  it  were,  is  being  re- 
leased from  her  chrysalis  state,  with  sentiments  and  responsi- 
bilities that  must  be  kept  well  in  hand.  The  transformation 
goes  on  until  at  last  the  system  acquires  the  requisite  strength, 
and  furnishes  itself  with  reserved  forces,  when  the  monthly 
periods  commence. 

A writer  of  great  judgment  and  experience  on  this  subject, 
asserts  that  one  of  the  most  frequent  causes  of  disease  about 
the  age  of  puberty  is  starvation.  He  avers  that  many  a girl  is 
starved  to  death,  from  the  fact  of  food  of  an  improper  quality 
being  given  to  her,  or  from  the  circumstance  of  sustenance  being 
administered  to  her  in  insufficient  quantities,  or  at  improper 
hours.  Hence,  from  the  want  of  proper  nourishment,  the  sys- 
tem becomes  enfeebled  and  subject  to  attacks  of  disease,  and 
especially  to  those  of  consumption.  The  food  at  such  periods 
should  be  abundant,  varied,  and  simply  prepared.  Good  fresh 
milk  should  be  used  daily,  while  tea  and  coffee  should  be 
thrown  aside  totally.  Fat  meats  and  vegetable  oils,  so  gener- 
ally disliked  by  girls  at  this  age,  are  exactly  what  they  require 
at  this  juncture  of  their  lives. 

All  kinds  of  exercise  proper  to  a young  lady,  and  especi- 
ally those  which  lead  into  the  pure  open  air  and  sunshine,  are 
also  beneficial  at  this  momentous  crisis ; and  a particular  kind 
is  to  be  recommended  for  those  whose  chests  are  narrow, 
whose  shoulders  stoop,  and  who  have  a hereditary  predisposi- 
tion to  consumption.  If  it  is  systematically  practised  along 
with  other  means  of  health,  we  would  guarantee  any  child,  no 
matter  how  many  relatives  have  died  of  this  disease,  against 
invasion.  It  is  voluntary  inspiration.  Nothing  is  more  simple. 
Let  her  stand  erect,  throw  the  shoulders  well  back,  and  the 
hands  behind ; then  let  her  slowly  inhale  pure  air  to  the  full 
capacity  of  the  lungs,  and  retain  it  a few  seconds  by  an  in- 
creased effort;  then  it  may  be  slowly  exhaled.  After  one  or  two 


548  OBSERVATIO  NS  REGARDING  THE  YOUTH  OF  BOTH  SEXES. 

natural  inspirations,  let  her  repeat  the  act,  and  so  on  for  ten  or 
fifteen  minutes,  twice  daily.  Not  only  is  this  simple  proce- 
dure a safeguard  against  consumption,  but  in  the  opinion  of 
some  learned  physicians,  it  can  even  cure  it  when  it  has  already 
commenced. 

At  first  the  monthly  loss  of  blood  exhausts  the  system. 
Therefore,  plenty  of  food,  plenty  of  rest,  plenty  of  sleep,  are 
required.  That  ancient  prejudice  in  favor  of  early  rising 
should  be  discarded  now,  and  the  girl  should  retire  early,  and 
if  she  will,  sleep  late.  Hard  study,  care,  or  anxiety,  should  be 
spared  her.  This  is  not  the  time  for  rigid  discipline. 

Clothing  is  a matter  of  importance,  and,  if  we  were  at  all 
sure  of  attention,  there  is  much  we  would  say  about  it.  The 
thought  seriously  troubles  us,  that,  so  long  as  American  women 
consent  to  deform  themselves,  and  sacrifice  their  health  to  false 
ideas  of  beauty,  it  is  almost  hopeless  to  urge  their  fitness  for, 
and  their  right  to,  a higher  life  than  they  now  enjoy. 

With  thoroughly  healthy  girls,  what  is  usually  termed  the 
monthly  period,  continues  to  recur  at  regular  intervals,  from 
twenty-five  to  thirty  days  apart.  This  is  true  of  something  like 
three  out  of  every  four.  In  others,  a long  interval,  occasionally 
six  months,  occurs  between  the  first  and  second  sickness.  This 
latter,  if  the  general  health  is  perfect,  need  excite  no  apprehen- 
sion; but  under  the  slightest  mental  or  physical  derangement 
the  case  must  at  once  receive  intelligent  treatment.  Perfectly 
healthy  young  women,  have,  on  the  other  hand,  been  known  to 
have  been  unwell  every  sixteen  days,  while  others  again  experi- 
enced this  change  every  thirty-five  or  thirty-six  days  only.  This 
appears  not  easy  of  explanation,  and  may,  perhaps,  be  attrib- 
uted to  some  inherited  peculiarity  of  constitution.  In  this 
relation,  climate  seems  to  play  a prominent  part;  as  travelers 
tell  us,  that  in  Lapland  this  phase  of  woman’s  physical  life  oc- 
curs but  three  or  four  times  a year. 

“At  this  critical  period/’  observes  an  able  physician,  “the 
seeds  of  hereditary  and  constitutional  diseases  manifest  them- 
selves. They  draw  fresh  malignancy  from  the  new  activity  of 
the  system.  The  first  symptoms  of  tubercular  consumption,  of 
scrofula,  of  obstinate  and  disfiguring  skin  diseases,  of  heredi- 
tary insanity,  of  congenital  epilepsy,  of  a hundred  terrible 
maladies,  which  from  birth  have  lurked  in  the  child,  biding  the 
opportunity  of  attack,  suddenly  spring  from  their  lairs,  and 
hurry  her  to  the  grave  or  madhouse.  If  we  ask  why  so  many 
fair  girls  of  eighteen  or  twenty  are  followed  by  weeping  friends 
to  an  early  tomb,  the  answer  is,  chiefly  from  diseases  which 


OBSERVATIONS  REGARDING  THE  YOUTH  OF  BOTH  SEXES.  549 

have  tlieir  origin  at  the  period  of  puberty.  It  is  impossible 
for  us  to  rehearse  here  all  the  minute  symptoms,  each  almost 
trifling  in  itself,  which  warn  the  practised  physician  of  the  ap- 
proach of  one  of  these  fearful  foes  in  time  to  allow  him  to  make 
a defence.  We  can  do  little  more  than  iterate  the  warning, 
that,  whenever  at  this  momentous  epoch  any  disquieting 
change  appears,  be  it  physical  or  mental,  let  not  a day  be  lost 
in  summoning  shilled,  competent  medical  advice.” 

From  what  has  been  now  said  it  is  impossible  for  cuiy 
mother  of  ordinary  good  understanding  to  mistake  for  a moment 
the  shoals  and  quicksands,  both  moral  and  physical,  that  sur- 
round her  daughters,  whether  as  mere  girls  or  grown-up  maid- 
ens. A careful  supervision  of  the  company  they  keep  and  the 
books  they  read — their  determined  exclusion  from  the  society 
of  either  men  or  women  of  lax  conversation  or  morals,  and  the 
careful  inculcation  of  self-respect,  which  can  alone  be  based 
upon  proper  pride  and  purity,  will  go  far  to  obviate  the  dan- 
gers that  beset  their  path,  and  so  ground  them,  ultimately,  in 
the  principles  of  virtue  and  a correct  demeanor,  as  to  put  evil 
thoughts  to  flight  on  their  first  approach. 

While  a handsome  person  and  excellent  acquirements  are 
always  desirable  on  the  part  of  any  individual  who  pays  his  ad- 
dresses to  a young  maiden,  yet  there  are  other  and  more  import- 
ant considerations  which  ought  to  overshadow  mere  physical 
beauty  or  mental  attainments ; and  these  are  a high  sense  of 
honor,  and  a thorough  and  practical  conception  of  the  duty  we 
owe  to  God  and  man.  These  latter  constitute  the  imperishable 
part  of  our  nature  when  properly  moulded,  and  are  the  staff 
upon  which  we  can  lean  with  confidence  when  our  mere  phys- 
ical being  loses  all  its  brightness,  and  totters  to  its  fall. 
Hence  the  necessity  of  warning  the  young  and  untutored  heart 
against  mere  outward  appearance,  and  directing  it  towards  a 
recognition  of  those  attributes  and  features  on  the  part  of  the 
sterner  sex,  upon  which  a life  of  true  happiness  can  alone  be 
founded. 

This  is  a matter  of  such  paramount  importance  that  we 
feel  the  necessity  of  impressing  it,  to  the  utmost  of  our  ability, 
upon  those  who  have  arrived  at  the  years  of  understanding.,  and 
whose  hearts  may  yet  be  free  or  partially  so ; and  who  may  be 
induced  to  pause  ere  they  commit  their  happiness  for  life  to 
the  hands  of  those  who  may  not  only  be  unworthy  of  a woman’s 
love,  but  who  seek  to  obtain  it  under  the  false  pretences  of  a 
comely  exterior  or  the  adventitious  matter  of  dress,  while  every 
fibre  of  their  nature  may  be  selfish  beyond  measure,  and  set 


550  OBSERVATIONS  REGARDING  THE  YOUTH  OP  BOTH  SEXES. 

only  upon  the  momentary  gratification  of  a passion  that  when 
once  satisfied  turns  aside  from  the  hapless  and  unsuspecting  ob- 
ject that  has  inspired  it,  and  leaves  her  to  mourn  in  the  silence 
of  her  lonely  chamber,  the  fate  she  might  have  avoided,  but 
that  is  now  beyond  repair. 

How  warm  soever  her  feelings  and  sentiments,  every  step 
taken  in  the  paths  of  courtship  by  a marriageable  maiden 
should  be  well  observed  and  guarded.  In  her  conversation  or 
conduct  there  should  be  nothing  of  thoughtless  levity,  or  any- 
thing that  could  warrant  a familiarity  on  the  part  of  her  suitor 
which  might  not  be  taken  in  the  presence  of  some  dear  friend 
or  relative.  To  observe  a proper  and  well-considered  course 
in  this  relation,  is  to  secure  the  increasing  admiration  of  the 
being  upon  whom  she  has  bestowed  her  affections,  if  he  be 
worthy  her  love.  And  here  we  may  observe  that  this  is  no 
mere  speculation,  but  a fact  as  firmly  established  as  any  in  hu- 
man experience.  For  although  the  tide  of  passion  may  run 
high  in  an  unguarded  moment,  and  set  in  against  heaven  and 
society,  yet  the  terrible  and  painful  ebb  follows  as  surely  as 
effect  follows  cause,  and  leaves  at  least  one  of  the  thoughtless 
culprits  stranded  forever  on  the  bleak  and  barren  shore  of  her 
earthly  existence. 

There  is,  therefore,  nothing  so  desirable  as  firmness  and 
caution  on  the  part  of  a young  maiden  in  her  intercourse  with 
her  accepted  lover ; and  both  can  be  observed  without  wound- 
ing his  susceptibility,  or  impressing  him  with  the  idea  of  either 
prudery  or  coldness  on  her  part.  Her  sentiments  in  this  rela- 
tion can  be  conveyed  through  a thousand  different  channels, 
and  with  such  force  and  effect  as  to  impress  and  influence 
to  the  proper  extent  any  individual  possessed  of  correct  feel- 
ings, or  of  the  mental  and  moral  requisites  to  make  a wife 
happy. 

Let  us  glance  for  a moment  at  the  fate  of  the  many  beauti 
ful  and  warm-hearted  maidens  whose  happiness  has  been 
wrecked,  even  in  this  city,  through  the  fiendish  machinations 
of  perfidious  suitors.  Scarce  a house  of  ill-fame  in  our  midst 
but  has  one  or  more  inmates  of  this  character — poor,  thought- 
less, and  confiding  creatures,  that  would  sooner  had  thought  an 
angel  of  light  capable  of  deceit  than  those  who  had  betrayed 
and  ruined  them.  But  they  would  not  be  warned,  or  had  not 
been  advised  until  the  die  was  cast ; and  hence,  without  a hope, 
their  wretched  downward  career  began  apace,  until  at  last,  with 
their  ears  familiarized  to  the  ribald  song  and  jest,  they  sought 
refuge  from  the  upbraidings  of  conscience  in  the  intoxicating 


OBSERVATIONS  REGARDING  THE  YOUTH  OF  BOTH  SEXES.  551 

cup,  which  so  completed  and  rendered  hideous  the  work  of  de- 
bauch that  their  persons,  once  beautiful  perhaps  to  intensity, 
became  a loathsome  mass,  that  provoked  both  horror  and  dis- 
gust in  even  the  coarsest  nature. 

And  some  of  those  unfortunates  had  been  raised  in  the  lap 
of  luxury,  while  others  had  been  the  idols  of  respectable  and 
loving  households ; but  the  education  of  both  classes  had  been 
neglected,  as  neither  had  been  brought  up  by  strictly  moral 
parents,  who  had  attended  upon  their  footsteps  with  pious  care 
while  they  were  yet  children,  and  who,  as  the  approached  the 
period  of  maidenhood,  had  not  excluded  every  moral  taint  from 
the  atmosphere  they  breathed,  or  taught  them  true  allegiance 
to  the  divine  laws  and  those  which  sustain  our  great  social 
fabric.  Had  their  guardians  inculcated  those  moral  perceptions 
and  principles,  without  which  a woman  is  the  darkest  stain  on 
humanity,  all  would  have  been  well;  and  perhaps  the  false 
suitor,  regenerated,  or  rather  transformed,  through  the  persua- 
sive influence  of  such  goodness  and  piety,  might  have  been  in- 
duced to  turn  from  the  evil  of  his  ways  and  have  led  to  the 
altar  a happy  and  beloved  bride,  the  very  being  who  had  opened 
up  the  approaches  to  her  total  ruin  by  overstepping  the 
boundaries  of  prudence  or  those  of  modesty,  without  pausing  to 
consider  that  a step  once  taken  in  thia  latter  direction  is  never 
recovered. 

Although  the  mental  and  physical  tendencies  of  mere  girls 
may  vary  in  no  small  degree,  we  are  of  the  firm  belief,  that, 
under  even  the  most  unfavorable  circumstances,  both  may, 
through  judicious  and  proper  treatment,  be  brought  to  har- 
monize with  the  great  objects  of  creation.  In  view  of  the  ac- 
complishment of  this  vast  desideratum,  then,  the  early  inculca- 
tion of  proper  religious  principles,  and  the  example  of  healthy 
conversation  and  moral  excellence  in  the  family  circle,  are  of 
paramount  importance.  And  this  is  quite  compatible  with  the 
freedom  necessary  to  the  happiness  and  well-being  of  even  the 
lightest  heart  and  most  joyous  disposition.  There  is  not  an 
innocent  amusement  or  pleasure  incident  to  the  life  of  a young 
girl,  that  may  not  be  heightened  and  sanctified,  in  a measure, 
through  the  adroit  and  loving  guidance  of  a mother  of  sound 
observation  and  an  ordinarily  well-trained  mind.  Cruel  and 
unjust  as  it  may  be,  and  is,  in  many  cases,  the  axiom  is  a safe 
one,  that  the  animal  passions  of  men  lead  them  into  the  blindest 
excesses,  and  that  in  the  attempt  to  gratify  them,  they  too  fre- 
quently lose  all  sight  of  the  consequences,  and  pause  only  to 
count  the  cost  when  a keen  sense  of  the  frailty  of  their  victim 


552  OBSERVATIONS  REGARDING  THE  YOUTH  OF  BOTH  SEXES. 

prevents  them  from  making  the  only  possible  adequate  atone- 
ment in  relation  to  one  already  so  fallen  in  their  eyes.  This  is 
the  true  state  of  the  case,  and  the  results  already  glanced  at, 
are,  as  we  have  seen,  the  most  lamentable.  Mothers  and 
guardians  should  therefore  bestir  themselves,  if  they  would  do 
a noble  and  abiding  work  in  this  connection;  and  never  relax 
their  vigilance  until  those  under  their  charge  have  attained 
the  age  of  maturity  and  understanding,  in  the  fullest  sense. 
Here  the  parent  plays  a most  important  part,  and  must,  if  she 
would  see  her  daughter  a happy  wife  and  mother,  train  her  in 
all  the  paths  of  virtue  and  correct  thought.  The  surveillance 
may  be  gentle  and  loving,  but  it  must  at  the  same  time,  be  con- 
stant and  inflexible.  Every  rock  and  shoal  must  be  pointed 
out,  and  dwelt  upon  with  force  and  clearness,  and  the  guiding 
lights  of  self-respect,  purity  of  speech,  and  careful  demeanor, 
held  constantly  aloft  and  in  full  view.  No  other  course  can 
possibly  succeed,  or  add,  in  such  cases  as  now  command  our  at- 
tention, to  the  sum  of  human  happiness.  Consequently  both 
mother  and  daughter  should  understand  each  other  upon  an  is- 
sue so  vital;  the  younger  and  more  inexperienced  looking,  with 
full  confidence,  for  counsel  and  advice  to  her  truest  friend  and 
rightful  preceptor,  and  forming  no  acquaintance  or  friend- 
ship, with  a view  to  matrimony,  without  her  sanction  and 
approval. 

In  this  relation  the  quick  wit  and  keen  eye  01  the  sober 
and  thoughtful  matron  will  be  seldom  at  fault.  She  will  be  able 
to  determine  with  something  like  unerring  accuracy,  and  speed- 
ily, the  character  of  the  suitor  who  may  seek  to  win  the  affec- 
tions of  her  child,  and  who  must  not  be  judged  on  mere  ex- 
ternal appearance,  or  be  taken  at  his  own  estimate.  Here  an 
honest  heart,  industrious  habits,  and  a good  record,  are  of  the 
last  importance,  and  more  desirable  than  gold  itself.  In  saying 
so  much  on  this  head,  however,  it  is  not  to  be  supposed  that 
mere  worldly  wealth  is  to  be  disregarded,  as  an  element  in  any 
compact  between  two  hearts  that  would  become  one,  and  spend 
together  a life  of  usefulness  and  independence.  On  the  con- 
trary, we  hold  it  indispensable,  that  no  young  maiden  of  sound 
judgment  permit  her  affections  or  the  solicitations  of  her  lover 
to  betray  her  into  the  cares  and  responsibilities  of  matrimony 
without  the  possession  or  prospect  of  sufficient  means  to  render 
her  home  comfortable,  and  remove  her  bejmnd  the  probability 
of  want.  In  this,  both  caution  and  prudence  should  be  observed ; 
for  to  step  into  poverty  and  its  consequent  domestic  embarass- 
ments,  is  often  to  step  out  of  love ; and  then,  alas  ! for  the 
future  of  both  parties. 


OBSERVATIONS  REGARDING  THE  YOUTH  OP  BOTH  SEXES.  553 

The  vital  necessity,  then,  of  worthy  male  companionship, 
in  the  first  instance,  for  any  young  girl  whatever,  must  be  ob- 
vious to  even  the  most  commonplace  intelligence.  If  those  who 
surround  her  are  pure  and  good,  and  the  uncompromising  ene- 
mies of.the  free-love  taint  and  principles  which  are  now  so  rife 
in  certain  quarters,  her  selection  of  a proper  companion  for  life 
will  be  the  less  difficult,  as  fewer  chances  present  themselves 
for  bestowing  her  affections  unworthily.  She  can  take  no  more 
important  step  between  the  cradle  and  the  grave  than  that 
which  leads  her  to  the  altar.  It  should,  therefore,  be  well 
considered  and  guarded,  as  once  it  is  taken  the  die  is  cast 
forever. 

Let  us  then  hope  that  all  those  most  deeply  concerned  will 
ponder  well  the  facts  we  have  laid  before  them  on  this  all-im- 
portant subject,  and  let  no  mother  relax  for  a single  mom*ent 
the  vigilance  that  should  wall  out  from  her  daughters  the  dan- 
gerous books  and  companionship  to  which  we  have  made  such 
distinct  reference.  In  addition,  let  every  young  maiden  who  is 
approaching  the  interesting  and  critical  period  already  named, 
look  well  to  her  footsteps,  and  beware  of  allowing  her  affections 
to  be  captured  by  a pleasing  exterior  only  on  the  part  of  one 
of  the  opposite  sex.  However  agreeable  an  attractive  face  and 
form,  these  do  not  comprise  all  that  is  necessary  to  the  most 
abiding  and  exalted  manhood,  and  are  not  unfrequently  a delu- 
sion and  a snare.  There  is  no  absolute  manliness  without  manly 
principles;  and  no  true  happiness  without  moral  rectitude  and 
a proper  sense  of  our  duty  towards  heaven.  These  are  the  at- 
tributes and  sentiments  that  tend  to  make  earth  a paradise,  and 
that  survive  all  mere  physical  excellence,  inasmuch  as  they  be- 
long to  our  immortal  part.  Let  them  therefore  be  sought  after 
assiduously  by  both  mother  and  daughter  in  the  person  of  any 
suitor  for  the  hand  of  the  latter;  and  let  there  be  no  uncertain 
sound  in  the  premises.  Let  those  desirable  features  be  so  prom- 
inent in  the  acts  and  the  demeanor  of  the  man  as  to  be  obvi- 
ous at  a glance,  and  let  them  not  be  simulated  on  certain  occa- 
sions. True  virtue  and  uprightness  of  thought  and  conduct 
soon  manifest  themselves  in  those  possessed  of  such  inestimable 
treasures;  and  whenever  or  wherever  we  see  their  absence 
verified  either  by  word  or  act,  we  may  rest  assured  that  the 
transgressor  is  unworthy  the  love  of  any  woman  who  values 
her  own  happiness,  or  who  hopes  to  make  the  marriage  state, 
under  heaven,  all  that  it  ought  to  be,  both  morally  and  phvsic- 
ally. 


554  OBSERVATIONS  REGARDING  THE  YOUTH  OF  BOTH  SEXES. 

For  the  Especial  Perusal  of  Youths  of  Understanding,  as 

WELL  AS  FOR  THAT  OF  FATHERS  AND  GUARDIANS. 

If  man  is  “ the  noblest  work  of  God,”  most  assuredly  every 
word,  thought,  and  act  of  his,  ought  to  tend  towards  the  eleva- 
tion  of  his  mental  and  physical  being;  because  this  implied 
perfection  is  to  be  regarded  in  a measure  as  the  result  of  his 
acquiescence  in  all  the  laws,  moral  and  otherwise,  appertaining 
to  his  nature.  That  is,  if  he  would  assume  and  maintain  the 
high  position  accorded  to  him,  he  must  not  violate  any  of  those 
divine  precepts  or  rules  laid  down  for  his  guidance ; but  from 
the  first  moment  of  his  responsibility  to  the  last  of  his  earthly 
existence,  walk  in  the  way  of  godliness,  virtue,  and  truth,  and 
never  transgress  any  of  the  provisions  relative  *to  the  true 
development  and  important  mission  of  his  animal  structure. 

The  license  accorded  to  boy  when  compared  with  that 
allowed  to  girls  of  the  same  age,  o^  ght  to  engender  in  them  a 
chivalrous  respect  for  the  gentler  sex,  and  never  urge  them 
into  anything  savoring  of  egotism  or  tyranny.  The  apparent 
superiority  is  but  simply  the  result  of  greater  physical  strength, 
and  the  freedom  with  which  the  one  sex  is  permitted  to  move 
through  the  world  compared  with  that  accorded  to  the  other. 
There  is  in  reality  no  mental  superiority  in  the  one  over  the 
other;  for  in  this  respect  it  has  been  shown  that  the  impress 
of  man  has  been  left  mentally^  on  the  age  more  than  that  of 
woman,  because,  from  some  ill-judged  laws  or  rules  of  society, 
she  has  been  subject  to  restrictions  which  circumscribe  to  an 
unwarrantable  extent  her  sphere  of  action. 

But  while  laying  it  down  as  an  axiom  that  there  is  penect 
mental  equality  between  the  sexes,  we  cannot  refuse  to  enter- 
tain the  idea  that  woman  is  the  weaker  vessel  physically,  and 
that  her  dependence  upon  man,  and  her  claims  to  his  love  and 
protection,  arise  to  some  extent  from  this  cause,  although  the 
sublime  mystery  of  her  being  appeals  to  him  in  a higher  and 
more  abiding  sense.  This  taken  for  granted,  then,  and  perceiv- 
ing, as  even  the  most  unphilosophical  can,  that  both  sexes  were 
designed  to  harmonize  with  each  other  in  every  possible  rela- 
tion, and  that  the  weaker  and  more  beautiful  is  obviously  en- 
titled to  greater  consideration  than  the  more  robust,  it  behooves 
the  latter  to  look  well  to  their  manhood  and  the  perfection  of 
their  mental  and  physical  status,  for  a defect  in  either  is  not  only 
destructive  of  anything  like  love  in  the  female  bosom,  but  of  a 
character  which,  with  but  few  exceptions,  builds  up  an  insur- 
mountable barrier  between  the  man  and  the  woman  towards 
whom  he  may  be  attracted. 


OBSERVATIONS  REGARDING  THE  YOUTH  OP  BOTH  SEXES.  555 


We  say  mental  and  physical  status  here,  because  the  body 
is  seldom  injured  through  excesses  of  any  description,  without 
the  mind  suffering  commensurately.  And  as  the  foundations  of 
a healthy  physical  existence  are  laid  in  childhood,  we  would 
observe  that  this  fact,  in  relation  to  boys,  as  we  are  now  treat- 
ing on  them  more  especially,  should  be  recognized  to  the  fullest 
extent  by  fathers  and  guardians,  as  upon  their  judgment,  affec- 
tion, and  fidelity,  the  character  of  the  rising  male  generation 
must  mainly  depend. 

Although,  as  already  observed,  a greater  latitude  is  allowed 
to  boys  than  to  girls,  in  almost  every  relation,  yet  this  latitude 
must  be  circumscribed  and  confined  to  certain  well-defined, 
healthy  bounds.  And  here  we  would  again  dwell  upon  the 
vital  necessity  of  good  companionship  and  good  books,  where 
example  and  precept  harmonize  with  the  exalted  ends  to  be 
attained  in  after  years.  Of  course,  the  family  circle  is  to  be 
regarded  as  the  true  starting  point,  whence  the  earliest  lessons 
in  vice  or  virtue  are  derived,  and  should  this  prove  to  be  lax 
in  any  of  its  teachings,  moral  or  religious,  the  very  germs  of 
success  are  embarrassed  or  destroyed  at  once. 

It  is  astonishing  how  quickly  young  lads,  not  much  more 
than  half  way  to  their  teens,  acquire  bad  habits  and  principles 
from  impure  associates,  or  the  unguarded  conversations  which 
sometimes  occur  at  their  own  fireside.  From  both  these  sources 
the  worst  consequences  are  to  be  apprehended,  as  they  grad- 
ually undermine  every  principle  of  good,  and  so  familiarize  the 
tender  ear  and  understanding  with  what  is  most  pernicious, 
because  of  the  almost  indelible  and  fatal  impress  that  is  left 
upon  the  unreasoning  susceptibilities.  Whatever  may  be  said 
to  the  contrary,  there  are  unmistakable  traces  of  the  early 
hearthstone  to  be  found  in  the  lives  of  most  men ; and  such 
being  the  case,  how  indispensable  it  is  that  the  atmosphere 
that  surrounds  it  should  be  free  from  taint,  and  that  the  great- 
est caution  should  be  observed  that  nothing  transpires  within 
its  sacred  limits  that  might  have  the  slightest  tendency  to  mar 
the  man  in  the  child,  or  thwart  the  beneficent  designs  of  na- 
ture regarding  him. 

In  view,  then,  of  the  influences  of  the  family  circle,  and 
that  of  the  father  upon  the  son,  while  yet  a mere  youth  or  child, 
that  circle  should  be  made  as  attractive  as  possible,  and  on  a 
plane  thoroughly  comprehensible  to  the  intelligence  to  which 
it  appeals.  If  parents  would  shape  their  children  to  the  no- 
blest ends,  they  must  gain  their  confidence  and  affection  by 
becoming  children  themselves  in  a measure.  They  can  not 


556  OBSERVATIONS  REGARDING  THE  YOUTH  OF  BOTH  SEXES. 

preach  or  teach  to  an}7  purpose  from  a reserved  or  exalted 
pedestal,  or  through  the  instrumentality  of  the  sober  long-faced 
truths  which  are  applicable  to  grave  years  only.  The  atmos- 
phere of  youth  is,  in  the  natural  order  of  things,  bright  and 
happy ; and  if  we  would  influence,  by  precept  or  example,  those 
still  surrounded  by  it,  we  must  assume  to  breathe  it  ourselves 
for  the  time  being,  and  sow  our  earliest  good  seeds  in  its  tender 
light.  Once  the  kind  and  judicious  father  has  won  the  heart 
and  confidence  of  his  little  son,  the  road  to  the  fullest  success 
lies  wide  open;  and  feet  that  under  other  circumstances  would 
assuredly  have  turned  aside  under  less  benign  influence  from 
the  paths  of  rectitude  and  truth,  are  now  easily  directed  into 
that  glorious  upward  and  onward  course  which  nev^r  fails  to 
culminate  in  happiness  here  and  hereafter. 

Some  of  the  most  terrible  evils  that  beset  the  path  of  so 
many  of  the  young  of  the  sterner  sex,  result  from  association 
with  children  of  their  age  who  have  learned  to  debauch  their 
own  persons,  and  to  indulge  in  those  secret  habits  which  have 
been  long  noted  as  fraught  with  disaster  and  death.  So  early 
the  period  at  which  unsuspecting  little  ones  are  led  into  this 
terrible  snare  by  their  seniors  of  two  or  three  years,  that  few  will 
be  inclined  to  believe  that  this  first  essay  in  crime  has  been 
attempted  at  the  age  of  eight,  and  continued  until  an  actual 
drain  on  the  young  energies  and  vital  forces  of  the  system  com- 
menced. It  is,  therefore,  obvious  that  the  lynx-eye  of  the 
father  or  guardian,  or  of  both  parents,  should  at  this  tender  period 
of  youth  be  brought  constantly  to  bear  upon  all  the  acts  and 
tendencies  of  their  young  ward  or  progeny,  and  that  they  should 
seek  to  inculcate  those  pure  ideas  and  aspirations  which  are 
the  only  security  against  this  danger.  Let  the  playmates,  the 
toys,  and  the  rudimentary  books  of  the  child  be  carefully  se- 
lected, and  let  there  be  for  him  an  abiding  attraction  about  his 
own  door  and  fireside,  so  that  he  may  not  be  necessitated  to 
look  abroad  for  any  of  those  innocent  pastimes  or  recreations 
that  have  such  charms  for  the  young.  The  great  error  of  many 
parents,  in  this  direction,  lies  in  the  dry  and  solemn  homilies 
which  they  conceive  ought  to  be  forever  mumbled  into  the  ears 
of  their  children,  or  the  long  religious  services  to  which  they 
regard  their  subjection  as  wise  and  indispensable.  This  is  a 
fatal  mistake.  The  medium  through  which  the  young  are  to  be 
taught  successively  their  dependence  upon  heaven  and  their 
duty  towards  God  and  man,  should  rather  consist  of  the  green 
fields,  fruits,  and  flowers, — of  sunlit  skies,  running  brooks,  and 
balmy  winds, — the  song  of  birds,  the  changing  seasons,  and  the 


OBSERVATIONS  REGARDING  THE  YOUTH  OF  BOTH  SEXES.  557 

summer  Avoods.  These  and  the  beneficent  design  of  the  Cre- 
ator in  calling  them  into  existence  for  the  benefit  of  man  in  a 
pre-eminent  degree,  should  form  the  earliest  pages  presented 
for  the  study  of  the  child ; and  if  each  of  the  beauties  and 
truths  they  contain  be  carefully  explained  upon  the  basis  of 
that  higher  information  which  may  be  sought  through  the 
“ revealed  word  ” as  the  young  student  advances  in  years,  the 
result  will  be  the  most  happy,  and  culminate  in  all  the  perfec- 
tion possible  of  attainment  in  this  earthly  sphere. 

But  while  inculcating  these  salutary  lessons,  there  must  be  no 
false  delicacy  on  the  part  of  the  father,  relative  to  pointing  out, 
in  the  clearest  possible  manner,  the  dangers  with  which  his 
inexperienced  and  susceptible  child  is  assuredly  surrounded. 
The  parent  is  but  ill  versed  in  his  duty,  or  the  prevalence  of 
the  crime  of  self-abuse  in  the  young,  who  fancies  that  by  keep- 
ing his  youthful  off-spring  in  ignorance,  so  far  as  he  knows,  of 
the  character  and  manner  of  this  frightful  offence,  that  the 
child  must  necessarily  escape  its  taint.  Let  there  be  no  mis- 
conception on  this  head ; for  it  may  be  accepted  as  a leading 
fact,  that  nineteen  boys  out  of  every  twenty  learn  something  of 
it  at  a ver}^  render  age ; and  from  sources,  too,  but  badly  quali- 
fied to  warn  them  of  its  terrible  results.  And  be  it  further 
remembered,  that  no  matter  how  innocent  and  unconscious  of 
guilt  the  first  attempt  at  its  commission  on  the  part  of  a poor 
unsuspecting  young  creature,  there  is  something  almost  fatal  in 
tampering  with  even  the  undeveloped  organs  of  generation,  or 
in  endeavoring  to  excite  them  to  undue  or  premature  action. 
This  fact  must  be  dwelt  upon  in  the  plainest  possible  manner, 
and  so  impressed  upon  the  youthful  mind  as  to  satisfy  it  that  a 
single  move  made  in  this  direction  tends  to  speedy  destruction 
and  death  to  both  body  and  soul.  So  soon,  then,  as  the  child  is 
capable,  in  any  degree,  of  comprehending  advice  and  instruc- 
tion, this  subject  must  be  broached  in  the  best  and  most  im- 
pressive manner  known  to  the  judicious  father  who  would 
acquit  himself  fully  in  the  sight  of  God  and  man ; for  to  leave 
the  matter  to  mere  chance,  in  the  hope  that  escape  was  possible 
through  a fortuitous  combination  of  circumstances,  would  be  to 
be  guilty  of  a crime  the  most  heinous,  and  scarcely  second  to 
that  of  murder. 

To  the  youth  of  understanding,  however,  we  may  address 
ourselves  more  directly ; assuming  that  he  may  not  be  alto- 
gether free  from  the  taint  of  this  sin.  In  the  first  place,  then, 
let  us  lay  it  down  as  an  inexorable  fact,  that  so  terrific  and 
contaminating  is  this  practice  in  any  degree,  that  it  not  only  tends 


558  OBSERVATIONS  REGARDING  THE  YOUTH  OF  BOTH  SEXES. 

to  destroy  every  particle  of  physical  beauty  and  manhood,  but, 
if  persisted  in,  results  in  absolute  idiocy,  or  a premature  and 
most  horrible  death.  This  is  no  over-drawn  picture,  but  may 
be  taken  as  an  absolute  fact,  in  connection  with  the  quite  as 
inexorable  truth,  that  the  youth  addicted  to  this  prevailing  vice 
is  as  certain  to  render  himself  incapable  of  propagating  his 
species  or  consummating  the  holy  sacrament  of  matrimony,  as 
that  the  sun  is  in  the  heavens  at  midday.  In  the  unnatural 
excitement  which  saps  his  whole  being,  he  may  fancy,  at  the 
time  of  self-abuse,  that  this  is  not  so;  but  should  the  crisis 
ever  arrive  when  a loving  and  confiding  wife  is  betrayed  into 
his  arms,  then  comes  that  terrible  humiliation  which  is  worse 
than  death.  There  is  no  escape  from  the  consequences  of  this 
monstrous  offence  should  it  be  indulged  in  to  a certain  point; 
for  then  it  seizes  upon  the  whole  being,  and  like  the  infatuation 
of  the  arsenic  eaters,  whether  continued  or  abandoned,  ends  alike 
in  the  most  appalling  mental  and  physical  suicide. 

What  youth,  then,  of  the  slightest  manly  feeling,  or  intelli- 
gence, would  so  make  war  upon  his  physical  being,  as  to  render 
him  disgusting  to  the  pure  and  good  of  the  opposite  sex,  and 
even  to  those  who  had  fallen  from  virtue,  and  taRen  refuge  in 
the  lowest  brothel  ? Can  it  be  possible  that  any  individual 
who  sets  the  slightest  store  by  the  love  of  a beautiful  woman, 
or  the  possession  of  every  manly  attribute  and  sentiment,  will, 
after  the  perusal  of  these  startling  and  inexorable  facts, 
approach  the  edge  of  this  shuddering  abyss,  or,  if  partially  en- 
gulfed in  it,  will  not  struggle  to  extricate  himself  at  once. 
There  may  yet  be  time  to  retrace  his  steps,  and  escape  the 
awful  depths  that  yawn  beneath  him;  while  the  commission  of 
a'-single  offence  more  may  hurl  him  irrevocably  to  his  dreadful 
doom.  Oh!  could  we  but  depict  in  adequate  language  the 
fearful  and  hideous  wrecks  that  have  resulted  from  this  crying 
sin  against  nature,  each  particular  hair  of  the  youthful  aggressor 
would  stand  on  end,  like  the  quills  on  “ the  fretful  porcupine.” 
But  so  thickly  strewn  around  us,  under  a thousand  loathsome 
forms,  are  the  evidence  of  this  most  damning  crime,  that  those 
who  run  may  read,  if  they  only  will. 

And  now  that  we  have  dwelt  at  some  length  on  this  part  of 
our  topic,  let  us  turn  for  a moment  to  those  youths  who  have 
sufficient  virtue,  manliness,  and  strength,  to  eschew  this  great 
evil,  and  say  to  them,  that  although  they  have  escaped  it,  their 
path  is  still  beset  with  other  snares  which  lead  to  discomfort 
and  misery  in  a lesser  degree  only.  If  not  prostrated  at  this 
disgusting  shrine,  we  have  known  the  manhood  of  many  to  fall 


OBSERVATIONS  REGARDING  THE  YOUTH  OF  BOTH  SEXES  559 


a victim  to  unholy  and  misguided  passion,  and  who,  by  giving 
full  rein  to  their  unbridled  lust,  or  falling  into  the  snare  of  some 
casual  circumstance,  have  brought  woe  to  true  and  unsuspecting 
hearts  that  ioved  “not  wisely  but  too  well.”  And  here  we 
would  observe,  that  when  a respect  and  highest  consideration 
for  the  opposite  sex  is  not  entertained  by  a man,  whatever  his 
condition,  he  is  unworthy  the  recognition  of  society  or  the 
favor  of  heaven.  There  is  something  of  infinite  treachery  and 
cowardice  on  the  part  of  a suitor,  sincere  or  pretended,  who 
steals  into  the  affections  of  a young  maiden,  with  a view  of 
betraying  her,  or  who  having  once  gained  them  on  an  honorable 
basis,  takes,  in  an  unguarded  moment,  advantage  of  the  love  she 
bears  him,  to  humiliate  her  in  her  own  eyes,  if  not  to  accom- 
plish her  ruin  beyond  redemption.  No  true  and  chivalrous  man 
or  youth  who  respects  the  person  or  the  memory  of  the  mother 
who  bore  ,him,  has  ever  been  guilty  of  doing  such  dastardly 
violence  to  the  sex,  or  of  treading  ruthlessly  beneath  his  feet 
what  God  has  made  so  confiding  and  beautiful,  and  what  is  in 
ever}’  relation  the  counterpart  of  his  own  sister.  There  is 
something  here  which  demands  attention,  and  which  should  be 
subjected  to  the  strictest  analysis  and  scrutiny.  To  the  pro- 
fessional profligate,  who  knows  no  law,  human  or  divine,  we  do 
not  address  ourselves.  We  leave  him  in  the  hands  of  the  Living 
God,  who  is  sure  to  call  him  to  account  when  he  least  expects 
it.  To  such,  however,  as  are  not  vitiated  in  this  relation,  and 
whose  inexperience  is  beset  with  warm  passions  and  suscepti- 
bilities, we  would  give  a few  words  of  caution  and  advice; 
hoping  to  enlist  their  sympathies  and  attention  regarding  a 
matter  which  effects  so  vitally  their  interest  and  happiness,  not 
only  in  this  world  but  in  the  world  to  come. 

To  be  succinct,  then,  when  a yputh  finds  himself  approach- 
ing the  threshold  of  manhood,  or  that  period  of  life  which  suc- 
ceeds his  mere  boyish  days,  he,  in  most  cases,  enters  upon  a new 
and  charming  phase  of  his  existence,  which  is  expressed  mainly 
in  a desire  for  female  society,  and  generally  for  that  of  one  be- 
ing beyond  all  others,  who  in  his  admiring  eyes  appears  to  be 
the  best  and  most  beautiful  of  her  sex.  Now  this  is  nothing 
more  or  less  than  the  first  dawning  of  love,  and  before  we  would 
have  its  partial  victim  commit  himself  irrevocably  to  the  over- 
powering passion  in  any  individual  case,  we  would  implore  him 
to  pause  on  the  verge  of  the  charmed  circle,  and  ere  he  become 
hopelessly  entangled  in  its  delicious  mazes,  seek  advice  from 
his  natural  guardians,  and  analyze  for  himself  all  the  circum- 
stances surrounding  the  being  who  has  awakened  such  strange 


560  OBSERVATIONS  REGARDING  THE  YOUTH  OF  BOTH  SEXES. 

sensations  in  his  bosom,  and  the  possible  result  of  attempting 
to  unite  his  destiny  to  hers  forever. 

To  this  end,  he  must  endeavor  to  look  upon  things  as  they 
really  exist,  and  not  permit  his  enthusiasm  or  admiration  to 
present  them  in  any  romantic  or  fanciful  light.  As  a primary 
step  in  this  direction,  he  must  measure  his  own  pecuniary  cir- 
cumstances and  prospects,  and  see  how  far  justified  he  might 
be  in  endeavoring  to  win  the  affections  of  any  young  maiden 
with  a view  to  making  her  his  wife.  We  are,  of  course,  aware 
that  but  few  inexperienced  youths  pause  thus  practically  upon 
the  threshold  of  new  hopes  and  aspirations;  but  then  this  doeu 
not  nullify  the  wisdom  and  necessity  of  doing  so.  No  honora- 
ble or  prudent  person  will  commit  himself  to  a step  so  serious 
as  that  of  marriage,  without  seeing,  to  some  extent,  the  road 
before  him ; nor  will  he  tamper  with  the  love  or  affections  of 
any  woman  whatever,  whom  he  considers  unworthy  to  become 
his  partner  for  life.  In  the  fullest  manliness  on  this  point 
there  is  a chivalry  the  most  noble  and  exalted.  Everything 
like  deceit  must  be  discarded  totally,  and  if  it  is  found  that  the 
over-sanguine  fair  one  has  misinterpreted  any  word  or  act  of 
kindness  on  the  part  of  him  who  may  regard  her  as  a friend 
only,  she  must  be  undeceived,  and  at  once.  The  safest  rule  to 
follow  in  this  relation  is  for  the  young  man  to  be  cautious,  and 
never  inspire  any  hopes  or  confidences  in  any  of  the  opposite 
sex,  that  he  does  not  wish  to  exist.  There  are  a thousand 
channels  through  which  the  pleasantest  intercouse  may  flow 
securely,  without  entering  upon  this  vital  one ; and  these  are 
familiar  to  every  person  of  ordinary  good  understanding. 
Where  there  is  no  intention  of  awaking  in  the  female  bosom  a 
sentiment  of  love,  there  should  be  neither  act  nor  word  calcu- 
lated to  provoke  it;  and  if,  as  is  often  the  case,  one  of  the 
softer  sex,  overstepping  the  bounds  of  prudence,  if  not  of 
modesty,  makes  advances  on  her  part,  then  the  only  honor- 
able and  correct  course  of  the  object  of  her  affections,  is  to 
withdraw  himself  totally  from  her  society. 

After  becoming  satisfied  that  he  is  in  a position  to  sup- 
port a wife,  and  being  free  in  person  from  such  physical 
blemishes  as  have  been  already  alluded  to,  the  first  care  of 
the  expectant  bachelor  should  be  to  select  from  among  his 
acquaintances  a maiden  of  comely  looks,  industrious  habits, 
and  sound  and  pure  morals.  These  are  essentials  the  most 
important,  and  must  underlie  all  the  accomplishments  which 
render  a woman  fascinating,  if  she  is  ever  to  become  the 
light  of  her  ov/n  household.  Theve  can,  of  course,  be  no  ob- 


OBSERVATIONS  REGARDING  THE  YOUTH  OP  BOTH  SEXES.  561 


jection  to  the  possession  of  those  ornamental  acquirements 
which  render  a drawing-room  so  attractive  at  times,  such  as 
music,  bright  conversational  powers,  and  all  the  agreeable 
phases  of  a polite  education ; but  these,  desirable  as  they  un- 
doubtedly are,  must  not  be  accepted  as  the  true  constituents 
of  happiness;  but  rather  as  the  agreeable  guise  that  the  more 
serious  and  abiding  attributes  assume,  until  the  moment  for 
their  more  active  agency  presents  itself  again.  No  man  of 
moderate  means  has  ever  dined  off  a piano  solo,  or  supped  off 
a dish  of  fashionable  gossip ; and  hence  the  necessity  of  look- 
ing for  something  more  substantial  in  the  person  to  whom  he 
might  be  induced  to  pay  his  addresses,  with  a view  to  matri- 
mony, and  of  eschewing  every  female,  no  matter  what  her  at- 
tractions, who  has  not  within  herself  the  knowledge  and  ele- 
ments that  constitute  a good  housewife.  The  freaks  of  fortune 
are  often  both  sad  and  surprising;  and  hence  it  is  of  vital  impor- 
tance that  parents  educate  their  children  in  some  trade  or  calling 
that  might  stand  their  friend  in  the  hour  of  adversity,  when 
they  might  find  themselves  deprived  of  the  last  shilling.  And 
here  we  may  refer,  briefly,  to  the  helpless  condition  of  some  of 
the  fashionable  youths  who  are  depending  solely  upon  circum- 
stances for  a life  of  ease  and  pleasure  to  which  they  devote 
themselves,  and  who,  through  a single  turn  of  th#  wheel  of  for- 
tune, might  be  reduced  to  beggary,  from  the  fact  of  their  hav- 
ing no  positive  means  at  the  ends  of  their  own  fingers  of  earn- 
ing their  daily  bread.  On  this  point  we  would  urge  the 
knowledge  of  some  useful  employment  on  the  part  of  the  young 
of  both  sexes,  no  matter  what  wealth  may  surround  them  for 
the  time  being;  because  by  its  acquisition  they  are,  in  a meas- 
ure, secured  against  fate,  and  have  an  inner  and  more  satisfac- 
tory sense  of  independence  than  flows  from  the  possession  of 
mere  perishable  riches. 

But,  now  presuming  that  our  young  suitor  is  fairly  on  the 
carpet,  and  that,  with  the  sanction  of  his  parents  or  guardian, 
which  is  indispensable,  he  has  determined  to  win,  if  possible, 
the  heart  of  some  fair  one  supposed  to  be  possessed  of  all  the  at- 
tributes, and  the  germs  of  all  the  qualifications,  adverted  to,  it 
must  be  apparent  that  his  hour  of  danger  and  difficulty  has 
arrived,  and  that  in  dealing  with  it,  the  greatest  caution  and 
prudence  ought  to  be  observed.  With  a view  to  the  fullest 
success,  then,  and  in  furtherance  of  the  great  object  upon  the 
holiest  and  highest  basis,  the  moment  he  perceives  a being 
worthy  all  his  love  and  affection,  she  must  it  once  become 
sacred  in  his  eyes  and  never  be  the  subject  of  any  familiarity 


562  OBSERVATIONS  REGARDING  THE  YOUTH  OF  BOTH  SEXES. 

that  might  shock  her  ears  or  her  sense  of  propriety  in  any  de- 
gree, or  that  might  tend  to  lower  her  in  her  own  estimation. 
The  more  chaste  and  considerate  his  intercourse  with  her,  to 
even  the  most  trifling  word  or  whisper,  the  higher  her  sense 
of  his  nobility,  and,  consequently,  the  warmer  and  the  more 
profound  her  sentiments  of  love  towards  him.  It  is  a mistaken 
idea  that  an  occasional  questionable  jest  or  brilliant  double-en- 
tendre has  any  charm  for  the  ear  of  a young  maiden  of  correct 
perceptions;  for  although  the  circumstances  of  her  position 
may  often  extort  a smile  from  her  as  a foil  for  her  pain  and 
discomfiture,  the  shadow  of  the  cruel  though  unintentional 
offence  does  not  easily  pass  away  from  her,  inasmuch  as  it  is 
calculated  to  awaken  in  her  chaste  bosom  doubts  as  to  the  mo- 
rality and  purity  of  the  being  whom  she  may  love  dearly.  Let 
there  be  then,  on  the  part  of  the  suitor,  a noble  consideration 
for  the  woman  who  has  given  her  whole  heart  to  him;  and  let 
him  feel  that  the  bonds  which  she  is  willing  to  assume,  can  be 
only  made  holy  and  happy  when  forged  in  a sense  of  true  deli- 
cacy and  the  highest  moral  obligations.  One  impure,  indeli- 
cate, or  low  word  uttered  in  the  ear  of  a truly  chaste  and  vir- 
tuous woman  may  be  destructive  of  her  true  happiness  for  all 
time  to  come ; while  a single  trifling  act  savoring  of  the  liber- 
tine could  not  fail  to  estrange  her  from  the  transgressor  for- 
ever, if  faithful  to  her  pride  or  sex,  or  else  so  humiliate  her  in 
her  own  eyes,  as  to  cause  her  to  feel  that  the  love  she  brings 
to  the  altar  is  not  so  worthy,  so  fresh,  or  so  sanctified,  as  it 
would  have  been  had  it  not  been  soiled  and  dishonored,  in  a 
measure,  by  him  who  should  have  guarded  it  more  jealously. 

The  demeanor,  then,  to  be  observed  by  a young  man,  in  re- 
lation to  the  maiden  of  his  choice,  must,  while  open,  generous, 
and  warm,  be  carefully  studied,  elevated,  and  free  from  the 
slightest  taint  of  immorality.  The  step  which  he  premeditates 
is  the  most  serious  that  could  possibly  be  undertaken  by  him, 
and  as  it  involves  a partnership  for  life  with  a being  whom  he 
is  to  pledge  himself  before  God  and  man  to  love  and  cherish 
until  death,  it  behooves  him  to  make  the  compact  one  of  the 
most  chaste  and  sacred,  so  that  it  may  never  pall  upon  his  sen- 
sibilities, but  always,  under  heaven,  bear  the  impress  of  unfad- 
ing youth. 

And  now  that  we  have  been  so  explicit  on  this  point,  we  must 
go  farther,  and  warn  the  ardent  and  well-meaning  suitor  of 
another  precipice  that  besets  his  path  from  the  period  of  his 
declaration  to  his  appearance  before  the  altar,  and  that  is,  the 
great  danger  that  attends  the  warm  embraces  which  a lover 


OBSERVATIONS  REGARDING  THE  YOUTH  OP  BOTH  SEXES.  563 


sometimes  bestows  upon  his  affianced,  when  alone,  without  pre- 
suming for  an  instant  that  his  passions  may  outstrip  his  reason, 
and,  in  a moment  of  intense  excitement,  hurry  him  into  an  ex- 
cess that  would  destroy  the  purity  and  self-respect  of  the  being 
who  confided  so  implicitly  in  his  honor,  untilgshe  stood  before 
him  a guilty  and  injured  woman.  This  is  a matter  for  most 
serious  consideration;  for  notwithstanding  that  the  aggressor 
makes  every  reparation  in  his  power  and  still  redeem  his 
plighted  vows,  the  memory  of  this  great  indiscretion  or  crime, 
is  likely  to  over-shadow  all  his  subsequent  married  life.  Let  it 
then  be  distinctly  understood,  that  even  the  ordinary  embrace 
so  frequent  between  two  young  lovers  before  they  become  united 
in  marriage,  must  be  indulged  in  with  caution  and  reserve, 
where  no  eye  but  that  of  heaven  is  upon  them.  The  passions, 
like  tinder,  often  take  fire  from  the  slightest  spark,  and  it 
therefore  becomes  a matter  of  the  last  importance,  that  until  a 
man  and  a woman  become  one  according  to  the  laws  of  society 
as  well  as  those  of  the  Creator,  the  stronger  vessel  must  keep 
his  desires  in  hand  with  a bit  and  bridle  the  most  inflexible  and 
stern;  otherwise  all  the  charm  and  brightness  which  properly 
belong  to  the  marriage  state  can  not  fail  to  be  tarnished  or 
perhaps  ultimately  extinguished  in  gloom. 

When  entering  upon  the  phase  of  his  life  which  tends 
toward  matrimony,  the  young  and  ardent  suitor,  once  that  his 
heart  is  truly  engaged,  should  treat  the  object  of  his  affections 
with  such  loving  respect  and  consideration,  as  could  not  fail  to 
ennoble  him  in  her  eyes,  and  secure  her  heart  upon  a true  and 
abiding  basis.  Every  maiden  of  modesty  and  womanly  instincts 
is  thoroughly  conversant  with  what  is  due  to  her,  and  alive  to 
every  circumstance,  however  trifling,  bearing  upon  the  charac- 
ter of  her  intended.  The  more  profound  her  love  the  keener 
her  discrimination,  and  the  more  jealous  her  eye  and  ear.  Not 
a single  expression  or  act  appertaining  to  his  intercourse 
with  her  or  others  but  is  weighed  unconsciously,  and  subjected 
to  that  subtle  process  of  analysis  which  is  almost  instantaneous 
in  its  results.  It  is  therefore  ungenerous,  and  as  dangerous  as 
it  is  unjust  and  reprehensible,  to  wound  her  susceptibilities  in 
any  relation ; for  notwithstanding  that  she  may  permit,  without 
actual  censure,  or  apparent  chagrin,  any  slight  dereliction  of 
duty  to  pass  in  this  relation,  she  cannot  fail  to  feel  its  unworthi- 
ness, and  the  shock  to  her  esteem  and  affections  which  it  must 
necessarily  entail. 

But  if  we  have  dwelt  upon  what  may  be  termed  the  two  lead- 
ing evils  which  beset  the  path  of  youth,  there  are  yet  others, 


564:  OBSERVATIONS  REGARDING  THE  YOUTH  OF  BOTH  SEXES. 

scarcely  less  dangerous,  which  require  the  most  careful  consid- 
eration; and  one  of  these  is  the  sin  of  intemperance.  We  need 
not  travel  out  of  every-day  common  record  for  evidence  to 
establish  the  dread  consequences  of  this  dire  infatuation  and  its 
general  prevalence.  Like  most  other  criminal  practices,  it  steals 
through  the  first  stages  of  its  progress  by  slow  and  impercep- 
tible degrees;  but  at  each  unconscious  step,  so  securely  does  it 
entangle  its  victim  in  its  meshes,  that  not  unfrequently  he 
passes  beyond  the  final  point  of  redemption  before  he  is 
thoroughly  alive  to  his  lost  and  hopeless  state.  And  here, 
again,  the  influence  and  habits  of  the  home  circle  become  of  the 
first  importance.  If  unswerving  temperance  be  the  inexorable 
rule  of  the  household — if  the  seductive  cup,  in  even  the  most 
harmless  aspect,  be  banished  from  it  with  firmness  and  persist- 
ency, there  is  every  hope  that  the  dangerous  out-door  influences 
which  so  throng  the  path  of  the  inexperienced,  may  be  met  and 
neutralized. 

But  if  the  household  be  tainted,  to  any  extent,  with  the  vice 
— if  indulgent  fathers  and  mothers  will  tempt  their  children 
with  an  occasional  sweet  spoonful  of  the  poison,  they  do  neither 
more  nor  less  than  set  fire  to  one  end  of  a slow  fuse  which  is 
almost  sure  to  result,  one  day  or  other,  in  the  most  fearful  de- 
struction. 

But  as  we  are  speaking,  as  it  were,  to  a youth  of  understand- 
ing, we  must  appeal  to  his  own  manhood  and  sense  of  right. 
And  here  we  would  observe,  that  next  to  the  appalling  crime 
of  self-abuse,  that  of  habitual  intemperance  is  most  destructive 
of  pure  love,  and  of  the  physical  capacity  or  power  to  realize 
from  the  chaste  passion  all  that  heaven  designed  it  should 
accord.  No  woman  of  correct  feeling  or  judgment  has  ever 
bestowed  her  heart  upon  an  habitual  toper,  or  enjoyed  his  so- 
ciety for  a moment,  not  to  speak  of  his  maudlin  embrace.  This 
is  true  beyond  question,  and  to  an  extent  so  dreadful,  that  no 
inconsiderable  portion  of  the  infidelity  which  a neglected  and 
disgusted  wife  visits  upon  her  husband  to-dav,  may  be  traced 
simply  to  the  vice  of  habitual  drunkenness,  on  his  part.  No 
matter  how  warm  the  affections  of  the  maiden,  or  how  sincere 
the  love  of  the  wife,  this  curse  tramples  out  both  alike ; and 
hence  the  necessity  of  the  utmost  vigilence  on  the  part  of  any 
youth  who  would  win  and  retain  the  heart  of  a pure  and  beau- 
tiful maiden,  or  preserve  his  health  and  manhood  intact  until 
both,  at  a ripe  old  age,  declined  in  the  natural  order  of  things. 
It  may  be  laid  down  as  an  axiom,  then,  that  no  true  love  can 
exist  between  a good  and  pure  woman  and  the  man  who  ren- 


OBSERVATIONS  REGARDING  THE  YOUTH  OF  BOTH  SEXES.  565 


ders  liis  person  disgusting  to  her,  and  who  in  a measure  emascu- 
lates  himself  through  the  constant  use  of  intoxicating  liquors; 
and  when  we  come  to  dwell  on  the  fact,  that  the  prostration  of 
his  high  mission  and  manhood  arises  from  tire  indulgence  of  a 
loathsome,  vice,  whose  inception  is  to  be  traced  to  the  first  fatal 
and  seductive  glass  that  is  thoughtlessly  raised  to  his  lips, 
surely  the  individual  who  is  yet  free  from  the  taint  of  this 
curse,  or  the  man  who  is  its  partial  victim  only,  should,  if  these 
few  lines  happen  to  meet  his  eye,  never  approach — or  dash 
from  him  forever — the  cup  that  has  been  so  fraught  with  some 
of  the  direst  crimes,  heart-aches,  and  miseries,  known  to  the 
human  family.  When,  therefore,  it  is  a fact  beyond  contradic- 
tion, that  a persistent  use  of  stimulants  of  any  description  tends 
to  generate  morbid  and  adventitious  sexual  desires,  that  are 
succeeded  by  a reaction  the  most  depressing,  inconvenient,  and 
dangerous,  and  that  frequently  result  in  permanent  injury,  what 
shall  we  say  in  denunciation  of  the  habitual  use  of  those  fiery 
potations  that  not  only  lead  to  rags  and  beggary,  but  corrupt 
the  blood,  disfigure  the  features,  and  trail  the  last  particle  of 
manhood  in  the  dust? 

To  all  within  reach  of  our  warning  voice,  we  would,  then,  say, 
beware  of  the  first  glass,  and  those  inebriates  or  thoughtless 
persons  who  would  tempt  you  to  pollute  your  lips  with  it. 
There  is  danger  in  even  looking  upon  it  or  in  breathing  the 
atmosphere  inhaled  by  those  who  have  passed  its  fearful  Rubi- 
con, without  either  the  wish  or  power  to  retrace  their  steps. 
Avoid  such,  and  their  social  meetings  or  orgies,  with  all  the 
strength  and  decision  of  which  you  are  capable ; for  in  this  re- 
lation also,  “ wide  is  the  gate  and  broad  is  the  way  that  leadeth 
to  destruction. r 

The  vice  of  intemperance  in  youth  is  not  unfrequently  as- 
sociated with  that  of  gambling,  and  is  almost  invariably  wedded 
to  that  of  promiscuous  sexual  intercourse ; and  here  we  find 
another  dangerous  pitfall  besetting  the  paths  of  the  young  on 
their  way  toward  matrimony,  and  the  attainment  of  the  fullest 
and  most  perfect  manhood.  Fatal  even  as  the  crime  of  gam- 
bling, per  se,  may  be,  it  is  less  terrible  in  its  effects  than  the 
physical  and  moral  destruction  which  results  from  the  loath- 
some and  contaminating  embraces  of  the  lost  and  lewd  woman 
who  sells  her  person  to  every  passer  by,  and  so  poisons  the  life 
blood  of  her  unsuspecting  young  victims  as  to  entail  upon  them 
a life  of  disease  and  misery  horrible  to  contemplate.  A man 
may  lose  his  money  at  the  gaming-table,  and  suffer  the  pangs 
of  remorse  and  the  beggary  that  it  involves,  but  criminal  as  the 


566 


ON  THE  RELATIONS  BETWEEN  MAN  AND  WIFE. 


passion  for  play  is,  and  frightful  as  have  been  the  domestic 
disasters  that  have  resulted  and  do  still  result  from  it,  yet  if  he 
have  escaped  the  vice  of  drink  and  the  taint  of  impure  and 
loathsome  women — if  his  physical  structure  and  mind  are  not 
wholly  poisoned  and  debauched — there  is  hope  for  him,  as  a 
woman’s  love  can  survive  the  one,  although  it  dies  out  into  ab- 
solute hatred  and  disgust  under  the  other. 

There  is  little  more  to  be  said  on  this  part  of  the  subject. 
We  have  touched  all  its  vital  points,  and  trust  that  the  seeds 
we  have  endeavored  to  plant,  in  all  honesty  and  good-will,  may 
be  found  to  bear  the  sweet  and  abiding  fruit  they  are  so  pre 
eminently  calculated  to  yield.  In  summing  up  the  whole  case, 
then,  we  would  say  to  fathers  and  guardians,  form  the  thoughts 
and  habits  of  your  wards  or  children  by  a joyous  and  virtuous 
fireside.  Let  their  earliest  perceptions  of  right  and  wrong  be 
based  on  no  uncertain  foundation.  Set  them  examples  of  mo- 
rality, and  inculcate  that  religion  in  them  which  is  filled  with 
innocent  sunshine,  and  which  alone  is  calculated  to  inspire  their 
tender  hearts  with  sentiments  of  true  love  towards  their  Creator 
and  their  fellow  men.  Warn  'them,  in  the  plainest  possible 
manner,  of  the  danger  of  bad  company,  loose  habits,  and  any 
and  all  of  the  evils  and  infamous  practices  that  lie  in  wait  for 
them,  and  when  they  grow  up  to  be  men,  they  will  bless  and 
appreciate  the  kindly  care  bestowed  upon  them,  and  be  not 
only  a credit  to  themselves,  but  to  the  human  family  at 
large. 

Man  and  Wife. — A Plain  Exposition  of  their  Duties,  Moral, 
Mental  and  Physical. 

We  now  meet,  as  it  were,  two  pure  beings  at  the  altar, 
who  have  profited  by  the  advice  and  example  of  judicious  par- 
ents or  guardians,  of  sound  morals  and  social  views;  but  not- 
withstanding that  the  crowning  happiness  of  the  two  lovers  has 
been  achieved  in  their  becoming  man  and  wife,  there  is  yet 
much  to  be  considered  and  accomplished  on  the  part  of  both 
before  their  feet  are  established  upon  a rock. 

In  the  first  moments  of  his  matrimonial  existence,  then,  the 
newly  fledged  husband  must  not  suppose  for  a single  instant 
the  ears  or  the  eyes  of  his  wife  are  less  chaste  and  pure  than 
they  were  before  she  had  become  his  in  the  sight  of  God  and 
man.  Here  is  a point  of  vital  importance,  and  one  upon  which 
such  grave  issues  hang,  that  we  place  it  in  the  very  first  rank 
of  our  present  observations.  Save  in  one  instance  alone,  the 


ON  THE  RELATIONS  BETWEEN  MAN  AND  WIFE. 


567 


conduct  and  consideration  evinced  towards  the  maiden  must 
be  mainly  observed  towards  the  wife ; for  through  this  mani- 
festation of  respect  and  delicacy,  the  freshness  and  novelty  of 
courtship  may  be  continued  for  an  indefinite  period.  Let  the 
wife  be  preserved  by  the  husband  a beautiful  mystery  in  part, 
— let  the  natural  veil  of  modesty  which  shrouds  every  pure 
woman  be  never  ruthlessly  torn  apart,  or  her  sense  of  propriety 
be  blunted  by  course  or  indelicate  remarks,  and  the  charm  of 
her  being  will  never  pall  upon  the  senses,  but,  on  the  contrary 
be,  as  Shelley  has  it,  “ A joy  forever.” 

It  is  too  frequently  the  case  that  a young  husband  fancies 
the  nuptial  ceremony  gives  him  the  fullest  power  over  the  per- 
son of  his  wife,  and  that  consequently  the  precise  character  of 
the  intercourse  between  them,  now  that  they  are  married,  is 
not  a matter  of  much  moment;  but  a more  grievous  misappre- 
hension could  scarcely  obtain  in  any  relation,  for  a wife’s  sensi- 
bilities and  person  can  be  so  abused  as  to  be  debauched  in  a 
measure,  and  so  lessen  her  regard  for  the  secrets  of  wedlock 
that  they  lose  all  their  charms  in  her  eyes,  while  the  aggressor 
in  the  case  suffers  in  the  same  direction,  and  precisely  to  a 
similar  extent. 

This  is  a fact  substantiated  by  the  experience  of  tens  of 
thousands;  and,  as  the  destruction  of  the  fine  fibre  of  which 
these  sacred  relations  are  formed,  obviously  leads  to  much  in- 
difference  in  both  parties,  we  can  at  once  perceive  of  what  im- 
portance it  is  to  keep  it  intact,  and  ho\ T necessary  to  the  hap- 
piness of  wedded  life  to  preserve  to  the-  latest  hour  of  its  ex- 
istence something  at  least  of  the  ^weet  freshness  that  hung 
about  its  dawn. 

As  we  have  already  descanted  somewhat  diffusely  upon  the 
rule  of  conduct  to  be  observed  on  the  part  of  the  youth  as  well 
as  on  that  of  the  maiden  who  intended  to  become  one  at  the 
altar,  so  now  that  we  presume  them  to  be  man  and  wife,  we 
would  be  equally  explicit  as  to  how  they  should  comport  them- 
selves as  such.  In  addition,  then,  to  what  we  have  already  just 
said,  we  would  observe  that  in  the  first  moments  of  wedded 
life  the  constant  and  unreasoning  abuse  of  the  privileges  of  a 
husband  cannot  but  result  in  evil  consequences  to  both  parties, 
inasmuch  as  it  tends  to  render  commonplace  that  which  is  in- 
tended by  an  all-wise  Creator  to  be  otherwise,  and  is  the  bright- 
est and  holiest  link  that  unites  the  sexes.  This  privilege  once 
familiarized  through  constant  and  inordinate  indulgence,  loses 
all  its  charms,  while  the  abuse  which  robs  it  of  them,  not  only 
tends  to  injure  the  young  wife  physically,  but  the  husband  also. 


568  ON  THE  RELATPONS  BETWEEN  MAN  AND  WIFE. 

In  this  vital  and  mysterious  intercourse,  there  must  be  no  false 
excitement  or  attempt  to  forestall  nature.  In  this  relation,  the 
tide  must  flow  and  ebb  according  to  the  promptings  of  a Jaw 
that  none  can  fail  to  comprehend,  and  whose  operations  must 
not  be  accelerated  if  they  are  to  be  an  unfailing  source  of  de- 
light, and  to  influence  us  through  long  years  with  undiminished 
powers.  The  reaction  which  invariably  attends  any  continuous 
excesses  of  this  character  is  so  painful,  humiliating,  and  danger- 
ous, as  not  unfrequently  to  lead  to  the  most  serious  misunder- 
standings between  the  parties  most  concerned  and  destroy  the 
sweet  confidence  which  should  obtain  between  them.  Again, 
the  evil  consequences  of  such  excesses  to  the  infant  yet  unborn 
are  at  times  frightful  to  contemplate.  A weakly,  and  diseased 
frame,  and,  frequently,  mind,  are  the  dreadful  results,  while  the 
health  of  the  mother  sometimes  suffers  commensurately.  The 
young  husband  also  pays  his  share  of  the  penalty;  as  the 
natural  excitement  which  is  the  true  key  to  all  the  pleasures 
that  attend  the  sexual  relations  when  indulged  in  upon  the  true 
basis,  dies  out  under  the  enervating  influences  of  satiety  until 
the  bond  between  man  and  wife  becomes  so  relaxed  in  this  re- 
lation as  to  be  almost  worthless.  And  let  it  be  clearly  com- 
prehended here,  that  as  this  bond  becomes  weakened  or 
vitiated  between  the  young  persons,  so  wanes  their  love  and 
esteem  for  each  other,  until  in  time  they  come  to  look  upon 
their  union  with  apathy  if  not  disfavor,  and  then  are  opened  up 
all  the  approaches  to  misery  the  most  abject  and  heartrending. 
Let  there  be,  therefore,  caution  and  moderation  used  in  this  all- 
important  relation  on  the  part  of  the  husband,  as  he  alone  is 
apt  to  be  the  transgressor, — for  we  can  not  suppose  a case,  ex- 
cept in  the  rarest  instance,  when  the  wife  is  at  fault  on  this 
head. 

As  a large  majority  of  mankind  have  to  earn  their  daily 
bread  in  some  way  or  other,  we  shall  be  safe  in  appealing  on 
the  subject  of  prudence  and  economy  to  almost  any  newly-mar- 
ried couple;  and,  in  doing  so,  we  would  remark,  in  the  first 
place,  that  poverty  does  not.  as  a general  thing,  tend  to  per- 
petuate that  feeling  of  love  or  affection  between  man  and  wife 
that  had  influenced  the  days  of  their  courtship,  and,  that,  con- 
sequently, a primary  object  with  the  husband  should  be  the 
maintenance  of  his  wife  upon  a comfortable  and  abiding  basis, 
and  the  total  rejection  of  any  habits  that  through  their  expen- 
siveness might  interfere  with  his  success  in  this  direction.  The 
man  is  totally  wanting  in  affection  and  chivalry,  who  fails  to  pro- 
vide properly  for  his  wife  when  it  is  in  his  power  to  do  so,  or  when 


ON  THE  RELATIONS  BETWEEN  MAN  AND  WIFE. 


569 


by, curtailing  some  of  his  wasteful  personal  expenses  he  might 
add  to  her  comfort  and  independence.  Not  unfrequently  the 
amount  which  has  drifted  into  the  restaurant,  the  cigar-shop,  and 
the  drinking-saloon,  out  of  the  pocket  of  the  young  man  who  has 
just  crossed  the  threshold  of  matrimony,  if  properly  expended, 
might  have  obviated  a life  of  misery,  and  laid  the  foundation  of 
a cheerful  and  happy  fireside  for  the  rest  of  his  days.  For  it  is 
well  known,  that  these  haunts  not  only  tend  to  engender  neg- 
lect on  the  part  of  the  husband  toward  a wife,  but  often  so 
embarrass  those  of  anything  approaching  limited  means,  that 
frequent  intercourse  with  them  leads,  almost  without  an  excep- 
tion, to  domestic  infelicities.  While  we  write,  we  have  in  our 
mind’s  eye  a number  of  thoughtless  and  unhappy  beings,  whose 
thraldom  in  this  relation  has  destroyed  their  once  cheerful 
households,  and  whose  neglect  had  so  estranged  and  disgusted 
their  once  true  and  affectionate  wives,  that  they  drifted  into 
infidelity,  and  became  lost  to  virtue  and  society  forever.  The 
saying,  “ a constant  dropping  will  wear  a stone,”  is  a trite  and 
philosophic  one ; and  the  man,  young  or  old,  who  presumes  so 
far  upon  the  truth  and  affection  of  his  wife  as  to  fancy  that 
neither  could  possibly  give  wav  under  his  constant  indifference 
or  vulgar  and  intemperate  habits,  knows  but  little  of  the  hu- 
man heart,  or  how  easily  that  of  some  women  is  crushed  out  of 
shape. 

Nor  is  the  newly-married  wife  secure  from  danger,  on  her 
part,  in  this  relation;  for  sometimes  she  also,  now  that  she  con- 
siders herself  finally  disposed  of,  falls  into  the  practice  of  in- 
dulging in  some  sweet  little  spirituous  potation,  which  grows 
upon  her  until  she  at  last  falls  a victim  to  the  intoxicating 
glass.  To  the  maiden  who  has  just  left  the  altar  with  the  man 
of  her  choice,  we  would  then  say,  “ touch  not,  taste  not,  the  un- 
clean thing.”  There  is  danger  lurking  within  the  intoxicating 
cup,  however  disguised  it  may  be,  and  when  once  its  subtle 
poison  taints  the  sweet  breath  or  mars  the  mellifluous  tongue 
of  one  of  the  gentler  sex,  her  doom  is  almost  irrevocably  sealed! 
Let,  therefore,  neither  the  usages  of  polite  society,  nor  the  se- 
ductions of  any  of  her  own  cherished  circle  of  friends  induce 
her  to  tamper,  even  in  the  most  remote  degree,  with  the  insidi- 
ous poison  of  the  bowl;  for  so  subtle  and  destructive  is  it,  that 
its  first  contact  with  certain  natures  has  been  known  to  lead  to 
headlong  ruin,  and  so  swiftly  as  to  appal  even  the  stoutest 
heart. 

In  truth,  che  greatest  caution  must  be  observed  on  both 
sides  of  the  house  in  this  connection,  as  well  as  in  that  of  in- 


ON  THE  RELATIONS  BETWEEN  MAN  AND  WIFE. 

dustry,  economy,  and  prudence.  And  if  the  most  fitting  place 
for  the  husband,  after  the  labors  of  the  day  are  over,  is  his  own 
fireside,  with  his  young  wife  by  his  side,  she,  “ the  partner  of 
his  joys  and  woes,”  must  endeavor  to  surround  his  home  with 
every  possible  attraction ; and  light  it  up  with  a cheerful  face 
and  all  the  nameless  charms  that  make  it  “ the  only  spot  on 
earth”  to  him.  To  this  end,  she  must  be  always  neat  in  her 
person,  if  at  all  within  the  range  of  possibility,  for  there  is  no- 
thing more  pleasurable  to  a husband  than  a sense  of  the  purity 
of  the  personal  habits  of  his  wife,  and  the  comeliness  of  her 
attire  when  she  presents  herself  before  him.  This  latter  in- 
volves neither  labor  nor  very  extraordinary  expense.  The 
bath,  and,  if  needs  be,  the  simplest  fabrics,  shaped  if  necessary, 
beneath  her  own  supple  fingers,  will  meet  all  the  necessities  of 
the  case.  These  are  attractions  of  such  virtue  and  potency 
that  they  always  operate  like  a magnet,  and  not  unfrequently 
draw  a husband  away  from  the  evil  influences  that  tempt  him  to 
regard  his  home  as  a place  of  temporary  sojourn  only.  We 
have  paid  some  attention  to  the  subject,  and  can  vouch  for  the 
fact,  that,  in  ninety-nine  cases  out  of  a hundred,  a pure,  indus- 
trious and  cheerful  wife,  who  meets  her  husband  with  a bright 
and  warm  smile  on  the  threshold  of  her  dwelling,  spends  the 
majority  of  her  evenings  in  his  society,  without  a fear  of  the 
future. 

We  are,  of  course,  aware  that  there  are  some  men  so  lost 
to  everything  that  dignifies  humanity  or  renders  the  marriage 
state  ail  that  it  ought  to  be,  that  no  ties  can  bind  them ; but 
we  make  no  reference  to  them,  and  allude  only  to  those  of 
sound  understanding  and  ordinarily  good  morals.  Yet  even 
here  we  admit  that  the  rule  is  not  infallible,  as  some  husbands 
are  so  weak  and  easily  led  as  to  soon  fall  away  from  their  first 
love,  and  lose  themselves  in  less  sanctified  relations.  However, 
the  most  advisable  course  for  a young  wife  to  pursue,  under 
any  circumstance,  is  to  make  her  house  and  her  person  as  at- 
tractive as  possible,  and  to  supplement  the  cheerful  blaze  of 
her  fireside  with  the  light  of  her  own  winning  smiles  and  ways, 
and  the  thousand  nameless  little  enchantments  which,  taken  to- 
gether, often  weave  the  silken  meshes  which  retain  with  a 
strength  not  to  be  overcome,  the  willing  captive  who,  under 
less  favorable  and  grateful  circumstances,  might  have  launched 
out  into  some  course  of  conduct  fraught  with  destruction  not 
only  to  himself  but  the  being  he  was  pledged  to  cherish  and 
protect  to  the  last  hour  of  his  life. 

But  there  are  other  observances,  also,  which  ought  to  be 


ON  THE  RELATIONS  BETWEEN  MaN  AND  WIFE. 


571 


regarded  with  the  most  profound  caution  by  the  newly  married 
who  desire  to  spend  their  days  in  comfort  and  happiness  to- 
gether; and  one  is  the  manner  of  their  intercourse  with  such 
of  the  opposite  sex  as  either  the  husband  or  wife  may  come  in- 
to friendly  contact  with.  Every  properly  constituted  man  or 
woman  is  more  or  less  of  a jealous  disposition  ; for  without  this 
sentiment,  active  or  latent  to  some  extent,  there  can  be  no  true 
love.  Censure  it  as  you  may — call  it  mean  and  petty,  if  you 
will — but  the  fact  obtains,  nevertheless.  Who  that  is  conver- 
sant with  the  press  in  any  degree,  but  can  bear  evidence  to  the 
fact  that  scarcely  a newspaper  is  published  without  some  pain- 
ful recital,  bearing  upon  this  point,  meeting  the  eye.  To  avoid 
the  devastating  influences,  or  approach  of  the  “ green-eyed 
monster,”  should  be  a leading  feature  of  the  wife’s  prudence,  as 
well  as  of  that  of  the  husband  ; for  so  unreasoning  and  sensitive 
are  our  natures  in  this  direction,  that  when  they  are  once  aroused 
to  suspicion,  they  seldom  or  never  recover  their  wonted  tone  of 
confidence.  And  yet  the  accused  party  may  be  virtually  inno- 
cent of  the  crime  laid  to  his  or  her  charge,  although  there  are 
generally  some  grounds  for  censure  on  the  score  of  thoughtless- 
ness or  that  lightness  or  trifling  which  is  so  liable  to  be  misin- 
terpreted by  certain  individuals.  Above  all  things,  then,  and 
especially  on  the  part  of  the  wife,  no  matter  what  the  purity 
of  her  soul  or  intentions,  she  is  always  to  be  circumspect  with 
regard  to  her  conduct  or  intercourse,  in  company  or  otherwise, 
with  any  of  the  opposite  sex.  Caution  and  decorum  in  this 
connection  is  of  the  first  importance ; for  not  only  might  any 
thoughtless  familiarity,  or  any  laxness  of  self-respect  on  this 
head  be  wholly  misinterpreted  by  her  husband,  but,  how  inno- 
cent soever,  be  likely  to  fare  no  better  at  the  hands  of  the  in- 
dividual towards  whom  she  might  have  comported  herself  with 
unconscious  levity.  There  is,  therefore,  nothing  for  it  but  the 
strictest  prudence  and  an  unswerving  adherence  to  such  a line 
of  conduct  as  might  be  pursued  with  safety  in  the  presence  of 
her  husband  towards  any  gentleman  of  her  acquaintance.  Nor 
must  there  be  any  innocent  secret  confidences  with  any  male 
friend,  no  matter  how  laudable  the  object,  outside  the  sanction 
and  recognition  of  her  rightful  counselor  and  protector.  The 
truer  and  prouder  the  husband,  the  more  sensitive  and  the 
more  jealous  of  his  honor,  and  of  his  claims  upon  all  the  consid- 
eration to  which  he  regards  himself  entitled  on  the  part  of  the 
woman  of  his  love — the  wife  of  his  bosom. 

Lamentable  as  it  is,  the  fact  is  notorious  that  even  one 
furtive  glance — one  thoughtless  expression — one  little  whisper 


572 


ON  THE  RELATIONS  BETWEEN  MAN  AND  WIFE. 


— has  often  led  to  direst  consequences  between  man  and  wife. 
The  despotism  of  true  love  is,  at  times,  frightful  on  this  head; 
for  without  pausing  to  reason,  it  frequently  gives  way  at  once 
to  the  most  devouring  jealousy.  When,  therefore,  we  know 
that  any  want  of  circumspection  on  the  part  of  the  wife  in  her 
daily  intercouse  with  such  of  her  male  friends  as  may  have  ac- 
cess to  her  fireside  or  table,  is  certain  to  be  construed  to  her 
prejudice,  and  when  such  would  be  certain  to  disturb  the  spirit, 
and  awaken  perhaps  the  most  fearful  misapprehensions  on  the 
part  of  her  husband,  were  he  a proud,  loving,  and  sensitive 
man,  she  can  scarcely  over-estimate  the  importance  of  the  ad- 
vice which  we  here  offer,  and  which  if  followed  rigidly,  is  sure 
to  redound  to  her  credit  and  happiness,  and  keep  the  light 
hovering  about  her  hearthstone  and  burning  brightly  upon  the 
altar  of  her  own  heart.  As  a general  rule,  then,  no  matter  how 
intimate  her  gentleman  friends  may  be  with  her  husband,  or 
how  frequently  they  may  find  a welcome  beneath  her  roof, 
there  must  still  be  observed  towards  them  that  chaste  and  pru- 
dent course  of  conduct  which  they  will  not  be  slow  to  respect, 
or  to  attribute  to  the  right  cause,  and  which  may  be  indulged 
in  without  the  slightest  shadow  of  acerbity  or  detriment  to 
even  the  most  generous  hospitality.  The  fact  is,  a woman  in 
all  her  most  exalted  relations  is  something  like  snow, — the 
purity  and  lustre  of  which,  as  we  all  know,  suffer  to  some  ex- 
tent, at  least,  from  foreign  contact. 

But  it  must  not  be  presumed  that  the  husband  is  not  equally 
bound  to  be  strictly  observant  on  his  part,  also,  as  to  how  he 
comports  himself  in  the  opposite  direction.  The  usages  of 
society,  we  are  well  aware,  allows  him  a greater  latitude  in  this 
sphere  than  it  accords  to  his  wife ; but  then  there  are  proper 
limits  set  to  it  likewise ; and  the  moment  he  transgresses  them 
he  also  becomes  rightfully  the  subject  of  censure,  and  is  an 
aggressor  against  the  peace  and  happiness  of  the  being  he 
vowed  to  protect  and  cherish  with  all  the  love  and  affection  of 
which  he  is  capable.  Yet,  while  the  wife  admits  that  civilized 
usages  permit  him  to  move  with  greater  freedom  among  fe- 
males than  is  accorded  to  her  in  her  intercouse  with  the  males, 
she  can  determine,  with  the  quick  eye  and  intuition  of  her  sex, 
when  he  transgresses  the  bounds  of  decorum,  in  her  presence, 
or  fails  in  the  allegiance  due  to  her  alone,  and  treasures  the 
wrong  within  her  soul  of  souls.  In  this  it  is  impossible  for  a 
husband  to  deceive  with  continuous  success  the  perceptions 
and  intuitions  of  the  nartner  of  his  bed.  There  is  about  her 
that  which  fathoms  and  apprehends  the  most  trifling  approach 


ON  THE  RELATIONS  BETWEEN  MAN  AND  WIFE. 


573 


to  infidelity  or  immorality  on  the  part  of  the  man  she  loves.  No 
matter  how  silent  or  uncomplaining  she  may  appear  to  be,  she 
feels,  from  certain  unexplainable  indices  perhaps,  that  all  is  not 
right;  and  thus  the  canker  sets  in,  that,  if  she  loves  with  all 
her  soul  and  might,  gradually  destroys  all  that  makes  life  worth 
an  hour’s  purchase,  saps  her  life-blood,  and  hurries  her  to  an 
early  grave. 

These  are  truths  which  admit  of  no  contradiction,  and  such 
being  the  case,  the  husband,  in  his  turn,  should,  in  his  inter- 
course with  the  opposite  sex,  be  just  as  careful  and  as  sparing 
of  the  feelings  of  liis  wife  as  she  of  his.  Nor  need  there  be  any 
sacrifice  on  the  part  of  either,  if  both  are  pure  and  wise  in 
their  social  relations.  Let  there  not  be  a shadow  of  doubt  or 
secrecy  between  them  on  any  subject  whatever.  Let  the  one 
be  as  frank  and  generous  to  the  other  in  every  relation,  as  pos- 
sible for  man  and  wife  to  be,  and  let  no  difficulty  respecting  the 
conduct  of  either  relative  to  a third  party  remain  unexplained 
for  a single  moment.  Let  there  be  no  secrets,  no  mystery,  but 
everything  between  both  as  plain,  as  honest,  and  as  open  as 
the  day,  and  much  that  might  otherwise  be  dangerous  or  un- 
pleasant will  be  obviated  totally. 

As  in  the  unmarried  state,  so  in  the  married,  the  selection 
of  proper  associates  and  friends  is  a matter  of  vital  importance. 
No  man  or  woman  who  is  careless  in  this  relation  can  fail  to 
suffer  from  the  circumstance.  It  therefore  behooves  the  young 
husband  to  exclude  from  his  house  or  fireside  such  persons  of 
their  acquaintance  as  are  of  loose  or  questionable  habits,  and 
who,  beneath  the  mask  of  a pleasing  exterior,  conceal  a heart 
given  to  deceit  or  lewdness.  It  is  impossible  not  to  suffer 
from  frequent  contact  with  such  people;  and  for  a husband 
to  introduce  any  of  them  into  his  household  is  to  thrust  an 
indignity  upon  his  wife,  and  subject  her  to  influences  the 
most  unholy.  There  must,  consequently,  be  no  vacillation  in 
the  course  to  be  pursued  here.  If  a husband  is  aware,  per- 
sonally or  by  report,  that  a man,  no  matter  what  his  social 
position,  is  of  impure  morals  or  even  inclined  to  light  speech  or 
conduct,  he  must  never  be  permitted,  if  at  all  possible,  to 
breathe  the  same  atmosphere  as  thatv  inhaled  by  a pure  and 
good  woman  beneath  fhe  roof  of  her  own  dwelling ; for  to  sub- 
ject her  to  inspiring  it,  after  the  contamination  it  must  in  some 
cases  have  suffered,  would  be  a wrong  so  grievous  as  to  be 
almost  without  a parallel. 

In  the  same  way  the  wife  must  be  cautious  and  circum- 
spect in  relation  to  the  choice  of  lady  friends  and  acquain- 


574 


ON  THE  RELATIONS  BETWEEN  MAN  AND  WIFE. 


tances;  and,,  above  all  things,  before  taking  them  to  her  bosurn, 
she  must  be  thoroughly  satisfied  of  their  uprightness,  and  pur- 
ity of  thought  and  action.  The  very  attire  even  must  not  be 
overlooked,  in  the  selection  ; for  where  a young  or  an  old  woman 
is  gaudily  or  expensively  dressed,  when  there  is  not  the  am- 
plest means  to  sustain  the  folly,  they  are  to  be  invariably  re- 
garded as  undesirable  companions, — while,  should  they  even 
be  possessed  of  adequate  wealth,  they  may  be  generally  set 
down  as  light,  frivolous  people,  of  contracted  minds  and  un- 
healthy tendencies.  There  is  no  difficulty  at  all  in  recognizing 
those  upon  whom  the  young  wife  may  properly  rely  for  womanly 
aid  and  sympathy,  when  such  are  necessary.  The  chaste 
matron,  of  silvery  locks,  with  her  sweet,  pure  daughter,  who 
has  been  brought  up  to  feel  her  dependence  upon  heaven  and 
her  duty  towards  the  whole  human  family,  are  of  the  class 
whose  society  should  be  cherished  and  prized  by  the  interest- 
ing creature  who  may  soon  become  a mother.  Those  of  erratic 
ideas  and  disquieting  influences  ought  to  be  studiously  avoided  ; 
as  their  presence  in  any  household  is  undesirable,  from  the  fact 
that  frequent  contact  with  such  persons  often  so  blunt  the 
sensibilities  and  confuse  the  sense  of  right  and  wrong,  that 
domestic  misunderstandings  soon  obtain,  and  the  happiness  that 
should  attend  a well-ordered  family  is  marred,  perhaps,  forever. 
Intercourse  with  thoughtless  and  extravagant  people,  and 
especially  those  whose  chief  delight  is  gossip  and  dress,  is 
especially  dangerous  to  the  young  housekeeper  of  moderate 
means,  as  it  awakens  within  her  a spirit  of  emulation  that  is 
unworthy,  and  tends  to  create  desires  which  outstrip  her  in- 
come and  lead  to  the  embarrassment  of  her  husband.  If  a wife 
in  limited  circumstances  will  select  for  her  companions  such 
flimsy  and  gaudy  creatures,  she  must  soon  find  herself  drifting 
into  their  reprehensible  and  expensive  habits,  or  will,  at  last, 
begin  to  institute  such  inconvenient  comparisons  between  their 
costly  attire  and  her  own  neat  and  simple  habiliments,  as  are 
likely  to  lead  to  discontent  and  such  discomforting  sentiments 
regarding  her  husband  and  her  surroundings,  as  seldom  fail  to 
result  in  partial  if  not  total  estrangement  of  the  one  from  the 
other.  “ Evil  communications  corrupt  good  manners/7  is  an 
aphorism  of  undoubted  truth  and  universal  recognition ; and  in 
no  circumstances  of  life  has  the  force  of  the  adage  been  more 
apparent,  at  times,  than  in  those  pertaining  to  the  early  mar- 
riage relations  of  young  persons  of  moderate  means.  The 
examples  of  extravagance  in  dress,  or  in  any  other  relation, 
among  tHe  companions  of  the  inexperienced  wife  or  those  of 


ON  THE  RELATIONS  BETWEEN  MAN  AND  WIFE. 


575 


her  youthful  husband,  are  dangerous  in  the  extreme,  and  should 
be  avoided  with  constant  and  studious  care.  The  duties  of 
the  household  in  the  one  case,  and  those  out-door  employments 
which  generally  obtain  in  the  other, are  never  so  well  performed 
or  attended  to  as  when  associated  with  ideas  native  to  them, 
or  imbued  only  with  a desire  to  attain  wealth  or  position  upon 
an  honest,  reasonable,  and  useful  basis, — which,  after  all,  is  the 
broadest  and  surest  foundation  that  can  be  built  on  in  any  re- 
lation of  life. 

To  succeed,  then,  in  the  marriage  state,  it  may  be  laid 
down  as  a general  rule,  that  the  habits  of  both  wife  and  hus- 
band shall  be  frugal,  and  their  tastes  congenial,  to  a great  ex- 
tent. If  possessed  of  any  antagonistic  elements,  their  first  and 
constant  care  should  be  to  endeavor  to  harmonize  them  on  the 
basis  of  love  and  chivalry, — the  husband  yielding  a point  on 
the  grounds  of  the  one,  and  the  wife  moving  forward  a step  to 
meet  him  under  the  promptings  of  the  other.  And  to  this  end 
all  disputations,  how  trifling  soever,  ought  to  be  eschewed  with 
the  greatest  care.  Out  of  mole-hills  such  as  these,  very  fre- 
quently real  mountains  arise,  and  to  the  fatal  disruption  of  all 
domestic  ties.  We  have  been  taught  that  the  gravest  conse- 
quences sometimes  arise  out  of  trifles ; and  in  no  respect  has 
the  truth  of  this  become  more  apparent  than  in  the  relations 
existing  between  man  and  wife.  Let  there,  therefore,  be  the 
best  and  most  loving  understanding  between  both.  If  the 
husband  has  acquired  any  habit  distasteful  to  his  wife,  and 
based  upon  no  principle  of  utility  or  common  sense,  he  should 
speedily  abandon  it ; and  if,  on  the  other  hand,  the  wife  has 
any  failing  or  foible  which  may  be  dispensed  with  to  advantage, 
she  will  be  wise  in  discarding  it  and  affording  her  husband  an 
opportunity  of  perceiving  that  she  is  willing  to  sacrifice — if 
sacrifice  it  may  be  called — whatever  habits  or  traits  of  char- 
acter are  distasteful  to  him  on  her  part.  Through  such  mutual 
compromises  they  will  learn  to  live  a life  of  happiness,  and  each 
become  more  and  more  a part  of  the  other. 

But,  whatever  the  wealth  of  a newly-married  couple,  the 
wife  will  always  find  it  to  her  interest,  both  mental  and  physi- 
cal, to  cultivate  frugal  and  industrious  habits,  as  from  these  no 
inconsiderable  portion  of  her  health  and  enjoyment  must  accrue. 
No  lackadaisical  novel  reader  or  victim  of  fashionable  ennui  has 
ever  yet  tasted  the  sweets  of  life,  married  or  single,  to  the  ex- 
tent designed  by  nature.  The  woman  who  keeps  her  own 
household  well  in  hand,  or  who  manages  it  in  some  adequate 
degree  at  least,  never  spends  a fruitless  or  tiresome  hour.  Time 


576 


ON  THE  RELATIONS  BETWEEN  MAN  AND  WIFE. 


never  hangs  heavily  upon  her  hands ; and  as  the  comforts  that 
obtain,  or  grow  up  about  her,  are  in  a measure  her  own  creation, 
her  enjoyment  of  them  will  be  the  more  keen,  and  her  pride  in 
their  existence  more  grateful  and  justifiable.  There  are  no 
circumstances  in  life  so  well  assured  to  any  individual  as  to  en- 
able him  or  her,  as  the  case  may  be,  to  assert  that  the  en- 
croachments of  poverty  have  been  made  impossible.  Often  do 
we  perceive  the  millionaire  of  to-day  the  beggar  of  to-mor- 
row; and  such  being  the  undoubted  fact,  the  woman  is  wise 
who  renders  herself  to  some  extent  independent  of  the  whims 
of  fortune,  by  accustoming  herself  to  the  performance  of  such 
household  duties  as  are  indispensable  to  her  own  comfort  or 
that  of  her  husband,  and  who  keeps  her  fingers  more  or  less 
engaged  in  the  pursuit  of  some  feminine  occupation  calcu- 
lated to  minister  to  her  needs  in  the  hour  of  necessity. 

While  making  these  observations,  however,  it  must  not 
be  presumed  that  we  ignore  the  culture  of  the  mind  or  of 
the  taste.  On  the  contrar}q  the  interests  of  both  may  be  at- 
tended to  with  excellent  results,  if  the  manner  of  improving 
them  be  clearly  understood.  There  is  scarce  an  object  in  art 
or  nature  that  does  not  afford  a text  to  the  sincere  inquirer 
after  truth;  and  as  all  knowledge  lies  in  understanding  the 
one  and  the  other  in  the  profoundest  sense,  this  may  be  ap- 
proached, to  some  extent,  by  those  in  even  the  most  restricted 
circumstances,  if  they  only  begin  at  the  right  point  and  pursue 
their  studies  systematically. 

To  the  accomplishment  of  this  end,  all  trashy  novels  and 
exciting  romances  should  be  scattered  to  the  winds ; and  pleas- 
ant, instructive  books  adopted  in  their  stead,  whenever  a mo- 
ment can  properly  be  devoted  to  reading.  There  is  nothing 
which  so  unfits  a maiden  or  a young  wife  for  her  duties  as  the 
study  of  such  characters  as  are  presented  in  the  sensational, 
yellow-covered  literature  of  the  day.  From  the  perusal  of  such 
questionable  works  the  very  worst  results  accrue.  Between 
the  plane  upon  which  such  heroes  and  heroines  live  and  breathe 
and  the  one  upon  which  all  sensible  people  exist,  there  is  such 
antagonism  as  to  make  the  one  wholly  incompatible  with  the 
other.  Consequently,  in  indulging  in  the  contemplation  of 
such  creations  and  circumstances  as  form  the  staple  of  a vast 
majority  of  the  publications  that  now  flood  the  market,  is  to 
make  war  upon  common  sense,  and  imbibe  such  sentiments  and 
general  views  in  relation  to  our  responsibilities  as  are  at  once 
unhealthy  and  inadmissible.  Interesting  works,  disclosing  real 
knowledge  in  a popular  and  fascinating  manner,  such  as  those 


ON  THE  RELATION  BETWEEN  MAN  AND  WIFE. 


577 


on  natural  history,  the  manners  and  customs  of  the  different 
peoples  of  the  earth,  interesting  biographies,  incidents  of  travel, 
and  such  like,  are  desirable  at  all  times;  and  as  we  cannot  but 
come  in  contact  with  works  of  fiction,  our  only  care  in  this  re- 
lation  should  be  to  select  those  of  fine  moral  tendencies,  that 
while  they  give  a true  insight  into  human  character,  and  pre- 
sent vice  and  virtue  in  their  proper  colors,  shall  lead  us  on  in 
the  paths  of  progress  and  religion,  until  we  attain  the  highest 
perception  of  our  duties  and  obligations  to  the  great  Author 
of  our  being,  and  the  mighty  human  brotherhood  to  which  we 
belong. 

These  are  considerations  of  the  gravest  importance.  The 
young  wife,  to  whom  we  now  address  ourselves  more  particu- 
larly, can  not  over-estimate  their  desirability.  The  moment 
she  steps  across  her  own  threshold,  she  should,  therefore,  sur- 
vey all  the  circumstances  of  the  case,  and  begin  her  wedded 
life  on  the  only  true  basis,  if  a future  of  usefulness  and  happi- 
ness is  her  aim.  Good  habits,  like  evil  ones,  grow  upon  one; 
so  that  the  first  move  beneath  her  own  roof  should  be  taken 
with  caution,  and  in  the  right  direction.  We  all  know  how 
difficult  it  is  to  retrace  a false  step,  or  to  redeem  lost  time. 
To  begin  well  is  a point  achieved,  and  one  of  the  greatest  im- 
portance. The  French  have  an  axiom,  “ it  is  only  the  first  step 
that  costs,”  and  a truer  one  has  seldom  been  uttered.  The  in- 
telligence must,  indeed,  be  obtuse  that  cannot  appreciate  its 
force  and  its  appropriateness  at  the  present  moment,  or  recog- 
nize the  necessity,  in  relation  to  both  our  spiritual  and  our 
temporal  well-being,  of  adopting  industrious,  moral,  and  tem- 
perate habits,  as  well  as  of  never  wearying  in  the  pursuit  of 
that  which  is  calculated  to  strengthen  them,  and  establish  them 
on  an  immovable  basis. 

Another  important  desideratum  relative  to  newly-married 
people  is,  the  cultivation  of  each  other’s  society  when  at  all 
possible,  and  the  constant  study  of  each  other’s  excellences. 
These  latter  traits  of  character  must  be  kept  persistently  in 
the  foreground,  and  be  made,  so  far  as  practicable,  to  cover 
what  defects  may,  at  times,  peep  out  on  the  part  of  either 
the  wife  or  the  husband.  To  err  is  human,  and  we  cannot, 
therefore,  expect  absolute  perfection  in  ourselves  or  in  others, 
so  that  by  taking  an  occasional  peep  into  our  own  hearts,  we 
shall  be  prepared,  in  a measure,  to  make  allowances  for  what- 
ever slight  defects  may  be  apparent  in  those  who  are  near  and 
dear  to  us.  One  of  the  strongest  bonds  of  union  between  man 
and  wife  is  that  of  mutual  admiration  of  each  other’s  society,  a 


578 


ON  THE  RELATION  BETWEEN  MAN  AND  WIFE. 


similarity  of  tastes  and  intellectual  pursuits,  and  a desire  to 
minister  to  each  other’s  edification  and  amusement.  No  day 
or  hour  should  pass  without  the  cultivation  of  the  warmest 
sentiments  in  this  connection,  for  although  the  circumstances  of 
business  may  separate  the  husband  from  the  wife  for  many 
hours  daily,  yet  the  magnetism  of  true  love  and  affection  can 
go  forth  on  its  subtle  mission,  and  apprise  both  that  their  hearts 
beat  in  union,  and  that  they  are  looking  forward  alike  to  the 
happy  evening  hour  which  shall  re-unite  them.  A cultivation 
of  such  thoughts  and  the  indulgence  of  such  sweet  anticipations 
will  tend  to  cheer  both  during  their  hours  of  separation,  and 
give  the  keenest  zest  to  the  moment  when  they  shall  again  meet 
in  a fond  and  welcome  embrace.  In  this  way  they  can,  if  they 
will,  make  their  lives  and  their  homes  beautiful ; and  so  pre- 
pare the  way  for  the  first  little  stranger  who  may  bless  their 
union,  that  it  shall  appear  on  this  stage  of  existence  under  the 
most  fortuitous  circumstances,  and  draw  its  first  inspirations  in 
an  atmosphere  of  purity  and  love,  when  its  mysterious  being 
had  been  fostered  under  the  conditions  indispensable  to  a 
healthy  physical  and  mental  organization,  and  in  the  absence 
of  which  the  yet  unborn  babe  is  subjected  to  influences  the 
most  destructive,  and  that  scarcely  ever  fail  to  manifest  their 
baneful  results  in  after  years.  How  obvious,  then,  the  neces- 
sity of  considering,  with  the  most  profound  caution  and  atten- 
tion those  characteristics  and  observances  which  are  alone 
capable  of  making  the  marriage  state  at  all  desirable  ! Any 
laxness  in  this  relation  will,  most  assuredly,  be  attended  with 
lamentable  consequences;  for  the  moment  the  bond  of  union 
between  a newly-wedded  couple  becomes  tarnished  or  in  any 
degree  a matter  of  indifference,  it  begins  to  dissolve  in  reality, 
and  often,  unfortunately,  becomes  impatient  of  the  law  that 
makes  its  total  disruption  a matter  of  difficulty  or  impossibility. 

Concluding  Observations. 

N jw  that  we  have  trodden  the  sweet  mazes  of  courtship  and 
stepped  over  the  more  sacred  threshold  of  married  life,  we  have 
found  how  necessary  it  is  for  the  youth  and  the  maiden  on  the 
one  hand  and  the  young  married  couple  on  the  other,  to  harbor 
no  desires  or  indulge  in  no  practices  calculated  to  mar  the  hap- 
piness which  heaven  intends  should  characterize  both  states  of 
existence.  Notwithstanding  that  we  may  moralize  upon  the 
the  rottenness  of  society,  and  descant  upon  its  multitudinous 
vices,  it  has  virtue  and  decision  enough  left  yet,  to  punish  those 


ON  THE  RELATION  BETWEEN  MAN  AND  WIFE. 


579 


*rho  violate  its  laws  or  usages  in  certain  relations.  Nor  need 
cnere  be  the  slightest  misapprehension  on  this  head.  Corrupt 
as  the  age  may  seem  to  be,  it  does  not  hesitate,  in  all  Christian 
communities  at  least,  to  denounce  every  man  or  woman  of  known 
immoral  tendencies ; and  will  tolerate  in  him  or  her  absolute 
dishonesty  rather  than  the  absence  of  virtue,  in  the  sexual  ac- 
ceptation of  the  term.  We  are,  however,  constrained  to  admit 
that  the  law  or  usage  in  this  connection  is  more  inexorable  in 
relation  to  the  woman  than  in  that  of  the  man.  This  is  an 
injustice,  but  it  is  useless  to  kick  against  it,  from  the  fact  that 
it  will  always  obtain.  It  is  then  of  the  most  vital  importance 
that  both  married  and  single  should  accept  these  facts  fully ; 
and,  even  upon  the  low  plane  of  selfishness,  avoid  the  transgres- 
sion of  those  laws,  and  eschew  indulgence  in  any  excesses  or 
improprieties  attended  with  such  disgraceful  and  embarrassing 
results. 

But  no  matter  how  circumspect  and  cautious  a young  married 
or  unmarried  couple  may  endeavor  to  be  in  the  observance  of 
the  duties  appertaining  to  courtship  or  those  belonging  to  wed- 
lock, unless  a sincere  recognition  of  their  responsibility  to 
heaven  and  an  ardent  desire  to  do  what  is  right  in  its  sight 
underlie  all  their  endeavors.  Where  we  find,  in  either  sex,  the 
slightest  tendency  to  matrimonial  relations,  we  must  pre-suppose 
a matured  understanding,  to  some  extent  at  least,  and  be  influ- 
enced by  the  inference  that  the  hour  of  accountability  has 
arrived.  Hence  the  necessity,  on  the  part  of  the  young  who 
approach  the  threshold  of  matrimony,  and  those  who  have  just 
crossed  it,  of  cultivating  a proper  reverence  for  things  of  a 
divine  nature,  and  of  asking  daily  if  not  hourly  for  that  desire 
to  do  right  and  that  strength  to  perform  it  which  comes  only 
from  above.  The  soul  that  becomes  wholly  absorbed  in  mere 
selfish  gratifications  and  the  pursuits  of  wealth,  however,  has 
fallen  from  its  high  estate,  and  estranges  itself  from  the  enjoy- 
ment of  true  earthly  happiness ; for  there  can  be  no  God  where 
the  love  of  gain  reigns  supreme.  Industrious  habits  and  a 
laudable  desire  of  independence,  are  quite  compatible  with  our 
duty  towards  the  Creator  and  our  fellow  men;  and  this  is  the 
more  obvious,  as  our  worldly  prospects  are  invariably  enhanced 
through  a strict  performance  of  our  obligations  in  this  direc- 
tion. The  day  that  is  begun  with  a clear  perception  of  our 
responsibilities,  and  a determination,  under  heaven,  to  perform 
them,  come  what  may,  generally  terminates  happily,  and  lays 
the  foundation  for  a morrow  more  cheerful  and  prosperous  still. 
The  life  is  more  than  meat  and  the  body  more  than  raiment ; 


580 


ON  THE  RELATION  BETWEEN  MAN  AND  WIFE. 


and  as  we  minister  to  both  daily,  so  shall  our  reward  be. 
Although  disgusting  and  ruinous  above  all  things,  that  sloth 
and  idleness  whose  doom  is  misery  and  whose  costume  is  rags, 
it  is  scarcely  more  reprehensible  than  that  devouring  love  of 
gain  which  so  petrifies  the  heart  as  to  make  it  impervious  to 
any  of  those  ennobling  sentiments  which  dignify  humanity  and 
link  us  to  the  skies.  We  have  evidence  upon  evidence  of  the 
truth  of  this  assertion,  and  are  only  surprised  at  such  constantly 
recurring  examples  before  our  own  eyes  of  the  fact  that  the 
struggle  for  material  wealth  on  the  part  of  both  married  and 
single  continues,  in  so  many  cases,  to  be  at  the  expense  of  soul 
and  body. 

No  man  or  woman,  whatever  his  or  her  condition  or  years, 
can  enjoy  this  life  to  the  fullest,  without  sufficient  rest  and 
recreation.  The  quality  and  quantity  of  food,  or  of  the  textile 
fabrics  from  which  clothing  is  manufactured,  may  be  modified 
to  some  extent  to  meet  our  emergencies,  but  evil  ensues  at  once 
should  we  deny  ourselves  sufficient  sleep,  or  such  recreation  as 
may  be  necessary  to  recuperate  our  energies,  both  mental  and 
physical.  There  is  nothing  gained  by  overtaxing  our  powers 
in  any  relation  whatever,  for  nature  will  assert  her  claims,  and 
rebel  against  any  persistent  encroachments  upon  her  rights, in  the 
ultimate  form  of  disease  or  death.  In  the  pursuit  of  their  daily 
avocations,  then,  those  who  are  constrained  to  labor  for  their 
bread  must  be  cautions  that  they  not  permit  their  whole  exist- 
ence to  be  absorbed  in  the  struggle  to  obtain  this  world’s  goods; 
but  rather,  when  the  legitimate  hours  for  labor  have  been  in- 
dustriously spent,  give  themselves  up  to  the  culture  of  their 
minds;  and,  if  married,  to  those  fireside  joys  in  which  the  cares 
of  the  day  are  so  soon  forgotten,  and  which  tend  to  both  form 
and  confirm  those  habits  of  temperance  and  moral  excellence, 
without  which  life  becomes  a burden,  and  the  ends  of  creation 
are  frustrated. 

The  desire  to  accumulate  wealth,  however  laudable,  is  at- 
tended with  great  danger,  and  should  never  be  permitted  to 
gain  too  great  an  ascendency  over  us.  And  here  is  just  where 
the  golden  mean  should  be  observed ; and  happy  is  the  young 
husband  or  wife  who  is  able  to  adopt  it  understanding^ ; and, 
while  they  labor  to  better  their  circumstances  should  they  be 
restricted,  persistently  regard  whatever  gold  they  may  acquire 
as  simply  an  agent  for  good,  placed  within  their  control  by 
Providence,  and  who,  winning  it  upon  an  upright,  humane,  and 
generous  basis,  overtaxes  neither  body  nor  mind  in  its  acquisi- 
tion. And  then,  again,  supposing  fortune  should  prove  adverse. 


ON  THE  RELATION  BETWEEN  MAN  AND  WIFvE. 


081 


and  cause  the  light  to  burn  low  upon  the  hearthstone  of  the 
frugal,  industrious,  moral,  and  loving  pair,  how  beautiful  may 
the  mission  of  both  become  if  they  only  regard  their  lot  as 
apportioned  to  them  by  Him  who  makes  all  things  work  together 
for  good.  Should  such  a conviction  obtain  on  the  part  of  the 
wife,  while  the  influence  of  religion  enables  her  to  bow  meekly 
to  the  chastening  rod,  then  shine  forth  those  angel  qualities 
which  are  more  luminous  than  light  itself,  and  which  go 
far  to  rob  the  darkest  hour  of  its  gloom.  And  cold  indeed 
must  be  the  heart  of  the  husband  that  could  be  insensible  to 
the  benign  influence  of  such  a worthy  helpmeet,  or  that  could 
not  sympathize  with  those  noble  efforts  to  render  his  lot  less 
burdensome,  and  to  prompt  him  to  still  labor  and  hope  on  with 
cheerful  resignation.  It  is  in  this  relation,  as  in  all  others  of 
adversity,  that  the  angel  in  the  pure  woman  most  shines  forth ; 
and,  feeling  as  we  do,  that  not  only  here,  but  in  various  other 
directions,  her  mission  is  one  of  the  most  exalted,  we  are  anxious 
that  no  untoward  circumstances  shall  be  permitted  to  embarrass 
it  in  the  way  of  habits  or  associations,  and  that  she  shall  be  always 
surrounded  by  those  only  who  are  examples  of  goodness  and 
of  truth,  and  who  feel  that  the  highest  aim  of  human  existence  is 
to  glorify  the  Creator  in  endeavoring  to  attain  the  most  exalted 
point  of  mental,  moral,  and  physical  excellence. 

As  observed  in  a former  portion  of  our  remarks  on  the  train- 
ing of  the  young  of  both  sexes,  much  of  the  success  that  is  hoped 
for,  will,  if  it  ever  obtain,  be  based  mainly  upon  the  foundation 
laid  in  childhood  by  their  parents.  And  here  we  again  advert 
to  the  grave  responsibility  which  attaches  to  the  latter  respect- 
ing the  education  and  the  formation  of  the  habits  of  their  chil- 
dren. In  this  connection  we  have  endeavored  to  point  out 
with  the  utmost  clearness  the  prominent  rocks  and  quicksands 
upon  which  even  children  have  been  early  wrecked ; and  in 
following  up  the  question  have  shown  that  our  remarks  applied 
equally  to  the  case  of  the  youth  or  maiden  who  was  verging 
towards  the  momentous  though  fascinating  precincts  of  matri- 
mony. We  have  intimated,  also,  that  the  condition  of  the  wife 
during  pregnancy  and  the  rule  of  her  temper  influenced  her 
offspring  to  an  extraordinary  extent.  This  latter  is  a fact  of 
such  tremendous  importance,  that  it  ought  to  be  engraven  upon 
the  heart  of  every  young  maiden,  and  upon  that  of  every  wife 
who  is  likely  to  become  a mother;  for  it  has  been  ascertained 
beyond  a shadow  of  doubt  that  the  indulgence  of  angry  passions, 
tempers,  or  humors,  during  pregnancy,  or  while  the  child  yet 
hangs  at  the  breast,  is  almost  invariably  fraught  with  the  direst 


582 


ON  THE  RELATION  BETWEEN  MAN  AND  WIFE. 


consequences  to  the  unsuspecting  and  helpless  little  stranger. 
Should  any  disquieting  influences  continue  to  disturb  the  young 
wife  at  such  periods,  the  babe,  whether  born  or  unborn,  carries 
in  its  physical  structure  or  in  its  mental,  the  terrible  impress 
of  the  fact  through  life ; so  that  not  only  must  the  embryo  be 
conceived  under  circumstances  the  most  desirable — whether 
mental,  moral,  or  physical — but  be  nursed  in  this  atmosphere 
until  it  reaches  that  stage  of  maturity  when  it  is  to  be  born  a 
child  into  this  world.  In  fact,  it  is  now  thoroughly  understood 
that  at  the  moment  of  conception  the  frame  of  mind  in  which 
either  parent  may  be,  or  the  leading  sentiment  which  pervades 
the  mind  of  either — or  again  the  physical  condition  of  either — 
is  sure  to  impress  itself  in  these  relations  upon  the  mysterious 
entity  which  is  yet  to  live  and  move  and  breathe;  and  such 
being  the  case,  we  shall  lend  further  weight  to  our  remarks  on 
this  vital  topic,  by  extracting  the  following  important  observa- 
tions on  the  subject  from  a recent  work  of  a well  known  physi- 
cian : 

“ In  France,  one  person  out  of  every  thirteen  hundred  becomes 
subject  to  legal  punishment.  But  of  infants  abandoned  in  the 
streets  by  their  mothers,  one  out  of  everyone  hundred  and  fifty- 
eight  reaches  the  State  Prison.  With  this  view,  eminent  men 
have  advised  that  it  would  be  better  to  let  them  all  die.  But 
this  shows  the  importance  of  parental  training.  The  parents 
should  mould  the  character  of  their  children,  not  only  after  they 
are  born,  but  before.  It  is  the  taint  in  the  blood,  the  mental 
and  moral  conditions  of  the  mother  while  the  infant  feeds  on 
her  milk.  A case  lately  occurred  where  the  mother  became 
uncontrollably  enraged  at  her  husband.  In  half  an  hour  she 
calmed  down  and  put  her  infant  to  the  breast;  it  fell  into 
convulsions,  and  died. 

“ Other  cases  are  given,  leading  to  the  inference  that  if  within 
an  hour  or  two  of  any  violent  mental  emotion  the  impregnating 
act  follows,  the  offspring  has  that  predominating  trait  through 
life.  Nothing  else  so  well  accounts  for  the  diversity  of  charac- 
ter among  children  of  the  same  parents.  The  idea  merits 
thoughtful  consideration,  that  a temporary  condition  of  the 
mind,  of  a very  decided  character,  impresses  itself  on  the  off- 
spring. That  condition  of  mind  may  not  be  common  to  either 
parent,  may  not  exist  once  in  a year,  but  its  existence  gives  the 
tinge — the  hue — to  temperament  and  constitution.  Aaron 
Burr's  father  was  a clergyman,  the  son  of  a clergyman,  and  of 
irreproachable  character;  his  mother  the  daughter  of  a clergy- 
man, of  mind  and  morals  and  social  position  nowhere  excelled— 


ON  THE  RELATIONS  BETWEEN  MAN  AND  WIFE. 


583 


seldom  equaled.  The  youthful  pair  were  brought  up  in  all  the 
innocence  and  purity  of  a model  family  of  educated,  elevated 
Christian  principles.  But  impure  thoughts  come  to  all  at  times, 
— so  do  doubt  and  infidelity  to  the  Christian  faith.  These  may 
have  existed  at  critical  times  during  gestation  in  the  mother, 
or  previously,  in  the  father;  for  the  offspring  was  a compound 
of  mental  power  and  moral  degradation — villainous,  traitorous, 
unprincipled,  and  impure.” 

We  now  draw  these  brief  articles  to  a close;  but  before  pen- 
ning the  last  sentence,  we  would  implore  parents  and  guardians, 
and  all  concerned,  to  ponder  long  and  seriously  over  the  solemn 
and  important  truths  they  contain.  No  more  vital  subject  can 
possibly  engross  the  mind  of  a man  or  that  of  woman,  inasmuch 
as  it  involves  the  health  and  happiness  of  the  rising  generation, 
as  well  as  the  interests  of  millions  yet  unborn.  To  parents 
especially,  we  would  address  a few  concluding  words;  because, 
as  we  have  already  observed,  upon  them  rests,  in  a measure,  the 
great  weight  of  the  responsibility  relative  to  the  future  of  their 
children  and  their  bearing  upon  society,  not  to  speak  of  their 
final  happiness  when  they  shuffle  off  this  mortal  coil. 

We  need  not  recapitulate  the  arguments  we  have  used,  or 
the  facts  we  have  multiplied  so  copiously.  The  way  is  plain  to 
the  most  perfect  success,  if  it  is  only  trodden  cautiously,  cheer- 
fully, and  with  reliance  upon  the  Divine  Will.  Let  them  then 
to  whom  God  has  given  increase,  accept  the  trust  at  His  hands 
in  a proper  spirit,  determined  to  do  their  duty  whatever  betide, 
and  there  is  not  the  slightest  fear  of  the  result.  And  let  the 
maiden  and  her  lover,  and  the  wife  and  her  husband,  learn  in 
the  same  spirit  of  love  and  meekness,  relying  on  each  other 
mutually  for  assistance,  under  heaven,  in  carrying  out  the  pre- 
cepts and  instructions  here  laid  down,  and  all  will  be  well. 


OLD  AGE 


"•§33®Es§-- 

Care,  Diseases  and  treatment. 

— 1 

Threescore  years  and  ten  is  now  the  general  term  ofhuman 
existence,  whatever  it  might  have  been  in  the  times  of  Biblical 
history.  With  women  the  fifty-third,  and  with  men  the  sixtieth 
year,  may  generally  be  considered  the  age  at  which  they  respec- 
tively begin  to  exhibit  signs  of  infirmity  and  decrepitude. 
Diseases  incidental  to  this  stage  of  life  then  come  into  play,  and 
their  effect  upon  the  habit  and  constitution  are  soon  manifest. 
Especially  do  such  hereditary  diseases  as  gout,  gravel,  rheuma- 
tism, apoplexy,  and  paralysis,  arise,  to  make  a wreck  of  the 
constitution ; and  cancer,  more  particularly  in  women,  commits 
Its  ravages,  eating  into  the  springs  and  sources  of  life,  and  de- 
stroying its  victims  with  deadly  certainty.  Now  it  is  that  any 
excesses  committed  in  the  earlier  periods  of  life,  and  habitual 
infringements  of  the  laws  of  health,  are  found  to  have  told  upon 
the  constitution,  although  this  was  not  apparent  in  the  full 
vigor  of  manhood.  Now  it  is  that  we  find  impaired  powers  of 
respiration^  and  of  secretion,  and  of  digestion,  rendering  it 
necessary  to  be  careful  in  the  air  we  breathe,  the  exercise  we 
take,  and  the  food  we  eat.  The  latter  should  be  light  and 
nutritious,  taken  in  small  quantities,  and  at  short  intervals;  if 
meat,  and  the  teeth  are  defective,  it  should  be  minced 
before  cooking,  or  cut  up  small  afterwards. 

There  can  be  no  doubt  but  that  the  more  simply  and  naturally 
people  live,  the  longer  will  be  their  stay  in  this  world ; and 
although  contentment  of  mind,  healthy  occupation,  and  a salub- 
rious residence  are  great  essentials  to  longevity,  the  want  of 
these  advantages  is  greatly  aggravated  by  intemperate  living 
and  a thoughtless  disregard  of  the  precautions  necessary  in 
every  position  in  life. 

Poverty  is  a great  disturber  of  repose,  and  painful  indeed 
is  it  where  embarrassments  beset  the  “ old  man,”  but  the  very 
idea  of  it  should  cause  us  to  be  thrifty  while  young.  There  is 
no  other  remedy,  if  we  cannot  help  ourselves  and  have  no 
friends  to  assist,  than  to  bear  up  with  all  the  philosophy  we 

68  4 


OLD  age:  its  care  and  its  diseases. 


585 


can  muster.  It  is  but  for  a short  time,  and  the  period  to  all 
must  arrive  when  there  is  no  distinction  or  precedence. 

Meals. — Sleep. — It  is  best  for  old  people  to  take  din- 
ner early,  and  a light  supper  always,  unless  there  is  some 
peculiarity  in  the  state  of  the  health  to  render  this  unadvisable. 
Early  to  bed,  but  not  early  to  rise,  is  the  rule  at  this  period  of 
life;  the  aged  require  much  sleep,  or,  at  all  events,  much  rest, 
for  with  them  deep  sleep  is  commonly  of  short  duration,  and 

recumbent  position  affords  all  the  rest  they  need ; retired 
a*  they  commonly  are  from  the  busy  occupations  of  life,  they 
Know  not  the  weariness  which  results  from  active  exertion, 
either  of  the  physical  or  mental  powers.  Narcotics  should  never 
be  taken  to  produce  sleep,  unless  the  wakefulness  be  occasioned 
by  some  painful  disease. 

Exercise  should  be  taken  by  old  persons  as  long  as  their 
failing  powers  permit,  but  not  be  carried  to  the  extent  of  great 
fatigue. 

Warmth  is  essential  to  their  comfort  and  health;  they 
should  be  wrapped  in  flannel,  and  kept  in  an  equable  tempera- 
ture ; it  has  been  noticed  that  on  the  setting-in  of  a frost,  the 
number  of  old  people  who  have  died  of  apoplexy  and  paralysis 
has  much  increased. 

Cleanliness,  although  often  neglected  by  the  aged,  or  those 
who  have  the  care  of  them,  is  very  necessary  to  the  preserva- 
tion of  life ; the  body  should  be  frequently  sponged  with  tepid 
water,  and  afterwards  rubbed  with  a rough  towel;  the  feet 
should  be  often  washed,  and  the  face  and  hands  kept  perfectly 
clean. 

Amusement  is  as  necessary  to  the  old  as  to  the  young,  but 
it  should  be  of  a quiet,  unexciting  nature. 

If  unable  to  read  themselves,  they  should  be  read  to,  and 
talked  to,  and  listened  to,  for  one  of  the  greatest  pleasures 
of  old  age  consists  of  old  memories  and  associations.  Aged 
persons  live  very  much  in  a world  of  the  past,  and  if  sometimes 
tediously  garrulous,  it  should  be  remembered  that  from  them 
this  world,  with  its  exciting  hopes  and  depressing  cares,  is 
rapidly  passing  away;  and  that  in  the  circle  of  life,  with  them 
nearly  completed,  the  beginning  and  the  end  approach  each 
other,  until  they  finally  join, — birth  and  death  forming  the 
uniting  points. 

Medical  Treatment  for  Old  Age.  — Medicines  for  the 
old  should  be  of  a warm  and  somewhat  stimulating  nature ; 
alkalines  should  be  avoided,  unless  absolutely  required  for  the 
counteraction  of  a tendency  to  acid  in  gout  or  gravel,  and  then 


586  OLD  age:  its  care  and  its  diseases. 

their  action  should  be  carefully  watched,  as  a long  continuance 
of  them  may  probably  create  a greater  evil  than  that  which 
they  are  intended  to  obviate. 

The  blear  eyes  with  which  old  persons  are  often  affected, 
may  be  somewhat  relieved  by  a collyrium  of  sulphate  of  zinc, 
about  six  grains  in  an  ounce  of  distilled  water, — the  eyes  to  be 
damped  occasionally  with  a piece  of  lint  dipped  in  the 
liquid. 

Aperients  are  often  required  by  old  people,  but  violent 
purgatives  seldom ; these  last  should  be  avoided  as  much  as 
possible;  also  mercurials,  except  in  very  small  doses;  and  neu- 
tral salts,  which  are  of  too  cold  and  griping  a nature.  Com- 
pound infusion  of  senna,  with  a little  tincture  of  ginger,  gentian 
or  cardamums,  added  to  impart  warmth,  and  relieve  the  ten- 
dency to  flatulency  so  common  at  this  period  of  life,  may  be 
safely  given.  About  an  ounce  of  the  compound  decoction  of 
aloes  is  a good  stomachic  aperient ; but  if  there  is  a tendency 
to  piles,  half  an  ounce  of  castor-oil,  in  a little  gin  and  water,  is 
good  for  those  whose  urinary  organs  require  stimulating ; the 
action  of  these  should  be  carefully  watched,  and  medical  advice 
obtained  on  the  slightest  symptom  of  derangement,  as  the  want 
of  proper  attention  in  time  frequently  entails  consequences 
which  render  the  after  years  those  of  misery  and  discomfort. 
Voiding  the  urine  with  old  people  is  a work  of  time  and  diffi- 
culty; it  should  always  be  performed  when  the  inclination 
arises,  and  never  in  a hurried  and  imperfect  manner. 

Five  grains  of  the  compound  rhubarb  pill,  given  at  bed- 
time every  night,  or  as  often  as  required,  is  a good  mild  aperi- 
ent for  the  aged,  but  it  should  be  fresh  and  soft,  as  should  all 
pills,  or  they  will  probably  pass  through  the  bowels  unchanged. 
Oatmeal  gruel,  with  figs  or  baked  apples,  will,  of  themselves, 
often  prove  sufficiently  relaxing ; if  so,  it  is  best  to  avoid  aperi- 
ent medicines  altogether.  For  treatment  of  the  diseases  to 
which  the  aged  are  particularly  liable,  reference  must  be  made 
to  their  several  heads. 

On  Death. — Death,  in  its  natural  order,  is  not  an  evil.  A 
state  of  endless  life  on  earth,  with  our  present  organization,  is 
as  repugnant  as  the  idea  of  total  annihilation  hereafter.  A life 
perfect  in  all  its  stages  is  desirable,  but  few  attain  it.  If  men 
lived  more  true,  useful  and  happy  lives,  longevity  would  be  far 
more  general. 

Life  is  of  value  only  as  a means  of  improvement  and  happi- 
ness,— deprive  it  of  these,  and  it  is  valueless.  Those  who  live 
longest  in  reality  are  those  who  accomplish  the  most  good. 


OLD  age:  its  care  and  its  diseases. 


587 


The  process  of  death  is  the  reverse  of  the  process  of  de- 
velopment. The  generative  functions  fail  first,  the  animal 
next,  and  the  organic  becomes  impotent  last.  In  the  act  of 
death,  the  animal  life — that  system  of  passion,  thought  and  sen- 
sation— dies  before  the  organic  system.  After  the  senses  have 
lost  their  power  to  feel,  and  the  brain  has  lost  its  consciousness, 
the  chest  expands,  the  heart  beats,  the  muscles  perform  their 
motions  as  usual.  What  are  termed  the  agonies  of  death  are 
only  the  unconscious  and  painless  struggles  of  the  organic  sys- 
tem,— in  the  midst  of  which  the  soul  is  triumphant,  serene  and 
happy;  in  its  new-found  freedom,  it  rejoices  in  a higher  and 
brighter  sphere  of  existence.' 

Natural  death,  which  is  the  gradual  decay  of  the  system  in 
old  age,  is  as  painless  as  any  other  healthy  and  natural  function, 
(t  is  not  a proper  cause  of  regret  to  the  individual  nor  to  his 
survivors.  The  calm  death,  which  follows  at  the  close  of  a long 
and  welbspent  life,  is  the  most  beautiful  thing  in  our  whole  ex- 
istence. We  may  weep  over  the  dying  couch  of  infancy;  we 
may  sorrow  for  those  who  are  cut  off  in  youth  or  manhood. 
This  earthly  life,  to  them,  has  been  a failure.  It  has  not  an- 
swered its  purpose.  It  has  not  been  lived  in  its  integrity. 
Even  after  a long  life,  we  may  regret  that  it  has  been  less  use- 
ful, or  less  happy  than  it  should  be.  Amid  the  discordances 
of  our  present  social  state,  there  are  everywhere  infinite  causes 
for  regret  ; but  even  now,  death  is  welcome  to  the  aged, — joy- 
fully welcome  to  all  who  know  the  uses  of  life,  and  have  per- 
formed their  allotted  part;  ffiey  can  then — 


e<  Like  rix^e  fruit  drop 


Into  our  Mother’s  lap,  or  be  with  ease 
Gathered,  not  harshly  plucked  ’* 


FOOD  FOR  INFANTS 


Starchy  Food. 

Arrowroot,  sago,  corn-starch,  etc.,  are  generally  held  to  be  healthy 
and  nutritious  for  infants,  yet  every  physician  can  furnish  numerous  in- 
stances of  feeble  and  sickly  children  who  have  been  fed  on  such  food. 
The  digestive  organs  of  the  infant  are  not  sufficiently  strong  to  convert 
this  starchy  substance  into  nourishment.  It  clogs  and  impedes  the  ac- 
tion of  the  whole  system,  while  the  little  helpless  victim  is  gradually  be- 
ing starved. 

English  “Pap.” 

English  and  French  infants,  when  fed  by  hand,  are  almost  entirely 
fed  on  “pap,”  made  as  follows  : 

Pour  boiling  water  on  a small  piece  of  light  white  bread,  cover  and 
let  it  stand  for  a moment,  then  pour  off  the  water.  The  softened  bread 
is  then  put  into  a stewpan  and  a little  more  water  added  and  allowed  to 
come  to  a boil,  then  add  a lump  white  sugar  and  a little  milk.  This  is 
excellent  food  where  the  mother  can  only  partially  nurse  the  child. 

Cow’s  Milk. 

An  exclusive  diet  of  cow’s  milk  is  too  rich  for  the  stomach  of 
young  children.  Good  cow’s  milk  may  be  diluted  by  one-half  or  one- 
third  of  boiling  water  and  sweeten  slightly  with  white  sugar.  Use  only 
one  cow’s  milk. 

A thin,  strained  gruel  of  the  best  prepared  barley,  with  a little  milk 
and  sugar  added,  makes  an  excellent  change  from  a milk  diet. 

Care  should  be  exercised  not  to  make  the  food  of  infants  too  sweet, 
it  causes  thirst  and  disorders  the  stomach. 

Infant’s  Broth. 

When  a baby  has  passed  his  third  month,  a little  chicken  or  mutton 
broth  is  not  objectionable ; to  prepare,  cut  up  finely  a pound  of  lean 
mutton,  put  into  a small  jar,  cover  with  cold  water,  then  set  the  jar  into 
warm  water  and  bring  to  a boil ; let  it  simmer  about  six  hours,  strain  and 
add  a little  salt,  no  spices. 

Treat  part  of  a chicken  the  same  way  for  chicken  broth. 

Baby  Pudding. 

Grate  a little  stale  bread,  pour  on  boiling  water  until  it  becomes  a 
pulp,  stir  in  the  yolk  of  an  egg  and  grain  of  salt.  This  quantity  should 
fill  a teacup,  in  which  boil  it  fifteen  minutes. 

688 


Food  for  the  Sick-Room 


vrOod  cooking  and  good  nursing  are  of  paramount  importance  in 
the  invalid’s  chamber.  The  improvement  of  the  patient  depends,  almost 
if  not  more  in  some  cases,  upon  careful  nursing  and  properly  prepared 
food,  as  upon  the  skillful  physician. 

The  sick-chamber  should  be  kept  carefully  ventilated,  thoroughly 
cleansed  of  all  foulness,  and  the  room  made  as  cheerful  as  possible. 

Food  is  medicine,  but,  like  drugs  from  the  apothecary  shop,  it  fails 
in  its  mission  when  improperly  prepared,  and  often  the  best  prepared 
food  is  spoiled  by  want  of  care  and  punctuality  in  serving. 

Indian  or  Oat  Meal  Gruel. 

This  simple  refreshment  is  invaluable  in  sickness,  and  is  made  with 
little  trouble  and  less  expense,  yet  it  is  very  seldom  prepared  exactly 
right. 

One  tablespoonful  of  fine  Indian  or  oat  meal,  mixed  smooth  with 
cold  water  and  a little  salt ; pour  upon  this  a pint  of  boiling  water,  and 
turn  into  a sauce-pan  to  boil  gently  for  half  an  hour ; thin  it  with  boiling 
water  if  it  thickens  too  much,  and  stir  frequently ; when  it  is  done  a 
tablespoonful  of  cream  or  a little  new  milk  may  be  put  in  to  cool  it  after 
straining,  but  if  the  patient’s  stomach  is  weak,  it  is  best  without  either. 
Some  persons  like  it  sweetened  and  a little  nutmeg  added,  but  to  many 
it  is  more  palatable  plain. 

Arrow  Root  Gruel. 

Add  a teaspoonful  of  arrow  root  to  half  a pint  of  boiling  water ; 
mix  well,  add  half  a pint  of  milk  and  boil  together  for  two  or  three 
minutes ; sweeten  to  the  taste.  A little  lemon  juice  or  wine  may  be  ad' 
ded. 

Wheat  Balls. 

Tie  half  a pint  of  wheat  flour  in  thick  cotton,  and  boil  it  three  or 
four  hours ; then  dry  the  lump,  and  grate  it  when  you  use  it.  Prepare  a 
gruel  of  it  by  making  a thin  paste,  and  pouring  into  boiling  milk  and 
water,  and  flavor  with  salt.  This  is  good  for  teething  children. 

589 


590 


COOKERY  FOR  THE  SICK-ROOM. 


Panada. 

Break  into  a bowl  three  good  sized  crackers  (arrow  root  or  oat 
meal  are  nice)  broken  into  small  pieces ; pour  upon  them  boiling  water 
and  cover  close  for  a minute,  then  add  a tablespoonful  of  white  sugar 
and  a little  pure  milk.  It  is  an  excellent  breakfast  or  supper  for  a child 
or  an  invalid.  Instead  of  the  milk  the  juice  of  a lemon  may  be 
squeezed  in  and  another  teaspoonful  of  sugar  added,  if  there  is  fever. 
Thickened  Milk. 

With  a little  milk,  mix  smooth  a tablespoonful  of  flour  and  a pinch 
of  salt.  Pour  upon  it  a quart  of  boiling  milk,  and  when  it  is  thorough- 
ly mixed,  put  all  back  into  the  saucepan  and  boil  up  at  once,  being 
careful  not  to  burn,  and  stirring  all  the  time,  to  keep  it  perfectly  smooth 
and  free  from  lumps.  Serve  with  slices  of  dry  toast.  It  is  excellent  for 
•diarrhoea ; this  alone  will  often  cure  it  by  scorching  the  flour  before  mix- 
ing with  the  milk. 

Water  Gruel. 

Corn  or  oat  meal  two  tablespoonfuls,  water  one  quart ; boil  for  ten 
or  fifteen  minutes,  and  add  sugar  or  salt,  if  desired  by  the  patient. 

Ground  Rice  Gruel. 

Ground  rice  one  heaping  tablespoonful,  ground  cinnamon  half  a 
teaspoonful,  water  one  quart ; boil  slowly  for  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes, 
add  the  cinnamon  when  it  is  nearly  done  boiling,  strain  and  sweeten. 

Sago  Gruel. 

Sago  two  tablespoonfuls,  water  one  pint,  boil  until  it  thickens,  fre- 
quently stirring.  Wine,  sugar  and  and  nutmeg  may  be  used  if  desirable. 

Suet  Boiled  in  Rice. 

Take  some  rice  milk  (boiled  rice  and  milk),  and  boil  it.  When 
nearly  boiled  enough,  add  a dessertspoonful  of  beef  suet,  already 
minced  as  small  as  bread  crumbs.  Boil  slowly  for  a few  minutes,  and 
take  off  the  scum  as  it  rises.  Or  the  suet  may  be  inclosed  in  a muslin 
bag.  It  must  be  eaten  hot. 

Milk  and  Eggs. 

Beat  up  a fresh  egg  with  a grain  of  salt,  pour  upon  it  a pint  of 
boiling  milk,  stirring  it  all  the  time.  Serve  hot,  with  or  without  toast. 
It  is  good  in  case  of  weakness  for  an  early  breakfast,  or  for  a traveller 
before  starting  on  a journey. 

Soft  Boiled  Eggs. 

Fresh  eggs  for  invalids  who  like  them  cooked  soft,  should  be  put  in 
a pan  of  boiling  water,  and  set  on  a part  of  the  stove  where  they  will 


COOKERY  FOR  THE  SICK-ROOM. 


591 


not  boil  for  several  minutes.  At  the  end  of  that  time  they  will  be  like 
jelly,  perfectly  soft,  but  beautifully  done  and  quite  digestible  by  even 
weak  stomachs. 

Soft  Custard. 

Milk,  a pint.  Place  it  to  boil;  while  boiling,  take  of  eggs,  three  ; 
separate  them,  and  beat  up  the  yolks  with  sugar  enough  to  sweeten 
to  the  taste,  and  with  corn-starch,  a teaspoonful,  rubbed  in  smoothly. 
Then  pour  this  egg  and  corn-starch  mixture  into  the  pint  of  boiling 
milk.  Boil  for  a few  minutes,  and  stir  constantly  to  prevent  lumping 
and  burning.  When  the  whole  becomes  a thick,  creamy  mass,  remove. 
Have  ready,  in  a dish,  some  stale  sponge-cake,  slightly  wet  with  brandy 
or  wine.  Pour  the  custard  over  it,  and  cover  all  with  the  white  of  the 
three  eggs  whipped  stiff,  with  a half  teacupful  of  pulverized  sugar,  aiic 
flavored  with  vanilla. 

Egg  Toast. 

Make  a soft  toast  and  have  ready  one  or  more  fresh  eggs,  which 
have  been  boiled  twenty  minutes ; remove  the  shells,  cut  them  in  slices 
and  place  upon  the  toast,  with  a little  butter,  pepper  and  salt ; without 
the  butter  they  may  be  eaten  with  impunity  by  the  most  delicate  invalid, 
as  an  egg  cooked  for  twenty  minutes  is  really  more  easy  of  digestion 
than  one  that  is  termed  “boiled  soft.” 

Dry  Toast. 

Cut  your  slices  of  bread  even  and  not  too  thick.  Toast  before  a 
clear  fire,  a nice  light  brown.  Cover  with  a napkin  and  serve  quickly 
while  it  is  hot.  Dry  toast  is  not  always  good  for  invalids,  especially 
when  the  bowels  are  confined  and  it  is  desirable  to  keep  them  open. 
In  this  case  Graham  bread  not  toasted  is  much  better. 

Milk  Toast. 

This  is  a favorite  dish  with  nearly  all  sick  people,  when  they  are 
getting  well.  Cut  stale  bread  in  rather  thin  slices,  toast  a fine  brown  and 
lay  them  in  a deep  dish.  Meanwhile  boil  a quart  of  new  milk  in  a lined 
sauce  pan  in  which  you  have  first  put  a very  little  cold  water,  to  prevent 
burning.  As  soon  as  it  boils  pour  it  over  the  toast,  cover  and  serve 
quick.  For  an  invalid  no  butter  should  be  put  in  the  milk.  Some  peo- 
ple put  in  a thickening  of  flour,  but  this  spoils  it  for  many. 

“Soft”  Toast. 

Some  invalids  like  this  very  much  indeed,  and  nearly  all  do  when  it 
is  nicely  made. 

Toast  well,  but  not  too  brown,  a couple  of  thin  slices  of  bread ; 


592 


COOKERY  FOR  THE  SICK-ROOM. 


put  them  on  a warm  plate  and  pour  over  boiling  water ; cover  quickly 
with  another  plate  of  the  same  size  and  drain  the  water  off ; remove  the 
upper  plate,  butter  the  toast,  put  it  in  the  oven  one  minute  and  then 
cover  again  with  a hot  plate  and  serve  at  once. 

Beef  Tea. 

Cut  up  a pound  of  rump  steak  into  small  pieces,  and  put  it  into  a 
bottle  (wide  mouthed  fruit  jar)  putting  a very  small  quantity  of  luke- 
warm water  into  the  bottle  with  it,  cork  tightly  and  put  the  bottle  into  a 
kettle  of  warm  water ; the  water  should  be  allowed  to  boil  for  a consid- 
erable time ; the  bottle  should  then  be  removed  and  the  juice  drained 
off.  The  tea  may  be  salted  a little  and  a teaspoonful  given  at  a time. 

Mutton  Tea. 

Take  one  pound  of  mutton,  remove  the  fat  and  cut  the  meat  in 
small  pieces ; pour  half  a pint  of  boiling  water  over  it,  and  let  it  stand 
near  a fire  for  half  an  hour,  and  then  boil  for  one  hour,  strain  through  a 
sieve  or  cloth,  add  salt  to  suit  the  taste.  A very  nourishing  diet. 

Chicken  Tea. 

Take  off  the  skin  and  all  the  fat  of  the  fowl,  and  boil  it  till  very 
tender,  with  just  sufficient  water  to  cover  it,  and  add  a little  salt.  Take 
the  chicken  out  of  the  liquor  when  boiled,  and  let  the  liquor  remain  till 
cold  to  let  all  the  fat  rise  to  the  surface,  which  should  then  be  skimmed 
off.  The  tea  should  be  heated  when  given  to  the  patient.  It  is  a very 
delicate,  nourishing  food,  and  will  set  well  on  the  stomach  when  so  weak 
as  to  be  able  to  retain  but  little  food. 

Another  Beef  Tea. 

The  latest  and  most  approved  method  of  making  beef  tea,  is  to 
take  a half  pound  of  good  steak,  broil  slightly  over  hot  coals ; then  lay 
(nto  a shallow  dish,  and  with  a sharp  knife,  gash  it  on  both  sides  until  it 
is  cut  into  mere  shreds ; then  pour  a half  pint  of  boiling  water  over  it, 
and  scrape  hard  for  a few  moments,  when  all  the  nutriment  of  the  beef 
will  be  extracted.  This  is  the  easiest,  quickest,  and  by  many  thought  to 
be  the  best  method. 

Flax  Seed  Tea. 

Take  an  ounce  of  flaxseed  and  a little  pounded  licorice  root  and 
pour  on  a pint  of  boiling  water ; place  the  vessel  near  near  a fire  for 
four  hours ; strain  through  a linen  or  cotton  cloth. 

Oat  Meal  Coffee. 

Mix  common  oat  meal  and  water  to  form  cake.  Bake  it  until  it  is 
brown,  then  grind  it  in  a coffee  mill ; take  about  a tablespoonful  for  one 


COOKERY  FOR  THE  SICK-ROOM. 


593 


pint  of  water  and  boil  it  five  minutes.  This  is  good  for  checking  ob- 
stinate vomiting  or  distress  in  the  stomach,  when  caused  by  drinking  too 
much  ice  water. 

Barley  Coffee. 

Roast  barley  until  well  brown,  and  boil  a teaspoonful  of  it  in  a 
pint  of  water  for  five  minutes ; strain  and  add  a little  sugar  if  desired. 
This  is  a nourishing  drink  toward  the  close  of  fever  and  during  conva- 
lescence. 

Toast  Water. 

Toast  slightly  a piece  of  bread  and  add  to  it  boiling  water ; it  may 
be  sweetened,  if  preferred,  and  flavored  with  a little  lemon  or  orange 
peel. 

Rice  Water. 

Take  two  ounces  of  rice  and  two  quarts  of  water ; boil  an  hour  or 
so  and  add  a little  sugar ; a little  nutmeg  or  lemon  may  be  used  to  fla- 
vor, if  the  patient  likes  it. 

Apple  Water. 

Roast  two  tart  apples  until  they  are  soft,  put  them  in  a pitcher, 
pour  upon  them  a pint  of  cold  water  and  let  it  stand  in  a cool  place  an 
hour.  It  is  used  in  fevers  and  eruptive  diseases  and  does  not  require 
sweetening. 

Lemonade. 

This  is  invaluable  in  fevers  and  also  in  rheumatic  affections.  Rub 
the  lemons  soft,  cut  them  half  through  the  center  and  squeeze  out  the 
juice.  Take  out  the  seeds  with  a teaspoon.  Put  two  tablespoonfuls  of 
white  sugar  to  each  lemon,  and  fill  up  with  cold  or  boiling  water  accor- 
ding as  you  desire  the  lemonade  hot  or  cold.  Two  medium  sized  lem- 
ons will  make  a pint  or  more. 

Chicken  Broth. 

Take  half  a chicken,  remove  all  the  fat,  cut  the  meat  in  small 
pieces  and  break  the  bones ; put  into  a vessel  with  three  pints  of  boil- 
ing water ; boil  for  an  hour,  season  with  salt  and  strain. 

Lamb  Broth. 

Stew  a lamb  chop  in  a quart  of  water  until  it  comes  to  shreds,  add 
a tablespoonful  of  barley  or  rice,  and  a little  salt  and  onion,  if  desired. 
Strain,  and  add  a little  parsley. 

Vegetable  Soup. 

Take  two  Irish  potatoes,  one  onion  and  a piece  of  bread ; place 
them  m a quart  of  water,  and  boil  down  to  a pint,  in  a closely  covered 
vessel ; add  a little  celery  or  parsley  towards  the  close  of  th(  boiling. 
Salt  and  pepper  may  be  employed  at  pleasure. 


594 


COOKERY  FOR  THE  SICK-ROOM. 


Oyster  Soup. 

Take  of  oysters,  a half  dozen,  milk,  a teacupful,  with  enough  liq- 
uor of  the  oysters  to  make  a bowl,  a few  allspice  and  cloves,  a nice 
lump*  of  butter,  pepper  and  salt.  Bring  to  a boil  and  skim.  Then 
throw  in  the  oysters  and  simmer.  Add  a few  toasted  crackers  before 
removing  from  the  fire. 

Mucilage  of  Elm  Bark. 

Place  about  a teaspoonful  of  ground  elm  bark  in  a pint  of  cold 
water  ; this  may  be  drank  after  an  hour  or  two.  If  more  agreeable  to 
the  patient,  it  may  be  flavored  with  lemon  juice  or  essence  of  lemon. 
It  is  very  beneficial  in  cases  of  inflammation  of  the  stomach  or  bladder, 
etc. 

Alum  Whey. 

Take  a pint  of  sweet  milk  and  add  a tablespoonful  of  powdered 
alum,  then  boil  and  strain ; this  is  useful  In  diarrhoea,  dysentery  and  in- 
flammation of  the  stomach.  The  curd  forms  an  excellent  poultice  for 
inflammation  of  the  eyes. 

Mustard  Whey. 

Take  a tablespoonful  of  mustard  seed  and  one  pint  of  sweet  milk, 
boil  together  for  a few  minutes  and  separate  the  curd.  This  is  a very 
useful  drink  in  dropsy. 

Vinegar  Whey. 

Take  a pint  of  milk  and  one  teaspoonful  of  good  vinegar ; boil 
them  together  for  a few  minutes  and  separate  the  curd. 

Orange  Whey. 

Take  a pint  of  milk,  the  juice  of  an  orange  with  a portion  of  the 
peel,  boil  the  milk  then  add  the  orange  to  it  and  let  it  stand  until  goag- 
ulation  takes  place,  then  strain. 

Oat  Meal  Pudding. 

Take  a half  teacup  of  oat  meal,  add  one  pint  cold  water ; put  into 
a tin  dish  and  place  the  dish  in  a kettle  of  water  and  boil  slowly  for  two 
hours,  adding  more  hot  water  if  necessary.  Another  excellent  way  to 
cook  oatmeal  is  to  steam  it. 

Tapioca  Cup  Pudding. 

This  is  very  light  and  delicate  for  invalids.  An  even  tablespoonful 
of  tapioca  soaked  for  two  hours  in  nearly  a cup  of  new  milk.  Stir  into 
this  the  yolk  of  a fresh  egg,  a little  sugar,  a grain  of  salt,  and  bake  in  a 
cup  for  fifteen  minutes.  A little  jelly  may  be  eaten  with  it  or  a few 
fresh  strawberries. 


COOKERY  FOR  THE  SICK-ROOM. 


595 


Invalid  Cup  Pudding. 

One  tablespoonful  of  flour,  one  egg ; mix  with  cold  milk  and  a 
pinch  of  salt  to  a batter.  Boil  fifteen  minutes  in  a buttered  cup.  Eat 
with  sauce,  -l'ruits  or  plain  sugar. 

Invalid  Apple  Pie. 

Slice  up  one  or  more  nice,  tart  apples  in  a saucer,  sweeten  with 
white  sugar  and  cover  with  a moderately  thick  slice  of  bread,  buttered 
slightly  on  the  under  side.  When  the  bread  is  nicely  browned,  the  ap- 
ples, if  of  a tender  kind  and  thinly  sliced,  will  be  done. 

Roast  Apples. 

These  can  nearly  always  be  eaten  with  safety,  when  they  are  eaten 
with  relish.  Choose  good  sized,  fair  apples  of  a tart  and  juicy,  but  not 
of  a sour  kind.  Rub  them  off  clean,  and  put  them  in  rather  a slow  ov- 
en, which  may  increase  in  warmth,  so  that  they  shall  be  thoroughly  done 
in  an  hour.  When  so  soft  that  the  savory  pulp  breaks  through  the 
browned  skin  in  every  direction,  take  them  out,  sift  white  sugar  over 
them,  and  carry  one  at  a time  on  a saucer  to  the  patient. 

Stewed  Prunes. 

These  are  extremely  good  in  small  pox,  measles,  scarlet  fever,  and 
the  like,  both  as  food  and  medicine.  Get  the  box  prunes,  as  they  will 
not  need  washing,  and  because  they  are  generally  of  a much  better 
quality  than  the  open  sort.  Soak  them  for  an  hour  in  cold  water,  then 
put  them  in  a porcelain  lined  sauce  pan  with  a little  more  water  if  nec- 
essary and  a little  coffee  or  crushed  sugar.  Cover  and  let  them  stew 
slowly  an  hour,  or  until  they  are  swollen  large  and  quite  soft.  They 
are  excellent  as  an  accompaniment  to  breakfast  for  a sick  woman. 

Baked  Partridge. 

Clean  the  partridge  as  you  would  a chicken  to  roast.  Fill  with  raw 
oysters,  seasoned  with  butter,  pepper  and  salt.  Sew  it  up.  Place  in  the 
oven,  well  wrapped  with  butter,  and  bake. 

Broiled  Oysters. 

Toast  some  bread.  Butter,  and  pour  the  liquor  of  oysters  over  the 
toast ; set  in  the  oven.  Then  broil  the  oysters  on  a small  gridiron,  and 
place  them  over  the  toast,  with  butter  and  pepper. 

Panned  Oysters. 

Take  of  butter,  a large  piece,  and  put  into  a right  hot  pan.  Liquor 
of  oysters,  pour  into  the  pan ; so  soon  as  hot,  add  the  oysters,  and  sea- 
son light.  Use  no  milk.  A few  tablespoonfuls  of  Maderia  wine  may 
be  added  just  before  taking  from  the  fire. 


SCIENTIFIC  NAMES 

AND 

DOCTORS’  PHRASES  EXPLAINED. 

y-H-H 

MEDICAL  DICTIONARY. 


Ab-do'-men. 

phragm. 

Ab-lu'-tion. 

Ab-nor'-mal. 

A-bor'-tion. 

A-bra'-sion. 


The  belly,  or  the  lower  part  of  the  body  below  the  dia- 


Cleansing  by  water ; washing  of  the  body  externally. 

Unnatural ; not  according  to  rule  ; irregular. 

Birth  of  a child  before  the  proper  time. 

A superficial  wound  produced  by  rubbing  off  of  the  skin. 

Ab-sorb'-ent.  Glands  and  vessels  which  absorb  or  suck  up  substances 
from  within  or  without ; also  medicines  which  absorb,  or  combine 
with  acid  matter  in  the  stomach  or  bowels. 

Ac-couch-eur'  (ak-koosh-ur').  A man  who  attends  women  in  child- 
birth. 

Ac-e-tab'-u-lum.  The  socket  that  receives  the  head  of  the  thigh 
bone. 


A-cho'-li-a.  Deficiency  of  bile. 

A-cid.  Acrid  ; sour,  sharp,  pungent,  bitter  or  biting  to  the  taste. 

Ac'-tual  Cau-ter-y.  Burning  or  searing  with  a hot  iron  ; used  in  sur- 
gery. 

Ac-u-punc'-ture  (ak-u-punkr-ture).  Pricking  with  needles ; one  of  the 
operations  of  surgery. 

A-cutef.  Diseases  of  short  duration,  attended  with  violent  symptoms ; 
the  reverse  of  chronic. 

Ad-he'-sive.  Tenacious,  sticky ; apt  or  tending  to  adhere. 

Ad-he'-sive  Plas-ter.  Sticking  plaster. 

Ad'-i-pose.  Matter,  membrane  or  tissue  ; fat. 

Ad'-ju-vant.  A substance  added  to  a prescription  to  aid  the  opera- 
tion of  the  principal  ingredient. 

Adult'  Age.  A person  grown  to  full  size  or  strength ; manhood  or 
womanhood. 


596 


MEDICAL  DICTIONARY  OR  GLOSSARY. 


597 


Af-fec'-tion.  Disorder,  disease,  malady. 

Al-bu'-men.  The  white  of  an  egg.  It  is  an  essential  constituent  of 
animal  bodies. 

Al-bu'-mi-nose.  A substance  produced  in  the  stomach  during  diges- 
tion. 

Al'-i-ment.  Nourishment,  nutrition ; anything  necessary  for  the  sup- 
port of  life. 

Al-i-ment'-a-ry  Ca-nal.  The  tube  by  which  aliments  are  conveyed 
through  the  body ; it  is  composed  of  the  mouth,  pharynx,  esopha- 
gus, stomach  and  intestines. 

Al'-ka-li  (li  or  le).  A substance  which,  when  united  to  acids,  neutral- 
izes them. 

Al'-ter-a-tive.  A remedy  which  slowly  changes  the  condition  of  the 
system. 

Al-ve'-o-lar.  Relating  to  the  sockets  of  the  teeth. 

Al  -vine.  Relating  to  the  intestines. 

Am-aur-o'-sis.  A loss  or  decay  of  sight,  produced  by  various  causes. 

A-mel'-i-o-ra'-tion.  Becoming  better;  improvement  in  stages  of  a 
disease. 

Am-en-or-rhe'-a.  An  obstruction  of  the  menstrual  discharges. 

Am-ni-ot'-ic  Liquid.  The  fluid  surrounding  the  foetus  in  the  womb. 

Am-pu-ta'-tion.  The  operation  of  cutting  off  a limb  or  other  part  of 
the  body. 

A-na-sar'-ca.  A dropsy  of  the  whole  body ; a general  dropsy. 

A-nas'-to-mose.  To  communicate  with  each  other;  applied  to  arter- 
ies and  veins. 

A-nat'-o-my.  Study  of  the  structure  of  the  body. 

An-chy-lo'-sis  (ank-y-lo'-sis).  Stiffness  of  the  joint. 

An-em'-i-a.  Poverty  of  blood ; a comparatively  bloodless  state. 

An-es-the'-sia.  Numbness  or  paralysis  of  sensation. 

An'-eu-rism.  A soft  tumor,  caused  by  the  rupture  of  the  coats  of  an 
artery. 

An-i-mal'-cules.  Animals  so  small  as  to  be  visible  only  with  a micro- 
scope. 

Anr-o-dyne.  Any  medicine  which  allays  pain  and  induces  sleep. 

Ant'-a-cid.  A substance  which  neutralizes  acids  ; alkalies  are  antacids. 

Anf-thel-min-tic  (an'-thel-min-tik).  A medicine  that  destroys  worms. 

An'-thrax.  A dusky  red  or  purplish  kind  of  tumor,  occurring  in  the 
neck. 


598 


MEDICAL  DICTIONARY  OR  GLOSSARY. 


An-ti-bil'-ious  (an-ti-bil'-yus) . A medicine  counteractive  of  bilious 
complaints. 

An'-ti-dote.  A protective  against,  or  remedy  for,  poison  or  any  dis- 
ease. 

An-ti-dys-enter'-ic  (an-ti-dys-in-ter'-ik).  A remedy  for  dysentery. 

An-ti-e-met'-ic  (an-ti-e-met'-ik).  A remedy  to  check  or  allay  vomit- 
ing. 

An-ti-lithf-ic  (an-ti-lith'-ik).  A medicine  to  prevent  or  remove  urina- 
ry calculi  or  gravel. 

An-ti-mor-bif‘-ic.  Anything  to  prevent  or  remove  disease. 

An-ti-scorbu'-tic.  A remedy  used  for  the  scurvy. 

An-ti-sep'-tic  (an-ti-sep'-tik).  Whatever  resists  or  removes  putrefac- 
tion or  mortification. 

An-ti-spas-mod'-ic.  Medicines  which  relieve  cramps,  spasms,  and 
convulsions. 

A-nus.  The  orifice  of  the  alimentary  canal,  of  which  it  is  the  outlet. 

A-or'-ta.  The  great  artery  from  the  heart. 

Ap'-a-thy.  Insensibility  to  mental  or  bodily  pain. 

A-pe'-ri-ent.  A mild  purgative  or  laxative. 

A-pex.  The  top  or  summit. 

A-pha'-si-a.  A lack  of  the  power  of  speech,  caused  often  by  an  at- 
tack of  apoplexy. 

A-pho'-nia.  A loss  of  the  voice. 

Apf-pe-tite.  A desire  for  food  or  drink. 

A-ro'-ma.  Agreeable  odor  of  plants  and  other  substances. 

Ar-o-mat'-ic.  A fragrant,  spicy  medicine. 

Ar'-te-ry.  A vessel  that  conveys  the  blood  from  the  heart  to  the  or- 
gans. 

Ar-thro'-di-a.  A joint  movable  in  every  direction. 

Ar-tic-u-la'-tion.  The  union  of  bones  with  each  other,  as  at  the 
joints. 

Ar-tic'-u-lated.  Having  joints. 

As-car'-i-des.  Pinworms  or  threadworms  found  in  the  lower  portion 
of  the  bowels. 

As-ci'-tes.  Dropsy  of  the  abdomen. 

As-phyx'-ia.  Suspended  animation ; apparent  death,  as  from  drown- 
ing. 

As-sim-i-lar-tion.  The  process  by  which  the  fo-^^  is  changed  into 
tissue. 


MEDICAL  DICTIONARY  OR  GLOSSARY. 


500 


As-then'-ic.  Debilitated. 

As-trin'-gent.  A medicine  which  contracts  or  puckers  up  the  tissues 
of  the  body,  thereby  checking  discharges. 

At'-o-ny.  Debility ; want  of  tone  ; defect  of  muscular  power. 

At'-ro-phy.  A wasting  of  flesh  and  loss  of  strength  without  any  sen- 
sible cause. 

At-ten'-u-ants.  Medicines  for  reducing  the  body. 

Au'-ri-cle.  A cavity  of  the  heart. 

Aus'-cul-ta'-tion.  The  art  of  detecting  disease  by  listening  to  the 
sounds  of  the  lungs,  heart,  etc. 

Ax-il'-la.  The  armpit ; hence  axillary,  pertaining  to  the  armpit. 

Ax'-il-lary  Glands.  Situated  in  the  armpit,  secreting  a fluid  of  pe- 
culiar odor. 

Bal-sam'-ics.  Medicines  employed  for  healing  purposes. 

Bi-en'-ni-al.  Continuing  alive  for  two  years. 

Bile  or  Gall.  A fluid  secreted  by  the  liver,  which  promotes  digestion. 

Blis'-ter.  A thin  watery  bladder  on  the  skin. 

Bou'-gie  (boo'-zhe).  A taper  body  introduced  into  a passage  or  sinus 
to  keep  it  open  or  enlarge  it. 

Bright’s  Disease.  A serious  disease  of  the  kidneys. 

Bron'-chi-al.  Pertaining  to  the  branches  of  the  windpipe  in  the 
lungs. 

Bul'-bous.  Round  or  roundish. 

Ca-chex'-y  (ca-keks'-y).  A bad  state  of  the  body.  It  may  be  caus- 
ed by  blood  poisons. 

Cal'-cu-li.  Gravel  and  stone  found  in  the  kidneys  and  bladder. 

Cal'-lous.  Hard  or  firm. 

Ca-lor'-ic.  Heat. 

Cap'-il-la-ry.  Fine,  hair-like. 

Cap'-sule.  A dry,  hollow  vessel  containing  the  seed  or  fruit. 

Car '-bon.  Charcoal. 

Car-bon'-ic  Acid  Gas.  A gas  of  two  parts  of  oxygen  and  one  part 
of  carbon. 

Ca'-ri-es.  Ulceration  of  a bone. 

Car-min'-a-tives.  Medicines  which  allay  pain  by  expelling  wind  from 
the  stomach  and  bowels. 

Ca-rot'-id  Artery.  The  great  arteries  of  the  neck  that  convey  blood 
to  the  heart. 

Car'-ti-lage.  A hard  elastic  substance  of  the  body ; gristle. 


600 


MEDICAL  DICTIONARY  OR  GLOSSARY. 


Cat-a-me'-ni-a.  The  menses,  or  monthly  discharges  of  women. 

Cat'-a-plasm.  A poultice. 

Ca-tarrh'  (ka-tar').  A discharge  from  the  head  or  throat. 

Ca-thar'-tic.  Purgative  ; a medicine  that  cleanses  the  bowels. 

Cath'-e-ter.  A curved  instrument  introduced  into  the  bladder  through 
the  urethra  for  drawing  off  the  urine, 

Caus'-tic.  Burning;  a substance  which  burns  or  corrodes  living  tis- 
sues. 

Cau'-ter-y.  A burning  or  searing  any  part  of  the  animal  body. 

Cell.  A small  elementary  form  found  in  vegetable  and  animal  tissue 

Cer'-e-bel'-lum.  The  lower  and  back  part  of  the  brain. 

Cer'-e-bral.  Relating  to  the  brain. 

Cer '-e-brum.  The  upper  and  front  part  of  the  brain. 

Cer'-e-bro-Spi'-nal.  Pertaining  to  the  brain  and  spinal  cord. 

Ce-ru'-men.  The  ear  wax. 

Cha-lyb'-e-ate  (ka-lib'-e-ate).  Containing  iron  in  solution,  as  occur- 
ring in  mineral  springs. 

Chan'-cre  (shank'-er).  A venereal  or  syphlitic  sore. 

Chol'-a-gogues.  Medicines  that  increase  the  flow  of  bile,  as  calo- 
mel and  podophyllin. 

Chol'-er-ic  (kol'-er-ic) . Easily  irritated;  irritable. 

Chor-dee'.  A painful  drawing  up  of  the  penis.  It  occurs  in  gono- 
rhea. 

Chron'-ic.  Continuing  for  a long  time,  and  becoming  a fixed  condi- 
tion of  the  body. 

Chyle  (kil).  A milky  fluid,  separated  from  the  aliment  in  the  intes- 
tines, mixing  with  and  forming  the  blood. 

Chyme  (kim) . The  pulp  formed  by  the  food  after  it  has  been  for 
some  time  in  the  stomach,  mixed  with  the  gastric  secretions. 

Ci-ca'-trix.  A scar  that  remains  after  a wound. 

Cir-cu-la'-tion.  The  motion  of  the  blood,  which  is  propelled  by  the 
heart  through  the  body. 

Clav'-i-cle  (klav'-i-kl).  Collar-bone. 

Cli'-mac'-ter-ic.  A term  generally  applied  to  the  time  at  which  the 
menses  finally  cease. 

Clys'-ter.  An  injection  ; a liquid  substance  thrown  into  the  lower  in- 
testine. 

Co-ag'-u-lar-tion.  A change  from  a fluid  to  a solid  condition,  as  in 
the  coagulation  of  the  blood. 


MEDICAL  DICTIONARY  OR  GLOSSARY. 


601 


Co-ag'-u-lum.  A clot  of  blood. 

Co-a-lesce'  (ko-a-les').  To  grow  together ; to  unite. 

Col-lapse'.  Sudden  failure  or  prostration  of  the  vital  functions. 
Col-liqf-ua-tive  (kol-lik'-wa-tiv).  Excessive  discharges  from  the  body 
which  weaken  the  system. 

Co'-lon.  A portion  of  the  large  intestine. 

Co-los'-trum.  The  earliest  secretion  of  milk. 

Co'-ma,  Com'-a-tose.  Lethargy  ; disposed  to  sleep  ; stupor. 

Com '-press.  Several  folds  of  linen  rags ; a bandage. 

Con-cus'-sion  (kon-kush'-un).  A violent  shock,  as  of  the  brain. 
Con'-flu-ent.  Running  together. 

Con-gen '-i-tal.  From  birth,  or  born  with. 

Con-ges'-tion  (kon-jest'-yun).  Distention  of  any  part  by  an  accumu- 
lation of  blood. 

Con-junc'-ti-va.  The  membrane  which  lines  the  eyelid  and  covers 
the  eye. 

Con-sti-pa'-tion.  Costiveness;  obstruction  or  hardness  of  the  con- 
tents of  the  intestines. 

Con-ta'-gious.  Catching,  or  that  may  be  communicated  by  contact. 
Con-tu'-sion.  A bruise. 

Con-va-les'-cence.  Gradual  return  to  health  after  sickness. 
Con-vul'-sions.  Involuntary  and  violent  movements  of  the  body. 
Cor'-dial.  A medicine  that  mildly  stimulates  and  raises  the  spirits. 
Cor'-ne-a.  The  transparent  membrane  in  the  forepart  of  the  eye. 
Corpse.  The  dead  body  of  a human  being. 

Cor-rob'-o-rants.  Tonics  or  strengthening  medicines. 

Cor-ro'-sive.  Substances  that  consume  or  eat  away. 
Coun'-ter-ir-ri-ta'-tion.  Drawing  disease  from  one  part  by  irritating 
another  part. 

Cra'-ni-um.  The  skull. 

Cri'-sis.  The  turning  point  of  a disease. 

Cru'-di-ty.  Rawness ; indigestion. 

Cu-ta'-ne-ous.  Pertaining  to  the  skin,  as  cutaneous  diseases. 
Cu'-ti-cle  (ku'-ti-kl).  The  outer  or  scarf  skin. 

Cyst.  A bag  or  sac  containing  matter  or  other  fluid. 

De-bil'-i-ty.  Weakness. 

De-coc'-tions  (de-kok '-shuns).  Medicines  prepared  by  boiling. 
Deg-lu-ti'-tion.  The  act  of  swallowing 
Del-e-te'-ri-ous.  That  which  is  hurtfuL 


602 


MEDICAL  DICTIONARY  OR  GLOSSARY. 


De-liq'-ui-um  (de-lik'-we-um).  Fainting. 

De-lir'-i-um.  Wildness  or  wandering  of  the  mind. 

De-mul'-cents.  A mucilaginous  medicine  which  soothes  diseased  mu- 
cous membranes. 

Den-ti'-tion.  Teething. 

De-ob'-stru-ent.  A mild  laxative  ; an  aperient. 

De-ple'- tion.  Diminution  of  the  quantity  of  blood  by  blood-letting 
or  other  process. 

Dep'-u-ra-tion.  Cleansing  from  impure  matter. 

Derm.  The  natural  tegument  or  covering  of  an  animal. 
Des-qua-ma'-tion.  Separation  of  the  skin  in  scales;  scaling  off. 
De-ter'-gent.  A medicine  that  cleanses  from  offending  matter. 
Di-ag-no'-sis.  The  act  of  distinguishing  diseases  by  symptoms. 
Di-a-pho-ret'-ics.  Medicines  which  promote  perspiration  or  sweat- 
ing. 

Di'-a-phragm  (di'-a-fram).  The  muscular  division  between  the  chest 
and  the  abdomen. 

Di-ath'-e-sis.  Tendency  of  the  body  to  any  form  of  disease,  as 
scrofulous  diathesis. 

Di-e-tet'-ic.  Relating  to  diet  or  regimen. 

Dil-a-ta'-tion.  Act  of  expanding  or  spreading  in  all  directions. 
Dil'-u-ents.  That  which  thins,  weakens,  or  reduces  the  strength  of 
liquids. 

Di-lut'-ing.  Weakening. 

Dis-cuf-tients.  Medicines  which  scatter  a swelling  or  tumor,  or  any 
coagulated  fluid  or  body. 

Dis-in-fec'-tants.  Articles  which  cleanse  or  purify  infected  places. 
Dis-lo-ca'-tion.  The  displacement  of  a bone  out  of  its  socket. 
Dis-po-si'-tion.  Tendency. 

Di-u-ret'-ic.  A medicine  that  promotes  the  flow  of  urine. 

Dor'-sal.  Pertaining  to  the  back. 

Dras'-tics.  Active  or  strong  purgatives. 

Du-o-de'-num.  The  first  of  the  small  intestines. 

Dys'-cra-sia.  A bad  habit  of  body  producing  generally  a diseased 
condition  of  the  system. 

Dys-pep'-sia.  Indigestion  or  difficulty  of  digestion. 

Dys-pha'-gi-a.  Difficulty  of  swallowing. 

Dysp-noe'-a.  Difficulty  of  breathing. 

Dys-uf-ri-a.  Difficulty  in  discharging  urine,  attended  with  pain  and 
heat. 


MEDICAL  DICTIONARY  OR  GLOSSARY.  603 

Eb-ul-li'-tion.  The  motion  of  a liquid  by  which  it  gives  off  bubbles 
of  vapor  as  in  boiling. 

Ef-fer-ves'-cence.  The  escape  of  gas  from  a fluid,  as  in  the  so-called 
“soda-water.” 

Ef-flo-res'-cence.  Eruption  or  redness  of  the  skin,  as  in  measles, 
scarlet  fever,  etc. 

Ef-flu'-vi-a.  Exhalations  from  substances,  as  from  flowers  or  decaying 
matter. 

Ef-fu'-sion.  An  escape  of  the  fluids  of  the  body  from  their  natural 
position  into  the  tissues  or  cavities  of  the  body. 

E-lec-tri-za'-tion.  Medical  use  of  the  electric  currents. 

E-lec'-tu-ary.  Medicines  mixed  with  honey  or  syrup. 

E-lim-i-na'-tion.  Discharged  from  the  body,  as  by  the  pores  of  the 
skin. 

E-ma-ci-a'-tion.  Wasting  away  of  the  flesh. 

Em'-bry-o.  The  early  stage  of  the  foetus. 

Em'-e-sis.  Vomiting. 

E-met'-ics.  Medicines  given  to  cause  vomiting. 

Em-men'-a-gogue.  A medicine  which  promotes  the  menstrual  dis- 
charge. 

E-mol'-li-ent.  A softening  application  which  allays  irritation. 

E-mul'-sion.  A mixture ; as  oil  and  water  mixed  with  mucilage  or 
sugar. 

E-nam'-el.  The  outside  covering  of  the  teeth. 

En-ceph'-a-lon.  The  whole  of  the  brain. 

En-cys'-ted.  Enclosed  in  a cyst  or  sac. 

En-dem'-ic.  A disease  peculiar  to  a certain  district. 

E-ne'-ma.  An  injection. 

En-er-va'-tion.  A loss  of  nervous  tone  and  reduction  of  strength. 

En-te-ri'-tis.  Inflammation  of  the  bowels. 

En-to-zo'-a.  Intestinal  worms  living  in  some  part  of  an  animal  body. 

E-phem'-e-ral.  Of  short  duration. 

Ep-i-dem'-ic.  A disease  that  prevails. 

Ep-i-derm'-is.  The  scarf  skin  ; the  cuticle. 

Ep-  i-gas'-tric.  Pertaining  to  the  upper  and  anterior  part  of  the  abdo- 
men. 

Ep-i-glot'-tis.  A leaf-shaped  cartilage,  whose  use  is  to  prevent  food 
or  drink  from  entering  the  larynx  and  obstructing  the  breath  while 
eating. 


604 


MEDICAL  DICTIONARY  OR  GLOSSARY. 


Ep-i-lep'-tic.  Subject  to  epilepsy  or  the  falling  sickness. 

E-piph'-o-ra.  An  overabundant  secretion  of  tears,  causing  what  is 
termed  a watery  eye. 

Ep-i-spas'-tic.  An  application  for  blistering. 

Ep-is-tax'-is.  Bleeding  from  the  nose. 

Ep-i-the'-li-um.  A layer  of  cells  covering  membranes. 

Er'-e-thism.  Morbid  energetic  action  of  irritability. 

E-ro'-sion.  Eating  away;  corrosion. 

Er'-rhine  (er'-rin).  A medicine  for  snuffing  up  the  nose  to  promote 
the  discharge  of  mucous. 

E-ruc-ta'-tion.  Belching;  gulping  of  wind  from  the  stomach. 

E-rup'-tion.  A breaking  out  on  the  skin. 

Es'-char  (es'-kar).  The  dead  part,  killed  by  caustic  or  mortification, 
which  falls  off. 

Es-cha-rot'-ic.  Caustic ; an  application  which  sears  or  destroys  the 
flesh. 

Eu-sta'-chi-an  Tube  (yu-sta'-ki-an).  A narrow  canal  connecting 
the  middle  ear  and  throat. 

E-vac-u-a'-tion.  Movement  of  the  bowels,  or  passing  of  urine  from 
the  bladder. 

Ex-ac-er-ba'-tion  (egz-as-er-ba'-shun) . Increase  of  severity  in  a 
disease. 

Ex-an-the'-ma.  An  eruptive  disease,  with  fever,  as  small-pox,  meas- 
les. 

Ex-ci'-sion.  Cutting  out  of  a part. 

Ex-cit'-ant.  A stimulant. 

Ex-co'-ri-ate.  To  abrade  or  scrape  off  the  skin  in  any  way. 

Ex-cres'-cence.  An  abnormal  or  unnatural  growth  of  a part,  as  a wart 
or  tumor. 

Ex-cre'-tion.  Waste  matter  thrown  off  from  the  system,  as  the  perspi- 
ration, faeces,  etc. 

Ex-fo'-li-ate.  Scaling  or  peeling  off;  separation  of  decayed  from  liv- 
ing bone. 

Ex-ha-la'-tion.  Emission  of  vapor,  air,  gas,  etc. 

Ex-os-to'-sis.  An  unnatural  growth  from  a bone  ; a bony  tumor. 

Ex-pec'-to-rant.  A medicine  which  aids  the  discharge  of  phlegm 
from  the  bronchial  tubes  or  lungs. 

Ex-pec-to-ra'-tion.  Discharge  of  phlegm,  mucous,  or  saliva  from  the 
mouth. 


MEDICAL  DICTIONARY  OR  GLOSSARY. 


605 


Ex-pi-ra'-tion.  The  act  of  breathing  out  the  air  from  the  lungs. 
Ex-trav-a-sa'-tion.  Effusion ; emptying  or  forcing  a fluid  out  of  its 
proper  vessels. 

Ex-u-da'-tion.  Perspiration ; the  discharge  of  moisture  on  the  surface 
of  bodies. 

Fae'-cal  (fe'-kal).  Pertaining  to  the  faeces. 

Fae'-ces  (fe'-cez).  The  natural  dicharges  of  the  bowels. 
Far-a-diz-a'-tion.  The  use  of  the  Faradaic  current. 
Far-i-na'-ceous.  Containing  starch,  as  farinaceous  food , starchy  food. 
Fau'-ces.  The  back  part  of  the  mouth,  at  the  entrance  of  the  throat. 
Feb'-ri-fuge.  A medicine  which  assuages  fever  and  produces  perspi- 
ration. 

Fe'-brile.  Having  the  symptoms  of  fever;  feverish. 

Fe'-mur.  The  thigh  bone.  Femoral,  pertaining  to  the  femur. 
Fet'-id.  Having  a rank,  disagreeable  odor. 

Fi'-brine.  Animal  matter  found  in  blood. 

Fi'-brous.  Composed  of  small  threads  or  fibres. 

Fil'-ter.  A strainer. 

Fil-tra'-tion.  Straining. 

Fist'-u-la.  A deep,  narrow,  crooked  ulcer. 

Flac'-cid  (flak'-sid).  Soft  and  weak,  lax,  limber;  as  a flaccid  muscle. 
Flat'-u-len-cy,  Fla'-tus.  Wind  in  the  stomach  and  intestines  caus- 
ing uneasiness. 

Flex'-i-ble.  Easily  bent ; yielding  to  pressure. 

Flood'-ing.  Profuse  flow  of  blood. 

Flush.  A sudden  flow  of  blood  to  the  face. 

Flux.  An  unusual  discharge  from  the  bowels. 

Fce'-tus  (fe-tus).  The  child  in  the  womb. 

Fo-men-ta'-tion.  Bathing  by  means  of  flannels  dipped  in  hot  water 
or  medicated  liquid. 

For-mi-ca'-tion.  A sensation  like  the  creeping  of  ants. 

For'-mu-la.  A prescription. 

Fract'-ure.  A broken  bone. 

Fric'-tion.  The  act  of  rubbing. 

Fu-mi-ga'-tion,  A vapor  raised  by  burning. 

Func'-tion.  The  work  or  office  performed  by  any  part  or  organ  of  the 
body. 

Fun'-da-ment.  The  seat ; the  lower  extremity  of  the  large  intestine. 
Fun'-gus.  A spongy  excrescence,  as  proud  flesh. 


606 


MEDICAL  DICTIONARY  OR  GLOSSARY. 


Gal-van-i-za'-tion.  Use  of  the  galvanic  current. 

Gan'-gli-on  (gang'-gli-on) . An  enlargement  in  the  course  of  a nerve. 
Gan'-grene.  Mortification  or  death  of  a part. 

Gar'-gle.  A wash  for  the  mouth  and  throat. 

Gas'-tric.  Belonging  to  the  stomach. 

Gas-tri'-tis.  Fever  or  inflammation  of  the  stomach. 

Ges-ta'-tion.  The  period  of  pregnancy. 

Gland.  A soft  body,  the  function  of  which  is  to  secrete  some  fluid. 
Glot'-tis.  The  opening  into  the  windpipe,  covered  by  the  epiglottis. 
Glu'-te-us.  A name  given  to  the  muscles  of  the  hip. 
Gran-u-la'-tion.  The  healing  of  a wound  or  ulcer  by  the  formation 
of  grain-like  fleshy  masses. 

Gru'-mous.  Thick ; clotted  ; concreted  ; as  grumous  blood. 
Gut'-tur-al.  Pertaining  to  the  throat. 

Hab'-it.  A peculiar  state  or  temperament  of  the  body. 

Hec'tic.  A remitting  fever,  with  chills,  heat  and  sweat. 
Hem-a-to'-sis.  An  excessive  or  morbid  quantity  of  blood. 
Hem-i-ple'-gia.  Paralysis  of  one  side  of  the  body. 

He-mop'-ty-sis.  A spitting  of  blood. 

Hem'-or-rhage.  Bleeding;  a flow  of  blood,  as  from  the  lungs,  nose, 
etc. 

Hem'-or-rhoids.  The  piles ; tubercles  from  which  blood  or  mucus 
is  discharged. 

He-pat'-ic.  Pertaining  to  the  liver. 

Her-ba'-ceous  (her-ba'-shus).  Pertaining  to  herbs. 

He-red'-i-tary.  Descended  from  a parent;  inherited. 

Her'-pes.  An  eruption  on  the  skin,  as  tetter,  ringworn,  etc. 
Her'-ni-a.  A rupture,  and  protrusion  of  some  part  of  the  abdomen. 
Hu'  -mors  (yu'-mors).  The  fluids  of  the  body. 

Hy'-dra-gogue  (hy'-dra-gog).  A purgative  that  produces  a watery 
discharge  from  the  bowels. 

Hy'-dro-gen.  One  of  the  elementary  principles,  always  existing  in 
water,  of  which  it  composes  the  ninth  part. 

Hy-dro-pho'-bia.  A dread  of  water;  the  rabid  qualities  of  a mad 
dog. 

Hy'-gi-ene.  The  art  of  preserving  health. 

Hy-per-es-the'-si-a.  Excessive  and  abnormal  sensibility. 
Hyp-o-chon-dri'-a-cal.  Mealancholy;  very  dejected;  low-spirited. 
Hyp-notf-ics.  Medicines  which  cause  sleep. 


MEDICAL  DICTIONARY  OR  GLOSSARY. 


607 


Hy-po-der'-mic.  Under  the  skin. 

Hy-ster'-ic-al.  Nervous;  subject  to  hysteria. 

I'-chor  (i'-kor).  A thin,  watery,  and  acrid  discharge  from  an  ulcer. 
Id'-i-op'-a-thy.  A morbid  condition  not  preceded  by  any  ®ther 
disease. 

Id-i-o-syn'-cra-sies.  Peculiarities  of  constitution  or  temperament. 
U'-e-um.  The  lower  part  of  the  small  intestines. 

II -i  -ac.  Pertaining  to  the  small  intestines. 

Im-be-cil'-i-ty.  Feebleness ; weakness  of  mind  or  intellect. 
Im-mer'-sion.  Plunging  under  water. 

In-a-ni'-tion  (in-a-nish'-un).  Emptiness;  weakness;  exhaustion. 

In  -ci'-sor.  A front  tooth  that  cuts  or  divides. 

In-dig'-e-nous.  Native  to  a country. 

In-di-gest'-i-ble.  Difficult  of  digestion. 

In-dis'-po-si-tion.  A disorder  of  health. 

In-fec'-tion.  Contagion. 

In-flam-ma'-tion.  A redness  or  swelling  of  any  part. 

In-fu'-sion  (in-fu'-zhun).  Medicine  prepared  by  boiling  or  steeping. 
In-ges'-tion  (in-jest'-yun).  Throwing  into  the  stomach. 

In-jec'-tion  (in-jek'-shun).  Liquid  sent  into  some  part  of  the  body 
by  means  of  a syringe. 

In  -oc-u-la'-tion.  Communicating  a disease  to  a person  in  health  by 
inserting  contagious  matter  in  the  skin. 

In-spi-ra'-tion.  Drawing  or  inhaling  air  into  the  lungs. 
In-spis-sa'-tion.  Rendering  a fluid  thicker  by  evaporation. 
In-teg'-u-ment.  A covering ; the  skin. 

In-ter-cos'-tal.  Between  the  ribs. 

In-ter-mit'-tent.  Ceasing  at  intervals. 

In-tes'-tines.  The  bowels. 

Joint.  The  junction  of  two  or  more  bones;  articulation. 
Lac'-er-a'-ted.  Tom  asunder. 

Lach'-ry-mal  (lak'-ri-mal).  Pertaining  to  the  tears. 

Lac-ta'-tion.  Act  of  nursing,  or  sucking. 

Lan'-ci-na-ting.  Piercing,  as  with  a sharp  pointed  instrument;  hence 
lancinating  pain. 

Lan'-guor  (lang'-gwur) . Feebleness,  weakness,  lassitude  of  body. 
Lar'-ynx.  The  upper  part  of  the  windpipe. 

Lax'-a-tive.  A mild  purgative ; a medicine  that  loosens  the  bowels. 
Le'-sion.  A rupture  or  tearing  of  the  flesh  ; a wound. 


608 


MEDICAL  DICTIONARY  OR  GLOSSARY. 


Leth'-ar-gy.  Unusual  or  excessive  drowsiness. 

Leu-cor-rhe'-a.  A white  or  yellowish  discharge  from  the  womb. 
Lig'-a-ture.  A thread  for  tying  blood-vessels  to  prevent  hemorrhage. 
Li-ga'-tion.  The  art  of  tying  a vessel. 

Lin'-i-ment.  A medicated  lotion  or  wash  ; a soft  ointment. 
Lith'-on-trip-tic.  A solvent  of  the  stone  or  gravel  in  the  bladder. 
Li-thot'-o-my.  The  operation  of  .cutting  for  stone  in  the  bladder. 
Liv'-id.  Black  and  blue  ; of  a lead  color. 

Lo'-chi-al.  Pertaining  to  discharges  from  the  womb  after  childbirth. 
Lum-ba'-go.  Rheumatic  pains  in  the  loins  and  small  of  the  back. 
Lum'-bar.  Pertaining  to  the  loins. 

Lymph  (limf).  A whitish  fluid  contained  by  the  lymphatic  vessels. 
Lym-phat'-ic  (vessels).  Fine  tubes  pervading  the  body ; absorbents. 
Mac-er-a'-tion.  Dissolving  or  softening  with  water. 

Mac'-u-lar.  Colored  spots  ; blemishes. 

Ma-la'-ri-a.  Bad  air;  air  which  tends  to  cause  disease. 
Mal-for-ma'-tion.  A wrong  formation  or  structure  of  parts. 
Ma-lig'-nant.  Violent ; dangerous  ; tending  to  produce  death. 
Mar'-row.  A soft  substance  in  the  bones. 

Mas-ti-ca'-tion.  The  act  of  chewing. 

Mat-u-ra'-tion.  The  formation  of  pus  or  matter  in  any  part  of  the 
body. 

Me-dul'-la  Oblongata.  A nervous  mass  in  the  lower  part  of  the 
brain. 

Men'-ses,  Menstruation.  The  monthly  courses  of  women. 
Men'-stru-um.  A solvent ; any  liquid  used  to  dissolve  solid  substances. 
Me-phit'-ic.  Suffocating ; noxious  ; pestilential. 

Met-a-car'-pus.  The  hand  between  the  wrist  and  fingers. 
Me-tas'-ta-sis.  A change  of  disease  from  one  part  of  the  body  to 
another. 

Met-a-tar'-sus.  The  part  of  the  foot  between  the  ankle  and  the  toes. 
Mi-as'-ma,  Miasmata.  Malaria;  exhalations  from  swamps  and 
decaying  matter. 

Mor'-bid.  Diseased ; corrupt. 

Mor-bif-ic.  Causing  disease. 

Mu'-ci-lage.  A glutinous,  viscid  fluid  substance. 

Mu'  -cus.  The  ropy,  lubricating,  tenacious  fluid,  secreted  by  the 

mucous  membrane. 

Mus'-cles  (mus'-sls).  The  organs  of  motion;  they  constitute  the 
flesh. 


MEDICAL  DICTIONARY  OR  GLOSSARY. 


609 


Nar-cot'-ics.  Medicines  that  cause  sleep,  relieve  pain,  or  stupefy. 

Nau'-se-a  (naw'-she-a) . Sickness  at  the  stomach,  with  a desire  to 
vomit. 

Ne'-gus.  A liquor  made  of  wine,  water,  sugar,  nutmeg,  and  lemon 
juice. 

Ne-phrit'-ic.  Pertaining  to  the  kidneys. 

Ner'-vine.  A medicine  that  acts  on  the  nerves. 

Neu-ral'-gia.  Pain  of  a nerve  without  apparent  inflammation. 

Neu-ras-the'-nia.  Nervous  exhaustion. 

Nor'-mal.  Natural;  regular. 

Nos'-trum.  A quack  or  patent  medicine. 

Nu-tri'-tious  (nu-trish'-us) . A substance  which  nourishes  or  feeds 
the  body. 

Ob'-long.  Longer  than  broad. 

Ob-tuse'.  Dull,  not  acute. 

CE-de'-ma.  A watery  swelling. 

Ol-fac'-tory  Nerves.  The  nerves  of  smell. 

O-men'-tum.  The  caul  or  covering  of  the  bowels. 

Oph-thal'-mi-a  (of-thal'-mi-a).  Inflammation  of  the  eyes. 

O'-pi-ates.  Medicines  which  promote  sleep. 

Op '-tic  Nerve.  The  nerve  which  enters  the  back  part  of  the  eye. 

Or-thop-nce'-a.  Great  difficulty  of  breathing,  caused  by  diseases  of 
the  heart  or  diaphragm,  or  asthma. 

Os'-si-fy.  To  change  flesh  or  other  soft  matter  into  a hard,  bony 
substance. 

O'-vate.  Oval;  egg-shaped. 

O'-vum.  An  egg. 

Ox'-y-gen.  A gas  that  forms  one-fifth  of  the  atmosphere. 

Pal'-ate.  The  partition  separating  the  cavity  of  the  mouth  from  that 
of  the  nose. 

Pal-pi-ta'-tion.  Unnatural  action  of  the  heart,  in  which  it  beats  too 
rapidly  and  strongly. 

Pan-a-ce'-a.  A cure-all ; a universal  medicine. 

Pa-pil'-la.  A red,  elevated  point  upon  the  tongue  or  elsewhere. 

Par-a-cen-te'-sis.  Puncturing  of  the  chest  or  abdomen  for 
purpose  of  drawing  off  water. 

Pa-ral'-y-sis.  Palsy ; a loss  of  the  power  of  motion  in  any  part  of 
the  system. 

Par-a-lyt'-ic.  One  affected  with  or  inclined  to  palsy. 


610 


MEDICAL  DICTIONARY  OR  GLOSSARY. 


Par-a-ple'-gi-a.  Paralysis  of  the  lower  half  of  the  body. 
Par'-ox-ysm.  A fit  of  disease  taking  place  periodically. 
Par-tu-ri'-tion.  Child-birth. 

Pec'-tor-al.  Pertaining  to  the  chest. 

Pel'- vis.  A bony  cavity  forming  the  lower  part  of  the  trunk  of  the 
body. 

Pep -sin.  An  important  element  of  the  gastric  juice. 
Per-i-car'-di-um.  The  sac  enclosing  the  heart. 

Per-spi-ra'-tion.  Sweat;  insensible  evacuation  of  the  fluids  through 
the  pores  of  the  skin. 

Per-i-ne'-um.  The  space  between  the  anus  and  the  testicles. 
Per-i-os'-te-um.  A thin,  hard  membrane  covering  the  bones. 
Per-i-to-ne'-um.  The  membrane  lining  the  abdomen  and  covering  the 
bowels. 

Pe-te'-chi-ae.  Purple  spots  which  appear  upon  the  skin  in  low  fevers. 
Phag-e-den'-ic.  Corroding;  eating;  applied  to  ulcers. 
Pha-lan'-ges.  The  bones  of  the  fingers  and  toes. 

Phleg-mat'-ic.  Abounding  in  phlegm  ; cold  ; dull ; sluggish ; heavy. 
Phar'-ynx.  The  upper  part  of  the  throat. 

Phlo-gis'-tic.  Inflammatory. 

Phthys'-ic-al  (tiz'-ik-al).  A condition  of  the  system  tending  to 
pulmonary  consumption. 

Phlegm  (flem).  A stringy  mucus  of  the  respiratory  and  digestive 
passages. 

Ple'-thor-ic.  Of  a full  habit  of  body. 

Pleu'-ra.  A membrane  that  lines  the  inside  of  the  chest  and  covers 
the  lungs. 

Pleu'-ri-sy.  Inflammation  of  the  pleura. 

Pneu-mo-ni-a  (nu-mo-ni-a).  Inflammation  of  the  substance  of  the 
lungs. 

Pol'-y-pus.  A pear  shaped  tumor. 

Pre-scrip'-tion.  The  formula  for  the  preparation  of  medicines. 
Probe.  An  instrument  for  examining  the  depth  of  a wound. 
Prog-no'- sis.  The  art  of  foretelling  the  termination  of  a disease. 
Proph-y-lac'-tic.  A medicine  to  prevent  disease. 

Pty'-a-lism  (ty'-a-lism).  A copious  flow  of  saliva;  salivation 
Pu-bes'-cent.  Covered  with  down  or  very  short  hairs. 
Pul'-mo-na-ry.  Pertaining  to  or  affecting  the  lungs. 

Pulp.  A soft  mass. 


MEDICAL  DICTIONARY  OR  GLOSSARY.  611 

Pulse.  The  beating  or  throbbing  of  the  heart  or  blood-vessels, 
especially  to  the  arteries. 

Pun '-gent.  Sharp,  piercing,  biting,  stimulating. 

Pur'-ga-tive.  A medicine  acting  on  the  bowels  to  loosen  them. 
Pu'-ru-lent.  Consisting  of  pus  or  matter. 

Pus.  Yellowish  white  matter,  found  in  abscesses,  etc. 

Pus'-tules.  Elevations  of  the  skin  having  an  inflamed  base  and 
containing  pus. 

Pu-tres'-cent.  Becoming  putrid;  pertaining  to  the  process  of  putre- 
faction. 

Py-ro'-sis.  A peculiar  disease  of  the  stomach  called  water-brash. 
Rec'-tum.  The  termination  of  the  large  intestine. 

Re-frig'-er-ant.  Medicines  which  lessen  the  heat  of  a body. 
Reg'-i-men.  The  regulation  of  diet  in  order  to  preserve  or  restore 
health. 

Res-o-lu'-tion.  Dispersion  of  an  inflammation  before  pus  has  formed. 
Re-solv'-ents.  Medicines  to  dissipate  inflammation. 

Res-pi-ra'-tion.  The  process  of  breathing. 

Re-sus-ci-ta'-tion.  Reviving  from  apparent  death,  as  drowning. 
Ret'-i-na.  The  semi-transparent,  internal  nervous  tissue  of  the  eye. 
Ru-be-fa'-cients  (shents).  Applications  that  cause  redness  of  the 
skin. 

Ru-bif-ic.  Making  red. 

Sac'-cha-rine  (rin).  Sugary;  having  the  qualities  of  sugar. 

Sa-li'-va.  The  spittle ; the  secretions  of  the  salivary  glands  of  the 
mouth. 

Sal-i-va'-tion.  Increase  of  the  secretion  of  saliva. 

San'-a-tive.  Healing,  or  tending  to  heal. 

San'-guine  (sang'-gwin) . Abounding  in  blood,  or  having  the  color 
thereof. 

Sa'-ni-es.  A thin,  often  purulent  discharge  from  wounds  or  ulcers. 
Scab.  A crust  formed  over  a sore  in  healing. 

Scarf-Skin.  The  outer  skin  of  the  body. 

Scir'-rhous  (skir'-rus).  Hard;  knotty. 

Scor-bu'-tic.  Pertaining  to,  or  partaking  of  the  nature  of  scurvy. 
Scro'-tum.  The  bag  containing  the  testicles. 

Se-cre'-tion.  The  separation  of  any  substance  from  the  blood  for  a 
special  purpose. 

Sed'-a-tive.  A quieting  medicine  which  allays  irritation  and  soothes 
pain. 


612 


MEDICAL  DICTIONARY  OR  GLOSSARY. 


Sed'-en-ta-ry.  Accustomed  to,  or  requiring  much  sitting;  inactive. 
Sem'-i-nal.  Pertaining  to,  or  contained  in  seed. 

S er-rous.  Thin,  watery,  like  whey. 

Se'-rum.  The  watery  parts  of  the  blood,  or  of  milk. 
Si-al'-o-gogues.  Medicines  that  promote  the  flow  of  saliva. 
Sin'-a-pism.  A mustard  plaster. 

Sin'-ew  (sin'-yu).  that  which  unites  a muscle  to  a bone. 

Slough  (sluf).  The  part  that  separates  from  a wound. 

Slough'-ing  (sluff-ing) . The  separation  of  the  dead  flesh  from  a 
sore. 

So-lu'-tion.  A liquid  in  which  a solid  substance  has  been  dissolved. 
Sol '-vent.  Having  the  power  to  dissolve  solid  substances. 

Sor'-des.  The  dark  matter  deposited  upon  the  lips  and  teeth  in  low 
fevers. 

Spasm.  An  involuntary  contraction  of  the  muscles. 

Spe-cif'-ic.  An  infallible  remedy. 

Spi'-nal  Col'-umn.  The  back-bone. 

Spi'-nal  Cord.  The  nervous  marrow  in  the  spinal  column. 

Spleen.  The  milt ; it  is  situated  in  the  abdomen  and  attached  to  the 
stomach. 

Squa'-mous  (squa'-mus).  Scaly;  having  scales. 

Ster'-num.  The  breast-bone. 

Ster'-tor.  Noisy  breathing,  as  in  apoplexy  ; snoring. 

Ster-to'-rous.  Snoring. 

Stim'-u-lants.  Medicines  that  excite. 

Sto-mach'-ic.  A cordial  for  the  stomach,  exciting  its  action. 

Stool.  A discharge  from  the  bowels. 

Stran'-gu-ry.  Difficult  and  painful  expulsion  of  urine. 

Strict'-ure.  Unnatural  contraction  of  any  passage  of  the  body. 
Stru'-ma.  Scrofula. 

Stu'-por.  Insensibility ; numbness. 

Styp'-tic.  A medicine  which  coagulates  the  blood,  and  stops  bleeding. 
Sub-cu-ta'-ne-ous.  Under  the  skin. 

Su-dor-if'-ics.  Medicines  that  cause  sweating. 

Sup-pos'-i-to-ries.  Medicinal  substances  introduced  into  the  rectum 
to  favor  or  restrain  evacuations,  or  to  ease  pain. 

Sup-pu'-ra-tion.  Forming  of  pus. 

Sut'-ure.  The  peculiar  joint  uniting  the  bones  of  the  skull. 
Symp'-tom.  A sign  or  token  ; the  peculiar  marks  of  any  disease. 


MEDICAL  DICTIONARY  OR  GLOSSARY. 


613 


Syn'-co-pe.  Fainting  or  swooning. 

Syn'-o-cha.  Inflammatory  fever. 

Syph-i-lit'-ic.  Pertaining  to  the  venereal  disease  or  pox. 

Syr'-inge.  An  instrument  for  injecting  liquids  into  the  bowels,  ear, 
throat,  or  other  cavities  of  the  body. 

Tem'-per-a-ment.  Individual  constitution;  a peculiar  habit  of  body. 
Ten'-don.  A fibrous  cord  attached  to  to  the  extremity  of  a muscle. 
Te-nes'-mus.  A painful  bearing  down  sensation  in  the  lower  bowels. 
Tense,  Tension.  Rigid,  hard,  stiff;  drawn  tightly. 

Tep'-id.  Warm,  but  not  hot. 

Ter'-tian  (ter'-shun) . Occurring  every  other  day. 

Tes'-ti-cles.  Two  glandular  bodies  situated  in  the  scrotum,  belonging 
to  the  male  organs  of  generation. 

Tet'-a-nus.  Locked  jaw. 

Tib'-i-a.  The  large  bone  of  the  leg  below  the  knee. 

Tinct'-ure.  Medicine  dissolved  in  alcohol. 

Tho'-rax.  The  cavity  in  the  chest. 

To'-men-tose.  Downy;  nappy;  covered  with  the  finest  hairs  or 
down. 

Tor-mi'-na.  Severe  griping  pains. 

Ton'-ics.  Remedies  which  give  tone  and  strength  to  the  system. 
Ton'-sil.  Glands  situated  on  each  side  of  the  throat. 

Tor'-pid.  Dull,  stupid. 

Tra'-che-a.  The  windpipe. 

Tre'-mor.  Involuntary  shaking. 

Tu'-ber-cle  (tu'-ber-kl) . A pimple,  swelling,  or  small  tumor. 
Tu-me-fac'-tion.  The  act  of  swelling  or  forming  a tumor. 

Tu'-mor.  A distention  or  enlargement  of  any  part  of  the  body ; a 
swelling. 

Ty'-phoid.  Resembling  typhus  ; weak  ; low. 

Ty'-phus.  A form  of  low,  nervous  fever,  malignant,  infectious,  etc. 
UP-cer.  A sore,  discharging  pus. 

Um-biP-ic.  The  navel,  or  pertaining  to  the  navel. 

U'-rea.  A substance  found  in  the  urine. 

U-re'-ter.  The  duct  or  tube  through  which  the  urine  passes  from  the 
kidneys  to  the  bladder. 

U-re'-thra.  The  canal  of  the  penis  through  which  the  urine  passes 
from  the  body. 

U'-rine.  Water  evacuated  from  the  bladder. 


614 


MEDICAL  DICTIONARY  OR  GLOSSARY. 


U'-ter-us.  The  womb. 

U'  -vu-la.  The  small  conical  body  projecting  from  the  middle  or  the 
soft  palate. 

Vac'-ci-nate  (vak'-sin-nate) . To  inoculate  with  the  cow-pox  by 
inserting  the  vaccine  in  the  skin. 

Vac'-cine.  (vak'-sin).  Belonging  to,  or  matter  of,  the  cow-pox. 
Va-gi'-na.  The  passage  that  connects  the  vulva  with  the  womb. 
Vag-in-is'-mus.  Spasm  of  the  vagina,  caused  by  morbid  irritability. 
Val-e-tu-di-na'-ri-an.  A person  of  a weak,  infirm  or  sickly  constitu- 
tion. 

Va-ri'-o-lous.  Pertaining  to  or  denoting  small  pox. 

Ve'-hicle  (ve'-hi-kl).  A liquor  in  which  to  administer  medicines 
Ven'-e-ry.  Sexual  intercourse. 

Ve'-nous.  Relating  to  the  veins. 

Ven-ti-la'-tion.  A free  admission  or  motion  of  air. 

Ver'-mi-fuge.  A medicine  that  expels  worms. 

Ver'-ti-go.  Dizziness;  swimming  of  the  head. 

Ves'-i-ca-ting.  Blistering. 

Ves'-i-cle  (ves'-i-kl).  A little  bladder  of  water  formed  under  the  skin. 
Vir'-u-lent.  Extremely  injurious ; malignant;  poisonous. 

Vi'-rus.  Active,  contagious  matter. 

Vis'-ce-ra.  The  internal  organ  of  the  body. 

Vis'-cid.  Glutinous;  sticky;  tenacious. 

Vit'-re-ous  Humor.  One  of  the  fluids  of  the  eye,  resembling  glass. 
Vol'-a-tile.  Easily  evaporated  ; substances  that  waste  away  on  expos- 
ure to  the  atmosphere. 

Vul'-ner-a-ry.  Pertaining  to  wounds. 

Vul-va.  The  external  parts  of  the  female  organs  of  generation. 
Zy-mot'-ic.  Contagious ; infectious  ; such  diseases  as  may  be  inocu- 
lated. 


DANGEROUS  DISEASES 

CLASSIFIED  AND  GROUPED  ACCORDING  TO  SYMPTOMS- 


Iu  giving  the  symptoms  of  the  follov^yig  diseases  we  have  not  given  all  the  symptomf 
in  the  various  stages,  but  only  the  more  jirominent  ones  occurring  at  the  commencement. 


ERUPTIVE  DISEASES. 

Nettle  Rash. — This  eruption  consists  of  elevated  spots  on  the  surface  of 
the  skin,  attended  with  violent  burning,  or  tingling  and  itching.  It  sometimes 
appears  in  the  form  of  large  blotches. 

Erysipelas. — The  attack  is  preceded  by  symptoms  of  fever,  as  headache, 
shivering,  etc.,  followed  by  hot  skin,  quick  pulse,  pains  in  back  and  limbs. 
The  seat  of  inflammation  soon  begins  to  swell,  and  becomes  red  or  purplish, 
with  severe  tingling,  burning  sensation. 

Measles. — The  symptoms  at  first  are  similar  to  catarrh  or  cold  in  the 
head,  such  as  chilliness,  running  of  the  nose,  eyes  red  and  watery,  sneezing, 
pain  and  soreness  in  the  throat  and  chest,  fever  and  thirst.  The  eruption  gen- 
erally appears  on  the  fourth  day,  and  looks  like  flea  bites.  The  skin  feels 
rough  when  the  hand  is  passed  over  it. 

Scarlet  Rash. — The  eruption  is  preceded  by  chilliness,  heat,  restlessness, 
dryness  of  the  skin.  The  rash  appears  on  the  third  or  fourth  day.  The  differ- 
ence between  Scarlet  Fever  and  Scarlet  Rash  is  given  under  the  former 
disease. 

Scarlet  Fever. — At  the  commencement  there  is  more  or  less  fever,  with 
shivering,  lassitude,  headache.  The  person  will  complain  of  soreness  of  the 
throat,  and  on  examination  it  will  be  found  red  and  shining.  The  rash  makes 
its  appearance  in  two  days,  first  on  the  face  and  neck  ; the  redness  disappears 
on  making  pressure  with  the  finger.  The  difference  between  Scarlet  Fever  and 
Measles  is  given  under  the  latter  disease. 

Chicken  Pox. — Sometimes  at  first  there  will  be  symptoms  of  fever  ; this 
however  is  not  always  the  case.  The  eruption  appears  in  an  irregular  manner, 
differing  in  this  from  small  pox,  which  appears  first  on  the  face. 

Small  Pox. — This  disease  is  generally  preceded  by  a fever  lasting  three 
or  four  days.  In  the  first  stage  the  severe  pains  in  the  head  and  back  are  char- 
acteristic. The  eruption  appears  about  the  third  day,  in  the  form  of  small  bright 
red  specks,  and  first  on  the  face. 

FEVERS. 

Typhoid  Fever. — This  fever  generally  comes  on  gradually.  The  pa- 
tient may  complain  for  a long  time  of  weariness,  and  general  uneasiness.  These 
symptoms  having  continued  for  several  days  or  weeks,  the  patient  will  be  seized 
with  a chill,  followed  by  the  ordinary  symptoms  of  fever.  There  will  be  pain  in 
the  bowels  which  is  increased  by  pressure  over  the  right  side. 

Inflammation  of  the  Brain. — Generally  comes  on  gradually,  but 
sometimes  suddenly.  When  gradually,  the  patient  complains  for  some  time  of 
uneasiness,  wakefulness,  dizziness,  poor  appetite,  noises  in  the  head,  ringing  in 
the  ears,  frightful  dreams,  nausea,  vomiting,  etc.  As  the  disease  progresses, 
he  has  more  or  less  headache,  sometimes  exceedingly  severe,  and  violent  fever. 


615 


616 


SYMPTOMS  OF  DANGEROUS  DISEASES. 


Remittent  or  Bilious  Fever.— This  is  usually  preceded  by  weakness, 
lowness  of  spirits,  loss  of  appetite,  yawning  and  stretching,  flashes  of  heat  and 
cold.  These  symptoms  continue  several  days,  when  we  have  a well  marked 
chill,  followed  by  heat. 

Intermittent  Fever. — This  disease  is  characterized  by  paroxysms  of 
fever,  which  occur  at  regular  intervals.  The  paroxysm  consists  of  three  stages : 
the  cold  stage,  the  hot  stage,  and  the  sweating  stage.  The  cold  stage  is  preceded 
by  languor,  uneasiness,  stretching  and  yawning,  pains  in  the  back,  head,  and 
loins,  followed  by  chilliness  which  soon  extends  over  the  whole  body. 

AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  STOMACH  AND  BOWELS. 

Dyspepsia. — A sense  of  distention  of  the  stomach,  belching  of  wind, 
loss  of  appetit  % low  spirits,  tongue  coated,  or  pale  and  flabby. 

Stomach  Ache,  Colic. — A peculiar  twisting,  racking  pain  behind  the 
navel,  relieved  by  pressure  ; belly  hard,  and  drawn  up  into  lumps. 

Inflammation  of  the  Stomach. — Burning  pain  in  the  stomach  with 
thirst,  nausea,  and  vomiting,  desire  for  cold  drinks,  prostration  of  strength,  pain 
increased  by  pressure. 

Inflammation  of  the  Bowels. — Commences  with  a chill,  followed  by 
fever,  thirst,  hot  skin,  and  pain  of  a griping  character  in  the  bowels  ; the  pain  is 
increased  on  pressure,  and  sometimes  comes  in  paroxysms. 

Inflammation  of  the  Liver. — Begins  with  symptoms  of  fever,  with  a 
sensation  of  pricking  in  the  right  side,  and  pain  in  the  region  of  the  liver,  either 
acute  or  dull.  The  pain  sometimes  shoots  up  to  the  right  shoulder. 

Inflammation  of  the  Spleen. — Commences  with  the  common  symp- 
toms of  fever,  with  pain  in  the  left  side,  in  the  region  of  the  spleen,  with  tender- 
ness on  pressure.  Pain  dull  or  cutting. 

Worms. — The  symptoms  are  paleness,  itching  of  the  nose,  grinding  of  the 
teeth  during  sleep,  starting  from  sleep,  swollen  belly,  irregular  appetite. 

Diarrhoea. — Frequent  discharges  from  the  bowels,  with  a sense  of  weight, 
and  more  or  less  griping. 

Dysentery. — Loss  of  appetite,  with  constipation  or  diarrhoea,  followed  by 
passages  of  mucus  streaked  with  blood. 

Cholera  Morbus. — Generally  comes  on  suddenly,  with  vomiting  and 
purging,  accompanied  with  severe  griping  pains  in  the  bowels  and  stomach. 
The  discharges  consist  at  first  of  the  contents  of  the  bowels,  followed  by  watery, 
bilious  matter. 

Piles. — An  attack  is  preceded  by  a sense  of  weight  in  the  lower  part  of 
the  abdomen,  with  a painful  itching  about  the  anus. 

DISEASES  OF  INFANTS. 

Convulsions  of  Infants. — The  eyes  at  first  are  fixed,  the  muscles  of 
the  face  contract,  and  sometimes  there  is  foaming  at  the  mouth.  The  whole 
body  is  sometimes  convulsed. 

Thrush. — Redness  of  tongue  and  gums,  and  dryness  of  the  mouth. 
Whitish  spots  soon  appear  and  cover  the  entire  mouth. 

Cholera  Infantum. — The  attack  may  be  sudden,  with  violent  vomiting 
and  purging,  or  may  be  preceded  by  a slight  diarrhoea.  Everything  is  vomited, 
and  the  stools  are  streaked  with  green,  or  yellowish  and  watery. 

Croup. — Generally  commences  with  symptoms  of  catarrh,  with  dry 
cough,  hot  skin,  quick  pulse,  rattling  in  the  throat,  hoarseness.  When  the  child 
is  attacked,  the  cough  is  hoarse  and  ringing,  the  breathing  hurried,  face  flushed, 
etc. 

Hooping  Cough. — This  is  characterized  by  a convulsive  paroxysm  of 
coughing,  attended  with  hissing  breathing.  It  begins  with  symptoms  of  catarrh. 

Mumps. — Commence  with  fever,  and  symptoms  of  catarrh.  The  neck 
becomes  stiff  and  painful.  A swelling  soon  appears  at  the  angle  of  the  lower  jaw. 


HOW  TO  DETECT 


SUDDEN  AND  SERIOUS  MALADIES. 

# 

THE  CLINICAL  THERMOMETER. 


The  value  of  the  information  afforded  by  this  little,  simple  structure 
cannot  be  over-estimated  as  a guide  to  the  detection  and  treatment  of 
disease. 

Every  mother  ought  to  possess  one  of  these  thermometers,  and  be 
able  to  take  the  temperature  of  her  children.  A single  observation  will 
often  reveal  the  true  nature  of  a sudden  or  temporary  indisposition.  It 
will  indicate  the  existence  of  many  maladies  in  their  earliest  stages,  and 
point  out  the  necessity  for  prompt  treatment. 

The  clinical  thermometer  has  done  more  than  anything  to  render 
accurate  knowledge  of  the  nature  of  disease,  and  to  advance  the  art  of 
treatment.  It  is  in  daily  use  in  every  hospital  in  this  country,  and  ranks 
in  importance  with  the  stethoscope  ( heart  or  lung  tester).  The 
physician  without  his  thermometer  is  like  a mariner  without  his  compass. 
In  fact,  one  of  these  instruments  should  be  in  every  family,  or,  at  least, 
within  the  immediate  neighborhood.  The  actual  work  of  taking  the 
temperature  is  simple  and  easily  performed,  and  in  many  cases  it  is 
necessary  to  take  the  temperature  six  times  in  twenty-four  hours ; a 
careful  record  of  the  same  being  kept,  will  often  greatly  facilitate  the 
efforts  of  the  doctor  in  promoting  a speedy  recovery.  A sudden  rise  or 
fall  of  the  temperature  of  the  patient  foreshadows  peril,  several  hours 
in  advance,  (as  the  barometer  does  the  storm)  the  doctor  may  be 
summoned  and  enabled  to  ward  off  a deadly  exacerbation  or  collapse. 


618 


THE  CLINICAL  THERMOMETER. 


HO 


105 


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95 


A clinical  thermometer  does  not  differ  essentially 
from  the  common  weather  thermometer ; it  is  smaller, 
more  accurate,  and  is  not  supported  in  a frame.  The  • 
figures  are  engraved  on  the  glass,  and  are  graduated 
from  about  90  to  115  degrees.  These  thermometers 
are  generally  self-registering.  At  the  top  of  the 
mercury  there  is  a little  piece  which  has  purposely 
been  left  detatched,  to  serve  as  an  index.  Before 
taking  the  temperature  this  is  shaken  down  to  about 
96  degrees ; then,  as  the  mercury  rises,  the  detatched 
portion  is  left  at  the  highest  point  reached. 

The  Graduating  Scale  is  very  simple  and  easily 
understood.  Each  of  the  long  lines  counts  a degree, 
each  degree  is  subdivided  into  four  or  five  parts,  thus 
securing  accuracy  in  getting  the  exact  temperature. 
The  fractions  are  generally  written  decimally,  thus : 
3-4  are  written  .75. 

The  Normal  Temperature  of  the  body  is  about 

98.4. 

How  To  Take  The  Temperature.  There  are 
three  regions  where  the  temperature  may  convenient- 
ly be  taken  : the  bowel,  the  arm-pit,  and  under  the 
tongue.  In  the  case  of  children,  where  the  knowl- 
edge of  the  temperature  is  always  important,  the 
bowel  is  the  most  convenient  and  generally  more 
preferable.  The  observation  is  quickly  made  and  its 
accuracy  is  not  influenced  by  the  restlessness  of  the 
child.  With  adults  the  temperature  is  generally  taken 
in  the  arm-pit,  or  under  the  tongue.  The  tempera- 
ture under  the  tongue  is  more  readily  and  quickly 
ascertained,  and  particularly  in  cases  where  patients 
are  not  confined  in  bed  is  more  reliable. 

The  temperature  of  the  extremities  may  be 
ascertained  by  holding  the  thermometer  in  the  closed 
hand. 

The  following  is  the  method  of  ascertaining  the 
temperature  under  the  armpit : the  index  should  be 
shaken  down,  and  the  instrument  warmed  by  holding 
in  the  closed  hand  for  a moment.  The  patient,  if 


THE  CLINICAL  THERMOMETER. 


619 


lying  on  the  side,  should  be  turned  over,  and  the  observation  made  in 
what  was  the  lower  armpit.  The  bulb  of  the  instrument  should  be 
placed  snugly  within  the  folds  of  the  armpit,  carefully  observing  that  it 
is  in  contact  with  the  skin  on  all  sides,  and  that  none  of  the  garments 
interfere.  The  fore-arm  of  the  patient  should  be  laid  across  the  chest, 
while  in  this  position,  let  the  thermometer  remain  five  minutes. 

The  temperature  under  the  tongue  is  taken  as  follows  : shake  down 
the  index  and  warm  as  before ; place  the  bulb  of  the  instrument  as  far 
back  under  the  tongue  as  possible,  close  the  mouth,  and  breathe  through 
the  nose  for  three  minutes. 

The  temperature  in  the  bowel  is  taken  as  follows  : shake  down  the 
bulb  and  warm  instrument  as  above  directed ; if  the  patient  is  an  adult, 
he  should  lay  on  one  side,  with  knees  well  drawn  up ; if  a child,  let  it 
be  placed  on  its  chest  across  its  mother’s  knees,  or  its  legs  may  simply 
be  held  up  enough  to  expose  the  parts ; dip  the  instrument  into  sweet 
oil,  and  pass  the  bulb  through  the  anus  into  the  bowel  for  a space  of 
about  two  inches,  and  let  it  remain  three  minutes. 

The  instrument  should  be  thoroughly  cleansed  after  each  observa- 
tion and  in  cases  of  contagious  diseases,  cleanse  with  carbolic  acid  or 
Tilden’s  fluid.  The  frequency  of  observations  must  be  regulated  by  the 
urgency  of  the  case. 

In  chronic  illness,  morning  and  evening  will  be  sufficient ; in  cases 
of  fever,  etc.,  every  three  or  four  hours  may  be  necessary,  and  in  cases 
of  imminent  danger  much  oftener. 

Clinical  thermometers  can  be  had  at  most  all  thoroughly  equipped 
drug  stores. 

What  is  wanted  is  a “clinical  self  registering  thermometer,”  they 
are  made  of  all  sizes.  A four  inch  instrument  will  be  found  most 
convenient.  In  purchasing  a clinical  thermometer,  do  not  be  induced 
to  buy  a fancy  case  with  a cheap  instrument  inside  ; cheap  instruments 
are  very  little  better  than  none. 

By  addressing  King,  Richardson  & Co.,  Springfield,  Mass.,  and 
enclosing  three  dollars  and  ten  cents  ($3.10)  you  will  receive,  by  mail, 
a thermometer  which  has  been  thoroughly  tested  by  the  professor 
of  chemistry  at  Yale  college,  and  warranted  to  be  accurate.  Each 
instrument  is  carefully  packed,  and  guaranteed  to  reach  its  destination 
in  perfect  order. 


SdOTiH? 


PHRENOLOGY  ILLUSTRATED 


NATURAL  LANGUAGE  OF  THE 
FACULTIES. 


NAMES  AND  NUMBERS  OF  THE  ORGANS. 


DEFINITION  OF  THE  ORGANS. 


1.  Amativeness,  Love  between  the  sexes — desire  to  marry. 

A.  Conjugality,  Matrimony — love  of  one — union  for  life. 

2.  Parental  love,  Regard  for  offspring,  pets,  etc. 

3.  Friendship,  Adhesiveness — sociability — love  of  society. 

4.  Inhabitiveness,  Love  of  home  and  country. 

5.  Continuity,  One  thing  at  a time — consecutiveness. 

E.  Vitativeness,  Love  and  tenacity  of  life — dread  of  annhilation. 

6.  Combativeness,  Resistance — defense — courage — opposition. 

7.  Destructiveness,  Executiveness — force — energy. 

8.  Alimentiveness,  Appetite — hunger* — love  of  eating. 

9.  Acquisitiveness,  Accumulation — frugality — economy. 

10.  Secretiveness,  Discretion — reserve — policy — management. 

1 1 . Cautiousness,  Prudence — provision — watchfulness. 

12.  Approbativeness,  Ambition — display — love  of  praise. 

13.  Self-Esteem,  Self-respect — independence — dignity. 

14.  Firmness,  Decision — perseverance — stability — tenacity  of  will. 

15.  Conscientiousness,  Integrity — love  of  right — justice — equity. 

16.  Hope,  Expectation — enterprise — anticipation. 

17.  Spirituality,  Intuition — faith — “light  within” — credulity. 

18.  Veneration,  Reverence  for  sacred  things — devotion — respect. 

19.  Benevolence,  Kindness — goodness — sympathy — philanthropy. 

20.  Constructiveness,  Mechanical  ingenuity — sleight  of  hand. 

21.  Ideality,  Refinement — love  of  beauty — taste — purity. 

B.  Sublimity,  Love  of  grandeur — infinitude — the  endless. 

22.  Imitation,  Copying — patterning — mimicry — following  examples. 

23.  Mirthfulness,  perception  of  the  absurd — jocoseness — wit — fun. 

24.  Individuality,  Observation — desire  to  see  and  examine. 

25.  Form,  Recollections  of  shape — memory  of  persons  and  faces. 

26.  Size,  Cognizance  of  magnitude — measuring  by  the  eye. 

27.  Weight,  Balancing — climbing — perception  of  the  law  of  gravity. 

28.  Color,  Perception  and  judgment  of  colors,  and  love  of  them. 

29.  Order,  Perception  and  love  of  method — system — arrangement. 

30.  Calculation,  Cognizance  of  numbers — mental  arithmetic. 

31.  Locality,  Recollection  of  places  and  scenery. 

32.  Eventuality,  Memory  of  facts  and  circumstances. 

33.  Time,  Cognizance  of  duration  and  succession  of  time — punctuality. 

34.  Tune,  Sense  of  harmony  and  melody — love  of  music. 

35.  Language,  Expression  of  ideas — memory  of  words. 

36.  Causality,  Applying  causes  to  effect — originality. 

37.  Comparison,  Inductive  reasoning — analysis — illustration. 

C.  Human  Nature,  Perception  of  character  and  motives. 

D.  Agreeableness,  Pleasantness — suavity — persuasiveness. 

621- 


TOILET  REMEDIES 


m 

SIMPLE,  EFFICIENT,  AND  HEALTHFUL. 

0 


Dandruff  (to  remove , and  to  cleanse  the  scalp  thoroughly). — 
Take  as  much  boracic  acid  as  you  can  dissolve  in  a half  pint  of  soft 
water.  Apply  three  times  a day. 

Hair  Oil  (very  fine). — Castor  oil,  cologne  and  alcohol,  each  four 
ounces  ; oil  lemon  grass,  one-half  dram  ; oil  bergamot,  ten  drops. 

Shampoo  (excellent  to  cleanse  the  hair  and  scalp). — Salts  of 
tartar,  powdered  borax,  aqua  ammonia,  each  one-half  ounce  ; rain 
water,  one  pint. 

Tooth  Powder  (excellent). — Powdered  borax,  one-half  ounce; 
powdered  chalk,  three  ounces;  add  a few  drops  oil  of  wintergreen. 
In  using  a tooth  powder  some  prefer  to  touch  the  brush  to  toilet 
soap  then  dip  into  powder. 

Chapped  and  Rough  Hands. — Wash  the  hands  in  vinegar 
with  a handful  of  oatmeal  added,  then  apply  a dressing  made  of 
glycerine  and  rose  water,  equal  parts. 

Hair  Curling  Liquid. — Salt  of  tartar  (carbonate  of  potassa), 
one-quarter  ounce ; aqua  ammonia  and  cologne,  each  one  dram 
Shake  daily  for  a week,  then  strain.  Directions  : Moisten  the  hair 
and  adjust  loosely;  as  it  dries  it  shows  its  tendency  to  curl. 

Complexion  Powder  (excellent  and  harmless). — Prepared 
chalk,  one  ounce  ; cologne  and  alcohol,  each  two  and  one-half  ounces  ; 
distilled  water,  one  and  one-half  ounce  ; glycerine,  one-half  ounce  ; 
extract  of  heliotrope,  one  dram.  Dissolve  chalk  in  the  alcohol,  then 
mix  all  together.  Directions  : Shake  well  before  using,  apply  with 
sponge  or  soft  cloth,  when  dry  remove  chalk  to  suit  complexion. 

Gray  Hair,  to  Darken  (not  injurious). — Glycerine  and  rose 
water,  each  one  ounce.  Work  well  into  the  roots  of  the  hair  at  each 
morning’s  dressing. 


622 


PRESCRIPTION  REGISTER. 


EXPLANATION. 


The  design  of  this  Register  is  to 
record  prescriptions  and  remedies  that 
have  been  proved  valuable,  which  would 
otherwise  be  irreparably  lost,  or  neces- 
sitate the  expense  of  a duplicate.  A 
proper  entry,  in  each  case,  will  give  the 
disease  it  is  intended  to  relieve,  the  date 
when  the  Physician  was  called,  or 
• when  the  medicine  was  used  ; by  whom 
prescribed ; the  required  dose ; the 
Druggist  compounding  it,  and  the  pre- 
scription number.  Their  preservation 
for  future  use  will  be  found  not  only  a 
convenience,  but  will  often  prove  “a 
friend  in  need,”  making  this  an  inval- 
uable feature  of  the  work.  See  annexed 
blank  filled  out. 

THE  PUBLISHERS. 


/»«..*> 189 

pr  Geo.  S.  St  ebb  ins. 

Remedy  for 

R 

Menthol,  - j drs. 

Oil  of  Wintergreen , i “ 

Oil  of  Peppermint,  i “ 
Alcohol,  - - - 3 “ 

Dose  ^ fifty..  externatty: 

How  often, Fre?uently- 

....“'O..  Druggist.  No ..14%* 

REMARKS: 


Dr 

Remedy  for 


189 


Dr 

Remedy  for. 


189 


Dose, 

How  often, 

Druggist.  Nq, 

REMARKS: 


Dose, 

How  often, 

Druggist.  No 

REMARKS 

623 


624 


PRESCRIPTION  REGISTER. 


189 

189 

Dr 

Remedy  for 

R 

Dr 

Remedy  for 

R 

Dose, 

Dose, 

How  often, 

Druggist  No 

REMARKS: 

How  often, 

Druggist.  No 

REMARKS: 

189 

189 

Dr : 

Remedy  for 

R 

Dr... 

Remedy  for 

R 

Dose, 

How  often, 

Druggist.  No 

REMARKS; 

Dose, 

How  often, 

Druggist.  No 

REMARKS : 

PRESCRIPTION  REGISTER. 


625 


Dr 

Remedy  for 


189 


Dr. 


Remedy  tor 

R 


189 


Dose, 

How  often, 

Druggist.  No 

REMARKS: 


Dose, 

How  often, 

Druggist.  No, 

REMARKS : 


Dr 

Remedy  for 


189 


Dr 

Remedy  for. 


189 


Dose, 

How  often, 

Druggist.  No, 

REMARKS: 


Dose, 

How  often, 

Druggist.  No, 

REMARKS : 


626 


PRESCRIPTION  REGISTER. 


Dr 

Remedy  for  ..„ 


189 


Dr 

Remedy  tor. 


189 


Dose, 

How  often, 

Druggist.  No 

REMARKS: 


Dose, 

How  often, 

Druggist.  No 

REMARKS: 


Dr. 


Remedy  for 

R 


189 


Dr 

Remedy  for. 


189 


Dose, 

How  often, 

Druggist.  No. 


Dose, 

How  often, 

Druggist.  No.. .. 


PEMARKS : 


REMARKS : 


PRESCRIPTION  REGISTER. 


6x5* 


189 

1 89 

Dr 

Dr 

Remedy  for 

tit 

Remedy  for 

tit 

Dose, 

How  often, 

Dose, 

How  often, 

Druggist.  No 

REMARKS: 

Druggist.  No 

REMARKS : 

189 

189 

Dr 

Dr 

Remedy  for 

R 

Remedy  for 

R 

Dose, 

how  often, 

Dose, 

How  often, 

Druggist,  No 

REMARKS: 

Druggist.  No 

REMARKS : 

HOUSEHOLD  MEMORANDA 

FOR  MISCELLANEOUS  RECIPES  AND  VALUABLE  INFORMATION. 

- 

* 

....  ..  ^ j 

630 


631 


INDEX. 


The  heavy  face  black  numbers  refer  to  the  Homoeopathic  treatment. 


A 


Abdomen,  Anatomy  of  46 

Abortion 268  388 

Abrasion  of  the  skin 460 

Abscess 95  360 

Abscess  in  the  ear 95  360 

Abscess  of  bone — 61 

Abscess  in  the  breast 285 

Absinthe 403 

Accidents  and  emergencies 452 

Accident  and  injuries  462 

Accidents,  To  avoid 494 

Accouchement 286 

Acid  Phosphate,  Horsford’s 532 

Acids 500 

“ Citric 403 

“ Gallic 403 

“ Muriatic 403 

“ Carbonic 403 

“ Carbolic 403 

“ Nitric 404 

“ Oxalic 404 

“ Sulphuric 404 

“ Tannic 404 

“ Tartaric 404 

Aconite 404  395 

Acute  intlamation  of  the  bowels. . . 107  861 

Acute  or  inflammatory  fever 167 

Acute  rheumatism 237 

Administering  medicines 514 

Affections  of  stomach 616 

Ague 165 

Ague  Mixture,  Christie’s 534 

Ague  Mixture,  Jayne’s 533 

Ague  root 407 

Agrimony 404 

Air 79 

Air  and  temperature  of  nursery. . . . 303 

Alcohol 404 

Alkekenge 404 

Allen’s  Lung  Balsam 533 

Allspice 404 

Almond,  sweet 404 

Aloes . . 406 

Alum 406 

Alum  root 423 

Amaurosis 191 

Amenorrhcea 270 

American  hellebore 401 

“ valerian 421 

Ammonia 406 

Anaemia  291  889 

Anatomy  of  the  human  body  9 

Anchylosis 254 

Aneurism 96 

Angina  pectoris 221,  37  3 378 


Anise  406 

Ankle,  Dislocation  of  the 473 

Antidotes 523 

Antidotes,  diseases  ....» — 519 

Antidotes  to  poisons 530 

Antimony 500 

Anti-dyspeptic  powder 432 

Anti-dyspeptic  pills  432 

Antispasmodic  tincture 432 

Appetite,  deficient 137 

Apis  mel 395 

Apoplexy 97,  99  360 

Apothecaries’  weight 357 

Apparent  death  from  drowning. . : . 458 

“ “ “ lightning....  459 

“ “ “ vapors 459 

“ “ “ cold 460 

“ “ “ hanging 460 

“ “ “ a blow 460 

“ “ “ hunger 460 

Approximate  measures 356 

Aquafortis 406,  500 

Arbor  vitae 430 

Areca  nut 406 

Arnica 406 

Arnica  montana 895 

Arrowroot 408 

Arsenic,  Poisoning  by 500 

Arsenic 408 

Arsenicum 395 

Arteries 64 

Arterial  system 65 

Assafoetida 408 

Assimilation,  To  increase 504 

Asthma 99,  101,  447  360 

Asthma  Cure,  Himrod’s 531 

Asiatic  cholera 117  363 

Attenuations 359 

Atropine 408 

Atrophy 246,  263  388 

Aubergier’s  Syrup  Lactucarium.. . 536 

August  Flower,  Green’s 533 

Ayer’s  Sarsaparilla 531 

“ Ague  Cure  531 

“ Cathartic  Pills 531 


B 

Back,  Pains  in  the 101  361 

Baldness 101  361 

Balsam  of  Peru 408 

Balsam  of  Tolu  — 408 

Balsam  of  Canada.  Tincture  of 446 

Balm 408 

Balmony 408,  432 

Balm  of  Gilead 408 


632 


INDEX, 


633 


Bandaging,  Art  of 452 

Bandy  Legs 466 

Baneberry 408 

Barberry 408,  432 

Barker’s  Pills 536 

Barrenness 291  389 

Barber’s  Itch 102  361 

Barks 402 

Bateman’s  Pectoral  Drops 536 

Bathing 84 

Bathing  for  infants 304 

Baths 506 

Bayberry 408,  415,  432 

Bearberry 408,  421 

Bed  sores 102  361 

Belladonna 408,  417  896 

Betel  nut 406 

Beth-root 432 

Betony 433 

Bichloride  of  gold  treatment 326 

Biennials 402 

Bilious  colic 122 

Bilious  fever 166  369 

Bilious  headache 183 

Biliousness 447 

Bile 50 

Birch  bark 408 

Bites  and  stings  486 

Bites  from  insects 486 

Bitter  root 408,  411,  433 

Bittersweet 397 

Bitters,  Indiana 535 

“ Hostetter’s  535 

“ Stoughton 535 

Boschee’s  German  Syrup 536 

Blackberry 408 

Black  cohosh 410,  419,  433 

Black  oak  bark 410,430 

Black  snakeroot 410,  419,  433 

Black  lead 398 

Black  salve.  ...  538 

Bladder,  The 55 

Bladder,  Inflammation  of  the 195  374 

Bladder,  Irritation  of  the 206  376 

Blear  eye 586, 103 

Bleeding  from  the  bladder 103 

Bleeding  from  the  nose 104  361 

Bleeding  from  the  lungs 105  361 

Blindness 106 

Blood  Mixture,  Clark’s 534 

Bloody  urine 103  361 

Bloodroot 410,  413 

Blow,  Apparent  death  f rom 460 

Blood,  The 69 

Blue  pimpernel 445 

Blue  skullcap 405 

Blue  flag 409,  410 

Blue  copperas,  Poisoning  by 501 

Blue  conosh 411 

Blush,  Inflammatory 200 

Bouncing  root 445 

Bones,  The 56 

Boneset 410,  411,  433 

Bones,  Ulceration  of  the 261  383 

Borax 428 

Bowels,  as  indicating  disease 89 

Bowels,  Acute  inflammation 106,  616  361 

Bowels,  Chronic  inflammation 107  862 

Bowel,  Falling  of 163 

Boxwood 415 

Brain,  Anatomy  of  the 11 

Brain,  Inflammation  of  the 124 

Brandreth’s  Pills 536 

Bread  of  life 435 

Breath,  Fetid 171 


Breath,  Offensive 223 

Breasts,  the 284 

Bronchitis 107,  447  362 

Brown’s  Troches 534 

Brow  ache 185 

Brow  ague 185 

Bruises 458 

Bryonia  alba 396 

Buckthorn 410 

Bugle  weed 410,  417,  433 

Burns  and  scalds 456 

Burdock 410,  433 

Burgundy  pitch 439 

Burdock,  Tincture  of 446 

Butternut 410,  433 

Butterfly  weed 417,  442 


Caffeine,  Caffeina,  or  Caffeia 410 

Calamus 410 

Calcarea  carbonica 896 

Calico  bush 423 

Calomel  410,  502 

Camomile 433 

Camomile  pills 433 

Camphor 410 

Cancer 109  862 

Canker  of  the  mouth 308, 110,  434  862 

Canada  snakeroot 433 

Canker,  Compound  for 434 

Cantharis 428  896 

Caraway,  Seeds  of 412 

Carbolic  Salve,  Henry’s 538 

Carbo  vegetabilis 896 

Carditis 192 

Care  of  the  teeth 351 

Caries 261 

Carolina  pink 413,  426 

Carrot 412 

Carter’s  Little  Liver  Pills 532 

Castor  oil 412 

Catalepsy Ill  362 

Cataract 112  862 

Catarrh 112,  114,  447  868 

Catarrhal  fever  208 

Catarrh  Cure,  Hall’s 533 

Catarrh  Remedy,  Sage’s 584 

Cathartic  Pills,  Ayers 531 

Cathartics 447 

Catmint 412 

Catnip 412 

Cayenne  pills 434 

Cayenne  pepper 412 

Cements 538 

Centaury.  American  412 

Central  applications 510 

Cerium,  Oxalate  of 412 

Chalk,  Prepared 412 

Chamomile  flowers 412 

Chamomilla ggo 

Chapped  or  cracked  lips 115,  447  363 

Charcoal 414  896 

Chestnut  leaves 414 

Chiccory 414 

Chicken  pox 116,  321,  615  863 

Chilblains 115  863 

Childbirth 287 

Child  crowing 315,  328 

Children’s  diseases 296,  334  890 

China 896 

Chloral,  Hydrate  of 414 

Chlorate  of  potash 414 

Chloride  of  tin,  Poisoning  by 501 

Chloride  of  zinc  “ “ . 


601 


634 


INDEX. 


Choice  Family  Liniment 537 

Choking  461 

Cholera,  Asiatic 117,  118  363 

Cholera  morbu3 119,120,  448,  616  363 

Cholera  infantum 311,448,  616  391 

Cholera,  diarrhoea,  dysentery 434 

Chordee 179 

Chorea 255  382 

Christie’s  Ague  Mixture 534 

Christmas  rose 420 

Chronic  inflammation  of  the  bowels  107  362 

Chronic  catarrh 114  363 

Chronic  rheumatism 236 

Cina 397 

Cinchona  bark 414 

Cinnamon 414 

Circulation,  To  regulate  the 504 

Clark’s  Blood  Mixture 534 

Clergyman’s  sore  throat 120 

Clinical  thermometer 617 

Clouded,  colored  urine 123 

Cloves 416 

Coakum 409 

Cocculus  indicus 501  397 

Cod  liver  oil 416 

Coffea 397 

Cold 449 

Cold,  Apparent  death  from 460 

Cold  in  the  head 315  391 

Colds 210 

Colic 121,  123,  448,  616  363 

Colic,  Painters’ 121  363 

Colic  weed 407 

Colic,  Wind 122 

Colic,  Bilious  122 

Colic  of  infants 309  390 

Colic,  Remedy  for 434 

Collar-bone,  Dislocation  of  the  — 468 

Collar-bone,  Fracture  of  the 478 

Colocynthis 397 

Colt’s  foot  416,433 

Comf  rey 435 

Compound  fractures  482 

Compound  spirit  of  ether 416 

Composition  powder  434 

Concussion  of  the  brain 124  364 

Condition  Powders,  St.  John’s 534 

Conditions  of  health  74 

Condyles,  Fracture  of  the 477 

Confinement 286  388 

Congestion 125 

Congestion  of  the  brain 125  364 

Congestive  headache 184 

Conserve,  stimulating 435 

Constipation 131,448  364 

Constipation  during  pregnancy 282  387 

Constipation  of  infants 310  391 

Consumptive  Cure,  Shilo’s 533 

Contagious  diseases — 320 

Contagious  parasitic  diseases 324 

Contused  wounds 489 

Constitutions 335 

Consumption 127, 130, 435, 448  364 

Consumption,  Powder  for 435 

Convulsions 125,  294,  317,  364  389 

Convulsions  in  infants 317,  616  392 

Copper,  Poisoning  by 501 

Copperas 416,  503 

Corns  132 

Cornea,  Ulceration  of 133  364 

Corpulence  133  865 

Corrosive  sublimate,  Poisoning ....  502 

Cough 134,  449  365 

Cough  drops  or  syrup 435 

Cough  Lozenges,  Keating’s 534 


Cough  pills  435 

Cough  powders  435 

Countenance,  indicating  disease...  87 

Cow’s  milk 588 

Cramp 135  365 

Cramp  of  the  legs 888 

Cramp  of  stomach,  Remedy  for — 435 
Cramp  or  spasm  of  the  stomach ...  136  365 

Cranesbill  416,  423 

Creosote 416 

Croup 314, 322,  449,  616  391 

Croup,  Membranous 391 

Croup,  Syrup  for  the 426 

Crow  corn 407 

Crow  foot 423 

Crushes  and  jams 492 

Cubebs.  416 

Cupping 492 

Cuticura  Resolvent 533 

Cut  throat 461 

Cuttle  fish 400 

Cuts 465 

Cuts  from  flesh 466 

Curative  powder  436 


Cyanide  of  potassium,  Poisoning  by  503 


D 

Dandelion 416 

Dandruff 449,  622 

Deadly  nightshade 408,  417  395 

Deafness 136  365 

Death 586 

Death  from  cold 460 

Death  from  a fall  or  blow 460 

Death  from  strangling 460 

Death  from  hunger 460 

Debility 137 

Decoctions 430,  432 

Defective  appetite 137  365 

Delayed  menstruation 269  385 

Delirium  tremens 137,  449  365 

Dewberry 408 

De wee’s  Carminative 536 

Diabetes 139,  306,  366  390 

Diabetes  mellitus 366 

Diabetes  of  infants 306  390 

Diabetes.  Powder  for 436 

Diagnosis,  Electrical 509 

Diarrhoea 140,  449,  616  366 

Diarrhoea  of  infants 310,448  391 

Digitalis 418 

Digestibility  of  food 77 

Digestion,  Process  of 48 

Digestive  power,  To  increase 504 

Dilation  of  the  heart 142  366 

Diphtheria 295  a,  143,  322,  449  366 

Discolored  skin 144 

Disease  germs,  To  destroy 528 

Disease,  Indications  of 87 

Disease  of  the  valves  of  the  heart.  146 

Diseases  and  their  remedies 95 

Diseases,  Antidotes 519 

Diseases  of  infants 616 

Diseases  of  the  heart  186  378 

Diseases  of  the  spinal  cord 252  382 

Diseases  of  pregnancy 282  387 

Diseases  of  children 296,  334  390 

Diseases  of  old  age 584 

Diseases  of  women 267  884 

Disinfectants 528 

Dislocations 467 

Dislocation  of  lower  jaw 468 

Dislocation  end  of  collar  bone 468 

Dislocation  of  shoulder 468 


INDEX. 


635 


Dislocation  of  elbow-joint 469 

Dislocation  of  fingers  or  toes 470 

Dislocation  of  the  wrist-joint 470 

Dislocation  of  the  hip-joint 470 

Dislocation,  backward 471 

Dislocation,  downward,  inward...  472 

Dislocation, -upward,  inward 472 

Dislocation  of  the  knee-pan 472 

Dislocation  of  foot  at  ankle 473 

Disorders  of  the  sweat  glands 145 

Disorders  of  the  oil  glands 145 

Diuretic  powder 436 

Dizziness 144  367 

Dock  ointment 436 

Dog’s-bane 411,  433 

Dogwood 415 

Domestic  remedies 432 

Doses  proper  for  different  ages ....  356 

Dover’s  powder 416 

Dove’s  foot 423 

Drop  berry 445 

Dropsy 146,  147,  449  367 

Dropsy,  Decoction  for 436 

Dropsy  of  the  heart  145 

Dropsy,  Powder  for 436 

Drosera 397 

Drowning,  To  resuscitate  from ....  458 

Dulcamara 397 

Dysentery 147,  150,  322,  450,  616  367 

Dysmenorrhoea 272  385 

Dyspepsia.  151,  450,  616  367 

E 

Ear,  Anatomy  of  the 43 

Earache 153,  450  368 

Ear,  Foreign  bodies  in  the 499 

Ear,  Inflammation  of  the 199 

Ear,  Noises  in  the 222 

Ear,  Polypus  of  the 232 

Ear,  Wax  in  the 265 

Eczema 259,260  379 

Edison’s  Polvform.  536 

Eggs  as  food  75 

Egyptian  ophthalmia 232 

Elbow-joint,  Dislocation  of  the...  469 

Elecampane 418 

Elderberries  and  bark 418 

Electrical  diagnosis 509 

Electricity,  central  applications  ...  510 

Electricity,  Healing  power  of 507 

Elm  poultice 436 

Ely’s  Cream  Balm 533 

Emaciation 263  383 

Emetic  powder 436,450 

Emissions,  Nocturnal 222 

Enlargement  of  the  uvula 154  368 

Enlargement  of  the  heart 154 

Epilepsy..  155,  157  368 

Epsom  salts 418,424 

Eruptions 450 

Eruptive  diseases 615 

Eruptive  diseases  of  the  scalp 157 

Erysipelas 158,  160/615  368 

Erysipelas  of  infants 307  390 

Erysipelas,  Decoction  for 436 

Erythema 200  376 

Excretion,  To  increase 504 

Exercise 83,  301 

Expectorant,  Jayne’s 533 

Expectoration 91 

Exhaustion 161  368 

Eye,  Anatomy  of  the 38 

Eye,  as  indicating  disease 87 


Eye,  Inflammation  of  the 197  375 

Eye,  Substances  in  the 484 

Eyelids,  Inflammation  of  the 198 

Eyes,  Treatment  of  the 161,  162  368 

Eyewashes 450 

Eye  Water,  Thompson’s 536 

Eyes,  weakness 264 


F 

Face,  Anatomy  of  the 31 

Faeces,  as  indicating  diseases 89 

Fainting 162  369 

Fall,  Apparent  death  from 460 

Falling  of  the  fundament 163 

Falling  off  of  the  hair 181  372 

False  pregnancy 284 

Farcy 174 

Fellows’  Syrup  of  Hypophosphites  532 

Felons 164,  325  369 

Females,  Cordial  for 437 

Female  corrective  pills 437 

Female  corrective  powders 437 

Female  organs  of  generation 56 

Female  restorative  pills 437 

Female  restorative  powders 437 

Female  strengthening  syrup 438 

Fennel  seed 418 

Fetid  breath 171  371 

Fever  and  ague 165  369 

Feverfew 418 

Fever-root 418 

Fever-wort 433 

Fevers 164,  450,  615,  369,  389 

Fevers,  Tonic  decoction  after 438 

Fevers,  Remedy  for 438 

Fig 418 

Finger,  Fracture  of 474 

Finger,  Ingrowing  nail 466 

Fingers,  toes,  Dislocation  of. 470 

Fish,  Poisoning  by 501 

Fistula 171  371 

Fits 125 

Fits  of  infants 317  392 

Flatulence 451 

Flax,  common 438 

Flaxseed 418 

Flaxseed,  Emulsion  of 438 

Fleabane 418 

Flooding 276  386 

Flooding,  Remedy  for 437 

Flowers 402 

Flowering  cornel 415 

Food  for  sick 589 

Food  for  infants 299,  588 

Food,  Variety  of 74 

Fore-arm,  Fracture  of  the 475 

Foreign  bodies  in  the  ear  499 

Foreign  substance  in  the  eye 484 

Foreign  substance  in  the  nose ....  498 

Foxglove 407,  418 

Fracture  of  the  skull 474 

Fracture  of  the  thigh 481 

Fracture  of  the  finger 474 

Fracture  of  the  hand  or  fingers ...  474 

Fracture  of  the  fore-arm 475 

Fracture  of  the  humerus 476 

Fracture  of  neck  of  humerus 477 

Fracture  of  the  condyles 477 

Fracture  of  the  shoulder-blade — 477 

Fracture  of  the  collar-bone 478 

Fracture  of  the  ribs 478 

Fracture  of  the  lower  jaw 479 

Fracture  of  knee,  ankle-joint 479 


636 


INDEX. 


Fracture  of  the  knee-pan 480 

Fracture  of  the  pelvis 482 

Fractures 473 

Frost-bite 461 

Fumigation 529 

Fumitory 438 

Fumitory,  Compound  decoction . . . 438 

G 

Gall-bladder 51 

Gallstones 172  371 

Gangrene 173  371 

Gangrenous  stomatitis 110 

Gargle 451 

Garget 409 

Gargle  in  putrid  sore  throat 367 

Garlic 418 

Gastralgia 451 

Gastritis 194 

General  debility 137 

Generative  organs 55 

German  cologne 532 

Germander 418 

German  Liniment 537 

Germs  of  disease,  To  destroy 528 

Ginger 418 

Ginger,  Syrup  of 439 

Ginger,  Tincture  of 446 

Ginseng  415,  420 

Glanders 174 

Glands 68 

Glandular  swelling 174  371 

Glasses,  When  to  use 162 

Glonoine 397 

Glossitis 200 

Glycerine 420 

Golden  rod 420 

Golden  seal 405,439 

Gonorrhoea 174  371 

Gonorrhoea,  Pills  for  439 

Good  Samaritan  Liniment 537 

Gout 180  372 

Graphites 398 

Gravel 180,  451 

Gravel  root 443 

Gravel  and  stone,  Decoction  for. . . 439 

Gravel  and  stone,  Pills  for 439 

Gray  hair 181 

Green  Mountain  Salve 538 

Green  ozier 415 

Green  sickness 292 

Green  vitriol,  Poisoning  by 501 

Green’s  August  Flower 533 

Grindelia 420 

Ground  holly 409 

Ground  ivy 420 

Guarana  420 

Guaiacum  and  sassafras,  Tincture  446 

Gum  arabic 420 

Gum-boil 181  372 

Gums 38 

Gums,  lips,  indicating  disease 89 

Gunshot  wounds ....  490 


H 

Hair,  Gray 181 

Hair,  Weakness  of  the 181 

Hall’s  Catarrh  Cure 533 

Hall’s  Hair  Renewer 532 

Hamlin’s  Wizard  Oil 537 

Hanging,  Apparent  death  from...  460 
Hardhack  root 411,  420 


Harter’s  Wild  Cherry  Bitters 534 

Hartshorn 406 

Hay  asthma 182 

Hay  fever 182  372 

Head,  Anatomy  of  the 9 

Headache 182,  451  372 

Headache  snuff 439 

Healall 411 

Healing  drawing  plaster 439 

Healing  salve 439 

Healing  and  cleansing  salve 439 

Healing  and  softening  salve 439 

Health,  Conditions  of 74 

Heart,  Anatomy  of  the 28 

Heart,  Dilation  of  the. 142  366 

Heart  disease  186 

Heart,  Disease  of  the  valves  of  the  146 

Heart,  Dropsy  of  the 145 

Heart,  Enlargement  of  the  154 

Heart,  Neuralgia  of  the 221  873 

Heart,  Palpitation  of  the.. 187,  224,873  378 

Heartburn  187 

Heart,  Shrinking 246 

Heartburn  during  pregnancy 283  387 

Hebra’s  Ointment 538 

Hellebore,  Black 420 

Hemlock,  Poison 405,  420 

Hemlock  tree 440 

Hemoptysis 105 

Hemorrhages 451 

Henbane 417  398 

Henry’s  Carbolic  Salve 538 

Hepar  sulphur 898 

Hepatic  pills 440 

Hernia 498 

Herpes 259 

Hiccough 187  373 

Himrod’s  Asthma  Cure 531 

Hip-joint  disease 188  873 

H ip-]  oint,  Dislocation  of  the 470 

Hoarseness 188  373 

Holmes’  Frostilla. 536 

Homoeopathic  remedies 360  393 

Hood’s  Sarsaparilla 531 

Hoodwort 405,  445 

Hooping  cough 316,  451,  616  391 

Hops 420 

Horehound  422 

Horsebalm 422 

Horsefly  weed 407 

Horsford’s  Acid  Phosphate 532 

Horseweed 411,  418 

Hostetter’s  Bitters 535 

Humerus,  Fracture  of  the 476 

Hunger 460 

Hydrochloric  acid 403 

Hydrophobia  188  373 

Hydrothorax  145 

Hyoscyamus  niger 398 

Hypertrophy 154 

Hypochondria 190  373 

Hypochondria  pills 440 

Hypophosphites,  Fellows’  Syrup  of  532 

Hyssop 422 

Hysteria 292  889 

Hysteria  pills 440 

Hysterical  convulsions 364 

Hysterics 292 

I 

Idiosyncrasy 93 

Ignatia  amara 397 

Imperfect  sight 191 

Incised  wound 487 


INDEX, 


637 


Incontinence  of  urine,  infants 890 

Incontinence  of  urine  191  373 

Incubus 221 

Indian  cockle 397 

Indian  hemp 408 

Indian  pills 440 

Indian  sage 433 

Indian  tobacco 419 

Indiana  Bitters 535 

Indigestion 151 

Indigestion,  Tonic  draught  for 440 

Infantile  erysipelas 159 

Infected  rooms,  Precautions 529 

Infants’  dress 299 

Infectious  febrile  diseases 320 

Inflamed  nose 200  376 

Inflammation 451 

Inflammation  of  the  bladder 195  374 

Inflammation  of  the  bowels 616 

Inflammation  of  the  brain 124,  615 

Inflammation  of  the  breast 284  388 

Inflam,  breast  and  navel  of  infants . 304 
Inflam,  of  stomach,  Decoction ....  440 
Inflam,  of  the  bowels,  Decoction..  441 

Inflam,  of  kidneys,  Decoction 441 

Inflammation  of  liver,  Decoction..  441 
Inflammation  of  lungs,  Decoction.  441 

Inflammation  of  the  ear 199  375 

Inflammation  of  the  eye 197  375 

Inflammation  of  edge  of  eyelids...  198 

Inflammation  of  the  heart 192 

Inflammation  of  iris 200 

Inflammation  of  the  kidneys 194  374 

Inflammation  of  the  larynx 197  375 

Inflammation  of  the  liver 193,  616  374 

Inflammation  of  eyes,  Lotion 440 

Inflamed  nose 200 

Inflammation  of  the  ovaries 275  386 

Inflammation  of  the  pericardium.  192 
Inflammation  of  the  peritoneum...  196  374 

Inflammation  of  the  pharynx 120 

Inflammation  of  the  spleen 193,  616  374 

Inflammation  of  the  stomach. . ..194,  616  374 

Inflammation  of  the  tongue 200  375 

Inflammation  of  the  tonsils 198  375 

Inflammatory  blush 200  376 

Inflammatory  fever 167  369 

Influenza 208,  203  376 

Infusions 403,  432 

Ingrowing  nails  466 

Injection  powder 441 

Injuries  and  accidents 462 

Injuries  to  Achilles  tendon 483 

Insanity 204  376 

Insects,  Bite3  of 486 

Intermittent  fever 165,  616 

Intestines,  The 51 

Intoxication 206 

Irritant  poisons  ...  530 

Iodine,  Poisoning  by 501 

Ipecac 422 

Ipecacuanha 398 

Iris,  Inflammation  of 200 

Iritis 200 

Iron 422 

Iron,  Poisoning  by 503 

Irritation,  Itching 202  376 

Irritation  of  the  bladder 206  376 

Irritation  of  the  spine 206  376 

Irritable  bladder 283  387 

Issues 494 

Itch 202  876 

Itch,  Wash  for 441 

Ivy-poisoning 503 


J 


Jackson’s  Pectoral  Syrup *32 

Jamestown  weed 422, 423 

Jaundice 207  377 

Jaundice  of  infants 305  890 

Jaundice,  Decoction  for 441 

Jaws 31 

Jayne’s  Ague  Mixture 533 

Jayne’s  Expectorant  533 

Jew’s-harp 432 

Joints,  Stiffness  of 254 

Juniper  berries 422 

K 

Keating’s  Cough  Lozenges 534 

KeeleyCure 326 

Kendall’s  Spavin  Cure 534 

Kennedy’s  Medical  Discovery 532 

Key  to  Prescriptions 518 

Kidney  and  Liver  Cure,  Warner’s . . 533 

Kidneys,  The  54 

Kidneys,  Inflammation  of  the 194  374 

King’s  evil 243  381 

King’s  New  Discovery  533 

Knee-pan,  Dislocation  of  the 472 

Knee-pan,  Fracture  of  the 480 


L 

Labor 287 

Ladies’  slipper 421,  422 

Lacerated  wounds 489 

La  Grippe 208 

Larynx,  Inflammation 197 

Larynx,  The 22 

Laryngitis 197  376 

Laudanum 422 

Laudanum,  Poisoning  by 502 

Laurel-water,  Poisoning  by 503 

Lead 422 

Lead,  Poisoning  by 501 

Leeches,  How  to  apply 493 

Legs,  Bandy 466 

Leopard’s  bane 406 

LePage’s  Liquid  Glue 538 

Leprosy 213 

Leucorrhoea 277  387 

Lice 214  377 

Lichen 232 

Licorice 424 

Light,  Effect  on  persons 82 

Lightning,  Death  from 458 

Lime 422 

Liniment  for  gathered  breasts  — 442 

Liniment  of  camphor 442 

Liniment  for  cramp 442 

Liniment  of  hartshorn.... 442 

Liniments 537 

Lips,  The 31,  89 

Lips,  Chapped 115 

Liver  Pills,  Carter’s 532 

Liver,  The 48 

Liver,  Inflammation  of  the 193,  616  874 

Liver  complaints,  Decoction 441 

Lobelia 419,  424,  442 

Lock-jaw 215  877 

Logwood 424 

Loose  teeth 216 

Lung  fever 229 

Lovage 424 

Lovers,  Counsel  to 563 


638 


INDEX. 


Low  spirits 215 

Lower  jaw,  Dislocation  of  the 468 

Lower  jaw,  Fracture  of  the 479 

Lucifer  matches,  Poisoning  by ... . 502 

Lumbago 214  377 

Lunar  caustic 424 

Lunar  caustic,  Poisoning  by 502 

Lung  Balsam,  Allen’s 533 

Lung  fever  340 

Lungs,  Anatomy  of 26 

Lungs,  Bleeding  from 105 

Lung-test  in  newborn  infants 28 

Lycopodium 398 

M 

Mad  dog  weed 405 

Magnesia  424 

Magnesia,  Sulphate  of 424 

Magnetic  Liniment 537 

Magnolia  Balm 532 

Male  fern'  — 424 

Male  organs  of  generation 55 

Malignant  measles 319 

Malt 425 

Man  and  wife,  Counsels  to 566 

Mandrake 423,  424 

Marshmallow 421,425 

Masturbation 216  377 

Meadow  cabbage 415 

Meadow  sweet 420 

Meals  and  sleep  for  the  aged 585 

Measles 318,  319,  321,  615  392 

Meats,  Raw 75 

Meconium,  The 297 

Medical  dictionary 596 

Medical  treatment  for  old  age 585 

Medicated  pads 539 

Medicine,  How  to  disguise  — 354 

Membranous  croup 391 

Menorrhagia 272  386 

Menses 267 

Menstrual  disorders 270,  437,  442  385 

Mercurius 398 

Mercury 425,  502 

Mercury,  Poisoning  by 502 

Mettaner’s  Aperient 536 

Mexican  Mustang  Liniment 537 

Milk  as  food 76 

Milk  Crust  Eczema 260 

Milk  fever 285  388 

Milk  leg 389 

Milk  sickness 217 

Milk  teeth 34 

Milkweed 411,  425 

Mineral  waters 540 

Miscarriage 288  388 

Monkshood 409  395 

Moral  influences  during  pregnancy  282 

Mortification 173  371 

Mothers  during  pregnancy 280 

Mountain  laurel .423,  425 

Mouth,  The 32 

Mouth,  Sore 252,  308  362 

Mrs.  Winslow’s  Soothing  Syrup 535 


Muriate  of  zinc,  Poisoning  by 501 

Muriatic  acid,  Poisoning  by 500 

Muscles,  The 61 

Muscular  action,  To  regulate 504 

Mustard 425 

N 

Narcotic  poisons 530 


Nausea 218  377 

Navel  and  breasts  of  infants 304 

Neck  of  the  humerus,  Fracture 477 

Nerves,  The 13 

Nervine  pills 440 

Nervous  fever 168  870 

Nervous  system 17 

Nettle 425 

Nettle  rash 235,  615  880 

Neuralgia 219  877 

Neuralgia  of  the  head 185 

Neuralgia  of  the  heart - .221  373  378 

Newborn  infants 296 

Newly  married  couples 567 

Nightmare 221  378 

Nitrate  of  silver 424 

Nitrate  of  silver,  Poisoning  by 502 

Niter 502 

Nitric  acid,  Poisoning  by 500 

Nitroglycerine 397 

Nocturnal  emissions 222  378 

Noises  in  the  ear 222  378 

Nose,  Anatomy  of  the 12 

Nose,  Bleeding  at  the 104 

Nose,  Foreign  substances 498 

Nose,  Inflamed 200 

Nose,  Polypus 233 

Noxious  vapors,  Apparent  death..  459 

Nurses,  Employment  of 300 

Nursing,  Artificial 301 

Nux  vomica 399 

Nux  vomica,  Poisoning  by 503 


o 

Obstructed  menstruation 270  385 

Offensive  breath 223  378 

Oil-glands,  Disorders  of 145 

Oil  bitter  almonds,  Poisoning 503 

Oil  of  vitriol 404 

Oil  of  vitriol,  Poisoning  by 500 

Old  age,  its  care  and  diseases 584 

Ointments 538 

Onanism.  216  377 

Onion 425 

Ophthalmia 197,  232,  256,  313,  323  375 

Opium 425,  502  399 

Orange  root 405,  420 

Organic  headache 185 

Osgood’s  Indian  Cholagogue 536 

Otalgia 153 

Otitis 199  375 

Oxalic  acid 500 

Oxbalm 411 


P 

Pads,  Medicated 539 

Pain  Relief  Liniment 537 

Painful  menstruation 272  885 

Pains  in  the  back 101 

Pains  in  the  side 223  878 

Painters’  colic 121 

Palpitation  of  heart 187,  224  37  3 378 

Palpitation  of  heart.  Decoction  — 442 

Palsy 225  378 

Pancreas,  The 53 

Papoose  root 411 

Papulous  scall 379 

Paralysis 225,  227  378 

Paregoric,  Poisoning  by 602 

Parotitis 218  377 

Pasque  flower 399 


INDEX. 


639 


Parsley 425 

Parturition 286 

Pectoral  Syrup,  Jackson’s 632 

Pelvis,  The 58 

Pelvis,  Fracture  of  the 482 

Pennyroyal 413,  426 

Peppermint 426 

Pepsin ' 426 

Perennials 402 

Pericarditis 192 

Pericardium,  Inflammation 192 

Perinseum,  The 56 

Periodic  headache 185 

Peritoneum,  Inflammation  of 196  374 

Peritonitis 196  374 

Perry  Davis’  Pain  Killer 537 

Persimmon  426 

Pharyngitis 120 

Pharynx,  The 25 

Pharynx,  Inflammation  of 120 

Phimosis 176,  178 

Phosphorus 399 

Phosphorus,  Poisoning  by 502 

Phrenology. 620 

Pierce’s  Purgati\ie  Pellets 535 

“ Golden  Medical  Discovery. . 535 


Pigeon  berry 409 

Pile  Ointment,  Seeley’s 538 

Piles 227,  451,  616  379 

Piles,  Decoction  for 442 

Piles,  Ointment  for 442 

Pills  403,432 

Pinkroot 413,  426 

Pipsissewa 409,  426 

Plants  402 

Pleurisy 228  379 

Pleurisy  root 417,425,442 

Pleuritis 228  379 

Pneumonia 229 


Poison  of  honey  bee 395 

Poison  ivy 426 

Poison  oak 400 

Poisonous  plants  or  seeds 502 

Poisons  and  antidotes  530 

Pole  cat  weed 415 

Poke  weed 409,  426 

Polyform,  Edison’s ’ 536 

Polypus  of  the  ear 232  379 

Polypus  of  the  nose 233  379 

Poplar 443 

Potash,  Poisoning  by 503 

Poultice,  soothing,  softening 443 

Poultice  for  internal  inflam 443 

Poultice,  for  external  inflam 44? 

Pox : 258 

Precautions  as  to  infected  rooms. . 529 

Pregnancy 279  387 

Premature  birth 294 


Prescriptions,  Key  to.... 

Prickly  ash 

Prickly  heat 

Prince’s  pine 

Profuse  menstruation 

Prolapse  of  the  rectum . . . 
Properties  of  medicines. 

Proud  flesh 

Prurigo 

Prussic  acid 

Puerperal  convulsions... 

Puerperal  fever 

Puerperal  mania 

Pulsatilla  

Pulse,  indicating  disease 
Pumpkin  seeds 


518  393 

421,  426,  443 

232  379 

409 

272  386 

369 

513 

466 

203 

503 

294  389 

389 

295  389 

399 

88 

426 


Punctured  wounds 489 

Purulent  ophthalmia 232,  313  379 

Putrid  sore  throat 262 


Q 


Quassia 426 

Queen  of  the  meadow 427,  443 

Queen’s  root 427 

Quicksilver 393 

Quinine,  Sulphate  of 427 

Quinsy 233  375 

Quinsy,  Decoction  for 443 


R 


Rabies 188 

Raccoon  berry 423 

Radway’s  Regulating  Pills 531 

“ Ready  Relief 531 

“ Renovating  Resolvent 531 

Ragweed 427 

Rasberry,  Ground 405 

Rashes 234,  235 

Rattle  Bush 407 

Rattle  weed 449,  433 

Red  lead,  Poisoning  by 501 

Red  puccoon  413 

Red  raspberry 443 

Remedies  classified 514 

Remittent  fever 166,616  369 

Residence  for  invalids 80 

Respiratory  power,  To  increase 504 

Retention  of  urine  in  infants..  ...  305  390 

Rheumatic  liniment 443 

Rheumatic  headache 185 

Rheumatism 236,  451  379 

Rhubarb  427 

Rhus  tox 426  400 

Ribs,  Fracture  of 478 

Richweed 411 

Rickets  319  392 

Ringworm 237,324  380 

Rochelle  salt 427 

Roots  and  barks 402 

Roots  of  annual  plants 402 

Runnings  of  the  ear 334 

Rupture 498 


s 


Saffron 427 

Sage 427 

Sage’s  Catarrh  Remedy 534 

Salt 428 

Saltpetre,  Poisoning  by 502 

Sanative  Ointment 538 

Sarsaparilla 427 

Sarsaparilla,  Ayer’s 531 

“ Hood’s 531 

Sarsaparilla,  False 427 

Sassafras 428 

Scabies 202  376 

Scalds  and  burns 456 

Scalp,  Diseases  of  the 157 

Scarlatina 238,241  380 

Scarlatina  anginosa 239  380 

Scarlatina  maligna 210  380 

Scarlet  fever 238,  321,  615  380 

Scarlet  rash cio 

Sciatica 242  381 

Scoke 409 

Scrofula 243,24  4 381 

Scrofula,  Purifying  powder  for 444 


640 


INDEX. 


Scrofulous  ophthalmia 256 

Scurvy 245  381 

Scurvy,  Purifying  powder  for 444 

Seasickness * 246  381 

Seal  root 445 

Secret  habit  of  females 543 

Secretion,  To  increase 504 

Seeds  and  fruits 402 

Seeley’s  Pile  Ointment 538 

Seidlitz  powders 428,  531 

Self-pollution 216 

Seltzer  Aperient 534 

Senna 428 

Sepia 400 

Sheep  laurel 423 

Shilo’s  Consumptive  Cure 533 

Shoulder,  Dislocation  of 468 

Shoulder-blade,  Fracture  of 477 

Shaking  palsy 225  379 

Shrinking  of  the  heart 246 

Sick  headache 183 

Side  flowering  skullcap 405 

Side,  Pains  in 223 

Sight,  Imperfect 191 

Silicea. 400 

Simple  inflammatory  fever 369 

Sinuses,  The 68 

Skin,  The 70 

Skin,  Abrasion  of 460 

Skin,  Discolored 144 

Skull,  Fracture  of  the 474 

Skullcap 405,  428 

Skunk  cabbage 415,  428 

Sleeplessness.  451 

Slippery  elm 413, 428,  445 

Slow,  or  nervous  fever 168  3 7 0 

Small-pox 247,  320,  615  381 

Small-pox,  Prevention  of 251 

Snakehead  . 408 

Snakeroot,  Black  ..A 419,  428 

Snakeroot,  Virginia 407,  428 

Snakes,  Bites  of 486 

Snapping  hazelnut 419 

Snuffles 315  891 

Soap  wort 445 

Soda,  bicarbonate  of 428 

Soda,  borate  of 428 

Soda,  chloride  of 428 

Solomon’s  seal 428,  445 

Soothing  syrup,  Poisoning  by 502 

Soothing  syrup,  Mrs.  Winslow’s... . 535 

Sore  eyes  of  infants 313  391 

Sore  mouth 252  382 

Sore  nipples 285  388 

Sore  throat 253,  262  382 

Sore  throat,  Decoction  for 443 

Sore  tongue 252  382 

Sozodont 532 

Spanish  flies 428  896 

Spasm  in  the  stomach 136  365 

Spavin  cure,  Kendall’s 534 

St.  Jacob’s  Oil 537 

St.  John’s  Condition  Powders 534 

Stoughton’s  Bitters 535 

Stratena,  Van  Stan’s 538 

Swift’s  Specific,  S.  S.  S 532 

Spasms  of  infants 317  392 

Spasm  of  glottis  315  391 

Spasmodic  powder 445 

Spearmint 429 

Spectacles,  When  to  use 162 

Spice  bush 429 

Spiced  bitters 445 

Spikenard 429 

Spinal  cord 11 


Spinal  cord,  Disease  of 252  382 

Spinal  weakness 487 

Spine,  Irritation  of  the 206  376 

Spirit  of  wine 404 

Spitting  of  blood,  Pills  for 446 

Spleen,  The 51 

Spleen,  Inflammation  of 193,  616  374 

Spongia 400 

Spotted  alder 419 

Spotted  geranium 416,  423 

Sprains 485 

Squill 429 

Squaw  root 411,  419 

Squinting 257  383 

Stab 466 

Stammering 259 

St.  Anthony’s  fire 436 

Staphisagria 429 

Star  grass 407,  429 

St.  Ignatius  bean 398 

Stiff  neck 253  382 

Stiffness  of  the  joints 254 

Stitch  in  the  side 254  382 

Stomach  ache 451,616 

Stomach,  The . 47 

Stomach,  indicating  dis'ease 89 

Stomach  bitters 446 

Stomach,  Inflammation  of 194,  616  374 

Stone  root 411,  418 

Strabismus 257 

Strains 485 

Stramonium 423,  429 

Strangling,  Apparent  death 460 

Strengthening  plaster 446 

Strumous  ophthalmia 256 

Strychnine 503 

St.  Vitus  dance 255  382 

Styes 257  382 

Sudden  accidents  and  injuries 462 

Sudorific  powders 446 

Sugar  of  lead,  Poisoning  by ....  501 

Sulphate  of  iron,  Poisoning  by 503 

Sulphide  of  calcium 398 

Sulphur '. 429  400 

Sulphuric  acid.  Poisoning  by 500 

Sumach 429 

Summer  bronchitis 182 

Summer  complaint 311  391 

Sundew 397 

Superficial  veins 67 

Suppressed  menstruation 270 

Suppression  of  urine 257  383 

Surditas 136 

Sweat  glands,  Disorders  of 145 

Sweet  flag 410 

Sweet  fern 429 

Sweet  spirit  of  niter 429* 

Swelling  of  the  uvula 154 

Swellings,  Glandular 174 

Syncope 162 

Syphilis 258  383 

Syrup  of  poppies,  Poisoning  by ... . 502 

T 

Table  of  remedies 518 

Tannin 404 

Tansy 429 

Tar 430 

Tarrant’s  Effervescent  Seltzer 

Aperient 534 

Tape  worm 266 

Tartar  emetic 500  400 

Teeth 33 

Teeth,  How  to  preserve 351 


641 


INDEX. 


494 

216 

35 

306 

390 

,335 

215 

377 

259 

481 

636 

534 

58 

123 

491 

.411, 

433 

21 

461 

253 

262 

.307, 

616 

390 

Teeth,  How  to  draw 494 

Teeth,  Loose 216 

Teeth,  Order  of  appearance .... 

Teething 

Temperaments,  The 

Tetanus 

Tetter  

Thigh,  Fracture  of 481 

Thompson’s  Eye  Water 636 

Thompson’s  Hot  Drops 534 

Thorax,  The 58 

Thorn  apple 123 

Thorns  in  the  flesh 491 

Thorough  wort 411,  433 

Throat,  Anatomy  of 21 

Throat,  Cut. 461 

Throat,  Sore 253 

Throat,  Ulcerated 262 

Thrush  

Tincture  of  balsam  of  Canada 446 

Tincture  of  burdock 446 

Tincture  of  ginger .446 

Tincture  guaiacum,  sassafras 446 

Tinctures 403,  432 

Toilet,  The  622 

Tongue,  indicating  disease 88 

Tongue,  Inflammation  of  the 200  375 

Tongue,  Sore 252 

Tongue,  Structure  of 36 

Tongue-tie 304 

Tonics 451 

Tonsilitis 198 

Tonsils,  The 25 

Tonsils,  Inflammation  of 198 

Toothache 261  383 

Toothache  bush 421,  443 

Trachea,  The 22 

Trance Ill  362 

Trask’s  Magnetic  Ointment 538 

True  love 432 

Tuber  root 417 

Tulip  tree 430 

Turmeric  root 405 

Turpentine 430 

Typhoid  fever 169,  323,  615  370 

Typhus  fever 168  370 


375 


U 

Ulcerated  nose 200  376 

Ulceration  of  the  bones 261  383 

Ulceration,  mouth  of  infants 308 

Ulceration  of  the  nose 114  200 

Ulcerated  sore  throat 262  382 

Ulcers 262 

Ulcers  of  the  leg 383 

Umbel  nerve  root 421 

Unicorn  root 407 

Upland  cranberry 421 

Urinal  difficulties,  children 305 

Urine,  The 54 

Urine,  Clouded 123 

Urine,  Incontinency  of 191,  373,  390 


Uvula,  Swelling  of 154 

V 

Vaccination 492 

Valves  of  the  heart,  Diseases  of 146 

Van  Stan’s  Stratena 538 

Vapors,  Noxious 459 

Varicella 116 

Varicose  veins  in  pregnancy 283  388 

Variola 247  381 

Veins 67 


Ventilation 

Ventricles  of  the  heart.... 

Veratrum  album 

Veratrum  viride 

Verdigris,  Poisoning  by... 
Vermilion,  Poisoning  by.. 
Vinegar  Bitters,  Walker’s 

Virginia  snakeroot 

Vital  action,  To  increase.. 

Vomiting 

Vomiting,  How  produced. 
Vomiting  of  infants 


81 

154 


. ..  501 
...  502 
...  535 

.407  , 428 
. . . 504 


401 

401 


262  383 
530 

310  391 


w 


Wake  robin 432 

Walker’s  California  Vinegar  Bit- 
ters   535 

Warner’s  Safe  Cure 533 

Warner’s  Kidney  and  Liver  Cure. . 533 

Warts 263  383 

Washing  and  dressing  infants 

298,  299,  304  * 

Wasting 263  383 

"Neater 80 

W ater  brash 264  384 

Water,  Healing  properties  of 505 

Water  hoarhound 410,  417,  433 

Watery  eye 264  384 

Wax  myrtle 408,  415 

Wax  in  the  ear 265  384 

Weakness  of  the  eyes 264 

Weakness  of  the  hair 181 

Weaning 303 

Wens 497 


White  bryonia 396 

White  cedar  . 430 

White  hellebore 401 

White  lead,  Poisoning  by 501 

White  leg . . . 389 

White  oak  bark 430 

White. swelling 61,  265  384 

White  vitriol,  Poisoning  by 501 

White  walnut 430,  433 

Whites 277  387 

Whitlows '. 497 

Whooping  cough 316,  323  391 

Wild  cherry . . 430 

Wild  cucumber 397 

Wild  ginger 433 

Wild  indigo 407,  431 

Wild  tobacco 419 

Willow 431 

Wind  colic 122 

Wintergreen 409 

Witch  hazel 419,  431 

Wizard  Oil,  Hamlin’s 537 

Wolf’s  foot 409  398 

Womb,  The 274 

Womb  diseases 278,  437  886 

Women,  Diseases  of 267  384 

Wood  sage 418 

Worm  grass 413 

Worms 265,  266,  313,  451,  616,  384  391 

Wormseed 397 

Wormwood 419,  431 

Wounds 487 

W rist  j oint,  Dislocation  of 470 


Y 

Yarrow 431 

Yellow  dock 405,431 

Yellow  fever 170  370 

Yellow  puccoon 405,  439 


INDEX. 


642 


Yellow  wood 443 

Young  husbands,  Counsels  to 567 

Y</ung  men,  A special  chapter  for  554 

Young  women,  Counsels  to  542 

Youth,  Observations  regarding. . . . 541 


Z 

Zimmerman’s  Decoction 536 

Zinc  oxide,  Poisoning  by 503 


INDEX  FOR  QUICK  REFERENCE 

ACCIDENTS  AND  EMERGENCIES. 


Page.”  Page. 

Apoplex}^ 97 

Bleeding  from  Lungs,  ....  105 

“ “ Nose, 104 

Bruises,  . 458 

Burns, 456 

Catalepsy,  Ill  362 

Cholera 117 

“ Infantum, 311 

“ Morbus, 119  363 

Choking, 460 

Convulsions,  125 

“ of  Children,  . . . 317 

Croup, 314  391 

Delirium  Tremens, 137  365 

Dislocations, 467 

Drowning, 458 

Ear,  Foreign  Bodies  in,  ....  499 

Eye,  “ “ 484 

Epilepsy, 155  368 

Fainting 162  369 

Gunshot  Injuries, 490 

Hanging, 460 

Hydrophobia, 188  373 

Hysterics,  292 

Intoxication, 206 

Nose,  Foreign  Substances  in,  . . 498 

Paralysis, 225  378 

Scalds, 456 

Sprains, 485 

Vomiting, 262,  310,  530 


Wounds, 487 


